Today, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a re-dedication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died (2nd paragraph of RA. 1425 or Rizal law). In the 21st Century of learning, learners are now exposed to the different types of media that may affect their learning.
According to Mary Beth Hertz (2012), in her paper “The problem with 21st-century education” states that “Most people argue that we are at transitional time for education — that with the incredible rate at which technology is advancing and entering the classroom, and with the amount of information available at our students’ fingertips, educators need to change how they teach to best prepare students for the future.” Hence, the role of the teacher of this era is to upgrade its teaching strategy in order to facilitate the changing needs of the learner.
In teaching Rizal, however, may contain burden on the part of the students since they would just take the subject for compliance. As a result, the students are less participative in the discussion so they would tend to diverse their attention to the modern technology (gadgets) that may end up low performance. There are also some issues regarding with the translation of some of his writings whether genuine or not. Aside from these facts, teaching Rizal’s life and works is realistic because of the following points; first, if interpreted correctly; nationalism, patriotism and love for freedom is obtained or absolutely understood. Second, it enhances the national awareness of every Filipino student amidst the chaotic society. Lastly, teaching Rizal’s life and works inculcates transformative values to the students.
Literature can be interpreted in different ways depending on the values and orientation of the reader. In interpreting Rizal’s life and works, interpreter (Teacher) must be knowledgeable in the text language and of the writer’s feelings, attitudes and experiences during his time. According to Donald G. Marshall (1992) in his book Introduction to Scholarship in Modern Languages and Literature, that “The literary interpreter helps someone understand the meaning of a text.
Knowledge of a text language and of relevant historical context and references is presupposed and must be supplied before interpreting can begin.” Rizal’s writings maybe dangerous if misinterpreted. It may lead to chaos (sedition, rebellion, treason, etc.) just like what happened before during the time of Andres Bonifacio and His Katipuneros. In the context of the 21st century learners, it may mislead the truth which may trigger the student not to believe in laws of religion and government. In the other hand, if interpreted correctly, the goal of Rizal is attained. The readers may find the value of nationalism and patriotism.
Why it is necessary for us, in the 21st century to read and understand Rizal’s writings? Is it because it was being mandated to us by the Commission on Higher Education? No! We also need to consider the fact that these also enhance the national awareness of those who read it. The novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” illustrate the scenarios of the Filipinos during the Spanish era. Just like the story of Sisa, Crispin and Basilio portrayed the real picture of the Filipino families during that time.
While the whole novel also tackles the different realities existing in the Philippine archipelago, on how the Filipinos/Indios were being abused by the Spanish government officials and especially the friars who were on those times had a huge political, social, and economic power. Some of these realities can also be viewed today, exploitations and oppression still exists especially situations of the workers and farmers. There could be a difference in names, but the same system still prevails.
Today’s lands are still owned by some people and same as that time, the wage is still unjust especially in the case of the farmers and workers. According to Michel-Rolph Trouillot (1995), in his book entitled “Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History”, “But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here.
In that sense, the past has no content. The past — or more accurately, pastness — is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past.” Thus, our past plays a part not only on our identity as the 21st century Filipinos but also a fundamental source of national awareness. As stated by Albert Einstein “Peace cannot kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
Lastly, teaching Rizal’s life and works inculcates transformative values to the students. His life illustrates what should be the identity of a true Filipino citizen; His being diligent allows him to continue his studies aside from the different difficult events that happened to him and his families, his being enthusiast triggers him to learn everything that he encounters and his being helpful allows him to offer his time, money and even his life for the benefit of the Filipino people.
These are the values that will help in shaping our youth to be young peace leaders, compassionate and demonstrate activities for cultivating empathy, self- awareness, emotional understanding and clarity of values inside and outside the classroom. Then to make this fruitful and visionary there should be an establishment for a growing community of teachers committed to the development of resilient and ethical young leaders. As teachers of the Life and Works of Rizal in the 21st century and in a dynamic educational system, it is a challenge for us to integrate the use of technology in ways that powerfully advance learning by increasing student engagement in meaningful, authentic, and challenging learning environments.
That today’s technological innovations are a set of tools, which, when taught in an appropriate sequence, support core subjects and prepare the student for the world of the future. We must not also try to forget to define and interpret it correctly. We, as teachers must not forget the different hazards of translation so that at the end of the day, we would be able to fulfil the purpose why RA 1425 is drafted. That is to remember and honour our heroes especially Dr. Jose Rizal for their special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have shaped the national character.
