by Nika A. Mendoza
One requirement for certification as a TVET trainer and assessor is the trainer's methodology. The TRAINERS METHODOLOGY LEVEL I consists of competencies a TVET trainer performing functions of trainer and assessor must achieve. A TVET trainer is a person who enables a learner or a group of learners to develop competencies for performing a particular trade or technical work.
In order to give our learners an even higher caliber of instruction, we as technical and vocational technology educators must acquire these credentials. A regional training program for SPTVE and SHS TVL teachers was then provided by the Department of Education Region III in partnership with NEAP III and PAFTI. The training lasted roughly 33 days and took place in the final week of May and the entire month of July.
The teachers who underwent the training came from each one of the participating school divisions of Region III. The training itself is incredibly difficult and complex, especially for the teachers who are struggling with the technology. Having said that, the training has expanded my understanding of the vastness of our field of specialization. As the training went by, we were able to form friendships. This camaraderie greatly assisted us in overcoming the challenges that came our way.
Some of the experiences we have gone through were when we got to the point of leaving the training hall by nearly 2:00 in the morning, while some of us would even stay until as late as 4:00 in the morning to complete the necessary output. We have endured numerous sleepless nights, consistently working through the night to assist each other. Sometimes, as we work on our tasks, we would say, "Susuka tayo pero hindi Susuko," and afterwards, we would laugh heartily. This has been one of our motivational quotes, reminding us to become resilient, much like our batch name, "Matatag."
The sense of relief and accomplishment of overcoming the trials and passing the National Assessment alongside my fellow trainees made it all worthwhile.
This brief experience of mine, the sadness, shortcomings, and anxiety of not being able to accomplish it, our story of camaraderie, and our triumph in overcoming those obstacles will be engraved in our hearts and our minds for life.
Nika A. Mendoza, a Technical Vocational Educator, has five years of experience teaching SPTVE majors in Cookery. She is committed to imparting skills and knowledge that aim to foster an inclusive environment for learners in the 21st century. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Technology, with a major in Food Technology. With the aspiration to teach, she pursued her career by enrolling in the Certificate for Teaching Program, ultimately becoming a Licensed Professional Teacher. With a strong commitment to professional development, she actively participates in seminars and workshops on the latest educational trends, especially in her field of specialization, which is technical vocational education. Outside the classroom, she enjoys watching anime and K-dramas, as well as karaoke. She is also an advocate of animal welfare. She fosters stray cats and joins the Animal Rescue Group in her province as a volunteer in the stray feeding program in her community. She believes that a well-balanced life greatly contributes to effective teaching and may inspire students to follow their own pursuits in life.