TESDA has introduced new competency standards for foreign language training to enhance the nation’s language programs. From May 14 to June 27, 2024, the National Language Skills Center conducted online rollouts to 641 participants, including administrators, language trainers, TVET focal persons, and coordinators from various training institutions.
This initiative aims to meet the industry’s demand for language proficiency and produce skilled individuals with 21st-century capabilities. The activity was beneficial in equipping TESDA Regional and Provincial Offices staff, as well as those from training institutions, with the necessary skills to prepare documentary requirements for language program registration and re-registration.
Benefits
Here are some of the benefits of the TESDA Language Standards:
- Enhanced training quality: The new standards ensure that language courses offered by TESDA are aligned with the industry’s demands and meet international standards.
- Improved employability: With the new competency standards, graduates of TESDA language programs will have a higher chance of being employed in various industries that require foreign language proficiency.
- Global competitiveness: By producing skilled individuals with 21st-century capabilities, TESDA aims to enhance the country’s global competitiveness in terms of language proficiency.
- International recognition: The new standards also aim to gain international recognition for TESDA’s language programs, which can open doors for opportunities abroad.
Training and Workshops Conducted
Participants were provided with:
- An overview of the CEFR.
- An orientation on the Competency Standards for Languages – A1, A2, and B1 Levels.
- Implementing guidelines, contextual learning matrix, and competency-based curriculum (CBC).
- A workshop on developing competency-based learning materials and CBC development.
Developed Curricula
Some of the curricula developed during the rollout include:
- English Language A2 Level
- Korean Language A1 Level
- Japanese Language A1 Level
The CBCs aim for students and trainees to gain fundamental principles of macro-skills of language, focusing on communicative competence, workplace values, and culture.
Languages Covered
The new competency standards cover the following languages:
- English
- Japanese
- Korean
Collaborations and Partnerships
In 2023, TESDA developed the CS in collaboration with experts in language education, including:
- British Council Philippines.
- Government Academe Industry Network, Inc.
- Hopkins International Partner Inc.
- Enderun Colleges Inc.
- Philippine Association of Language Teaching, Inc.
- Ambasciata Italiana/Embassy of Italy in Manila.
- Philippine Italian Association.
- The Japan Foundation.
- Association of Filipino Nihongo Teachers.
- Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines.
- Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines.
- Embassy of Spain in the Philippines.
- Instituto Cervantes Manila.
- Department of European Languages — University of the Philippines Diliman, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it important for Filipino workers overseas to have language and culture programs?
A: It enables them to communicate and relate better with their foreign employers, improving their employability and competitiveness in the global job market, while fostering cultural understanding and enhancing work performance abroad.
2. How is the new CS for language training programs aligned with global standards?
A: The new competency standards align with CEFR levels A1, A2, and B1, ensuring TESDA’s training and certifications are globally relevant. Filipino workers gain internationally recognized language credentials, fostering workplace values, cultural understanding, and strong communicative competence. The CS promotes listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
3. What is the goal of the CBCs developed during the rollout?
A: The CBCs aim to equip students with essential language skills for real-world application, focusing on communication, workplace values, and culture, making them job-ready.
4. What skills are emphasized in the new CS for language training programs?
A: The new CS emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. It also promotes workplace values and cultural understanding, preparing learners for the global market. Aligned with CEFR levels A1, A2, and B1, it ensures international language recognition.
5. How were participants for the online regional rollouts selected?
A: Participants included administrators, language trainers, program focal persons, TVET coordinators, and staff from public and private training institutions, chosen for their roles in implementing language training programs.
Summary
TESDA new competency standards for foreign language training aim to enhance the nation’s language programs and produce skilled individuals with 21st-century capabilities. Through partnerships and collaborations, TESDA is working towards equipping individuals with the necessary skills to improve their employability and competitiveness in the global workforce. With these efforts, TESDA continues to strive towards its goal of providing quality technical education and skills development for all Filipinos.