Enhancing Competencies of English Teachers through Teaching Buddy System

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teachers can do a lot but they can perform better with a buddy—someone in the workplace who can scaffold and support them in doing their duties. Also, Department of Education Order No.39, s. 2016 which is the Adoption of the Basic Education Research Agenda stipulates the continuing professional development and support which includes coaching and mentoring of teachers.

METHODS

Descriptive method of research was used to gather relevant data which can be used for the purpose of the study. A survey questionnaire administered among 40 English teachers of Batangas National High School was used to determine their problems in teaching and pedagogy, working relationships, and leadership styles. How can a Teaching Buddy System help in enhancing the competencies of English Teachers and what action plan could be proposed to improve the competencies of teachers?

RESULTS

The study revealed that teachers have problems, to some extent, in teaching and pedagogy and difficulty in applying a variety of assessment tools in monitoring, evaluation, documentation, and reporting learner's needs, progress, and achievement. Teachers tolerate or accept having a buddy or group buddies in a department. A leader can play a great role in showing urgency of submission of assignments, forms, and utilization of assessment reports. Results also showed that a Teaching Buddy System can help a teacher through modeling effective applications of content knowledge, collaborating with co-teachers using ICT, applications of research and new teaching strategies, being an initiator of collaboration and partnerships, giving recognition, appreciation or compliment for one's accomplishment and achievement, showing appreciation of one's ideas and suggestions in making plans and actions, extending support in preparing presentations of the lesson, humbly perform tasks that one cannot do, and assisting one in accomplishing reports and related works in teaching. Similarly, the study revealed that teachers need technical assistance for professional growth through trainings and workshops.

DISCUSSIONS

This research revealed that the competencies of English teachers can be enhanced through a Teaching Buddy System. Teachers greatly need the following support in their instruction and reporting: trainings/seminars on teaching strategies in different learning competencies, Photoshop and infographic design in teaching, exploring Microsoft Excel for calculations, video and audio editing, writing and publishing self-made articles, and preparing PowerPoint presentations.