Teaching Media and Information Literacy in Philippine Senior High Schools: Strategies Used and Challenges Faced by Selected Teachers

Abstract

In the Philippines, the most recent and significant achievement in media and information literacy education is its inclusion in the senior high school (SHS) curriculum. However, since MIL is still relatively new, it remains to be seen how this subject can be effectively taught in the Philippines’ SHS. This qualitative case study explored how SHS teachers taught MIL in the
early years of its implementation. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted among seven SHS teachers of MIL. The participants believe that there is confusion and misunderstanding about teachers’ competencies to teach MIL. Furthermore, teachers are inadequately prepared to teach the subject due to a lack of proper training and availability of materials. The informants also agree that they did not have a deep understanding of the subject’s meaning, significance, and scope when asked to teach MIL. To compensate for the lack of preparedness and inadequacy of materials, the teachers used familiar strategies. Despite these limitations, participants are open and willing to teach MIL, recognizing its importance and relevance to their students. However, there is also a need to review the curriculum guide prepared by the country’s Department of Education. In addition, teachers found it challenging to finish the topics within the prescribed timeframe.