PSFI Programs

Specialized English Enhancement Course for High School and Elementary Teachers

In 2005, the Specialized English Enhancement Course for High School and Elementary Teachers (SPEECH) was launched. SPEECH aims to upgrade the English proficiency and teaching techniques of elementary and high school teachers. More importantly, PSFI seeks to cascade improvements in English usage to elementary and high school students. Participants are required to complete four months of intensive training, with a daily session spanning an hour and a half.

Through SPEECH, PSFI pursues a combination of traditional learning and computer-assisted language learning using the Dynamic Education (DynEd) software which employs listening-based interactions and multi-modal learning activities for all ages and levels. In addition, the SPEECH program introduces participants to new techniques in teaching English.

Teachers Upgrading Program

The Teachers Upgrading Program (TUP) was launched by PSFI in 1987 to enhance the knowledge and teaching skills of educators in technical skills, science, and mathematics. TUP was originally designed to improve mathematics and science teaching and curriculum in Philippine schools. Among the projects facilitated was the Science Scholarship for Teachers (SST) launched in 1994. The program ran for three years, in partnership with the Department of Education, Philippine Normal University, De La Salle Graduate School, and the University of the Philippines Institute for Science and Mathematics Education where 49 science teachers partook.

Search for Outstanding Junior Scientists

PSFI also conducted the annual Search for Outstanding Junior Scientist (OJS). PSFI implemented OJS from 1985 to 1997 in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Education, the objective of which was to encourage young Filipino scientists to pursue careers related to Science and Technology.

Every year, winners of best scientific projects were sent to any of three ASEAN science fairs in Singapore, Brunei, or Thailand to acquaint young Filipino scientists with their Asian counterparts and senior members of the science community. These also served as avenues to discuss contributions of latest scientific findings and technological innovations to society. A total of 47 young Filipino scientists benefited from the program.