What does it take to raise a proactive inquirer – a young mind trained to see beyond what is and excitedly focuses on potential and possibilities? One who seeks solutions to problems rather than merely pointing them out?

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Discerning parents and teachers would agree that for children to be effective at what they do, they need to be exposed to things that fuel discovery and drive them to ask questions about matters that stimulate their curiosities.

At Ayala Education-led APEC Schools, which offers private secondary education for Grades 7 to 12 pupils, students do more than just study the basic subjects. On top of their Math, Science, Social Studies, Technology and Livelihood Education, Filipino, and English courses among others, they are also introduced to Life Labs.

Life Labs, a problem-based subject proprietary to APEC Schools, provides students with opportunities to examine real-life situations and real world issues. They are taught to consider ideas and solutions to address pressing concerns. Using their research and problem-solving skills, students are able to exercise their creativity to provide simple yet effective solutions to issues such as financial health, media literacy, and even road safety.

According to Monette Sabio, Director for Teaching at APEC Schools, Life Labs requires students to identify a specific problem in their community and search for solutions throughout the semester through relevant research and interviews.

“By putting students more in charge of topics being discussed, they start taking ownership of the questions or problems they’ve raised or identified, their level of engagement increases, they learn to reflect on what they’ve learned, and take action on problems which, they first thought, were too big for them to solve,” Sabio added.

Through Life Labs, APEC Schools further stresses the importance of a collaborative learning environment where students share their knowledge with their peers and work together in class activities and on research. Parents who are interested to know more about APEC Schools may visit APEC’s website at www.apecschools.edu.ph or call 720-2620 for enrollment details.

My Say

Being a mother of a Grade 5 and 9 student respectively, I fully understand the importance of my children getting an education that goes beyond academic learning. After all, life is all about addressing issues and concerns as they come along which no mathematical or scientific formula can ever answer. Collaborative learning just like what is being offered by Life Labs through APEC Schools is one educational option we parents can look into.