Challenges in TLE Education
It is important to take a glance at what is happening in the ground level to understand the challenges posed in teaching TLE among our learners.
Technology and Livelihood Education is considered a relevant subject area because of its practical and business advantages in building up society as it promotes life skills and ingenuity. As the business and entrepreneurial industries become a key player in the country’s progress, it is important to take a glance at what is happening in the ground level to understand the challenges posed in teaching TLE among our learners.
First on the list is the Resource Limitations. Many schools, especially in rural areas, face challenges such as inadequate facilities, tools, and materials needed for effective TLE instruction. Some schools may have the books, but the tools and facilities are insufficient or absent. Students will struggle matching the concept and the real object because of the absence of one, if not both. Especially in the far-flung areas where access to these materials is almost close to impossible, teachers deliver the lessons just in theory or in concept without reinforcing the application or exposing the learners to the real objects or materials. Overall, this will affect the knowledge of the learners in understanding the lessons.
Teacher Training is another factor that hinders learners from getting quality of education. There is a need for ongoing professional development for teachers to ensure they are up-to-date with industry standards and teaching methodologies. Other than that, the shortage of hired teachers as TLE majors allow other non-TLE major teachers to teach TLE. This reality, although we cannot contest the flexibility of non-TLE majors, confronts us with another challenge – that is providing them with the necessary training on content and pedagogy to assist them in the delivery of their lessons inside the classroom.
Equally important element is the Alignment with Industry Needs. Keeping the curriculum aligned with current job market demands is crucial but often difficult, leading to gaps in relevant skills. Since the society in general is fast evolving and very adaptive to the current trends internationally and locally, the curriculum has to catch up as well. Offering a comprehensive curriculum that would target the goals of employability based on market demands could close the gaps between teaching-learning and the real world.
All these challenges and more in between if addressed with the appropriate solutions will enable learners to be equipped with the necessary skills, ample knowledge, and right expertise before they go to college or choose their career paths.