The first leg of the LDS-HAPI Literacy Class is comprised of four sessions which are anchored to the study of the Art of Reasoning.
Written and Submitted By: Alas Meive
On the eighteenth day of September, members of the Lyceum University Debate Society (LDS) visited the HAPI-adopted community in Muntinlupa City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. With the assistance of Ms. Jamie Martinez, the HAPI Executive Secretary, and other volunteer residents, an estimated number of thirty school children registered to be part of the class.
In accordance with the agreed syllabus prepared under consultation with Ms. Danielle Hill, HAPI Youth Affairs / IHEYO representative, members of the LDS facilitated a discussion on the important concepts associated with, the different types of, and the basic guidelines in reasoning.
The class was an introductory course to the art of reasoning and its accompanying set of principles. It attempts to build on the students’ prior
knowledge and questions on reasoning, and then seeks to describe and explain them by providing real-life examples. Hence, the course offers a
thematic, problem-oriented and learner-centered treatment of reasoning that seeks to educate to participate.
Emphasis is placed on equipping students with introductory theories, concepts, and approaches in reasoning. The ultimate goal is to enable students develop a more informed and critical view on different issues.
The development of effective and critical reasoning skills are important for youth in the Philippines because it is the generation or evaluation of claims in relation to their supporting arguments and evidence. Marked improvements in reasoning skills give citizens the ability to apply proper reasoning to problems. This is known to have a fundamental impact on one’s ability to learn from new information and experiences because reasoning skills determine how people comprehend, evaluate, and accept claims and arguments. Reasoning skills are also crucial for being able to generate and maintain viewpoints or beliefs that are coherent with, and justified by, relevant knowledge.
The class ended on a positive note and was formally adjourned after a short debate about a pressing local issue centered on whether or not former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. should be buried in the Heroes Cemetery/Libingan Ng Mga Bayani. It was done through an informal, impromptu exchange of ideas – Parliamentary debate format was not applied. It was followed by informal activities which required the students to apply some of the concepts taught in their argumentation.
As a special course, the Introduction to Reasoning (INTRSN1) class is designed to contribute to the well-rounded intellectual development of LDS-HAPI students through exposure to different concepts and issues. Course objectives are anchored to the Expected LDS-HAPI Graduate Attributes (ELHGA) identified by the LDS Executive Council.
Programs like these are helpful and relevant in uplifting education literacy within the country where, according to the 2016 World Rankings, only 2 Philippine universities entered the top 100 within the Asian region. Education and critical thinking skill development among the future decision makers are best and most effectively developed starting at a young age.
The class held focused on “What is reasoning?” and is one of four topics to be conducted within the duration of the program. The second session of the INTRSN1 class will be held on October 2, 2016. The discussion will revolve on the notion of “Ethical Reasoning”.
