Characteristics of the good citizens

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Part of The Philippine Educator

Title
Characteristics of the good citizens
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English
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Characteristics of the Good Citizens Gregorio C. Patacsil "All schools shall aim to develop moral chamcte1·, pe1·sonal discipline, civic conscience, and vocational efficiency and to teach the duties of citizenship." F1 ·o1n Section 5, A1·ticle XIV, CONSTITUTION OF THE PHILIPPINES. I TRODUCTION In a general way we have an idea of what these big words and phrases in the Constitution mean. But since teachers are going to live by them and teach them and help others achieve them, it is believed that it will be useful for curriculum makers to itemize what these words mean so that we can teach them better. It is also believed that the most effective way to gauge the growth and civic development of the pupils and students is to observe them in the various manifestations of their behaviors, activities, attitudes and skills in opportunities of action in many areas of social life. The following attempt at itemization is suggestive of what teachers should develop in various aspects of p u p i 1 and student growth. It also indicates what teachers might observe and expect a pupil or student to sho .. w as he grows to manhood or as he increases his skill and develops certain attitudes. The child is growing. Either he is groping for himself to achieve something (his ideals, his search for security, etc.) or we are sympathetically, patiently guiding him to achieve something. Other teachers might detect omissions in this itemization. They are free to amend it or to enlarge upon it. In our democratic 54 way teachers should be alert in developing ways and means to realize the Constitutional objectives of Philippine education. I. PERSONAL DISCIPLINE A person has achieved personal discipline if he shows his effectiveness in 1. Proper use of language. He uses the proper expressions and sentiments in a. Correct forms of speech b. Correct manner of greeting people. 2. Possession of correct, useful and usable knowledge. He is increasingly well informed. a. He has a clear understanding of the manners and social practices of his community. b. He has a clear knowledge of Filipino traditions and ideals. c. He promotes the increasing and widening realization of ideals. d. He has increasing knowledge of how other people in his country live, and he has goodwill toward and sympathy for all of his counh·ymen. e. He practices the democratic way of life. f. He promotes peaceful relations. g. He knows and fights the enemies of democracy. h. He knows his duty as member of the family. i. He possesses and utilizes the elements of fundamental education. • THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATOR 55 3. Health and physical fitness. The person who has achieved personal discipline is effective because he is physically fit. a. He grows in physical strength and develops endurance, and resistance to disease. b. He develops physical skill and muscular coordination. c. He practices correct body mechanics in sitting, walking, and lifting. d. He observes good health habits and attitudes. · e. He engages in desirable play activities and leisure time pursuits. 4. Competence in work habits and use of fundamental skills. The effective citizen is constantly improving in his work habits and use of fundamental skills. a. He has developed an interest in learning and studying. b. He speaks, reads, and writes language correctly. c. He solves his problems of counting and calculating. d. He communicates his ideas effectively. e. He is skilled in listening and observing. f. He uses reliable sources of information. g. He uses the library on his own volition. 5. Critical-mindedness. The citizen has achieved personal discipline when he is constructively critical. a. He knows how to define a problem. b. He knows how to analyze a problem. c. He seeks accurate and reliable information. d. He knows how to reserve judgment until all the pertinent information is in. e. He knows how to draw logical conclusions. f. He knows how to make tentative conclusions. g. He can recognize propaganda and protect his .mind accordingly. h. He contributes his informed knowledge to the solution of community problems. i. He cooperates in the discussion of issues and in the making of group decisions. j. He always takes into consideration the greater group welfare before acting on his narrower individual welfare. 6. Creativeness. The effective citizen has achieved personal discipline when he is creative. a. He has an active curiousity. b. He finds suitable outlet for his energies. c. He knows how to use his leisure time wisely and profitably. d. He seeks new and even better methods of doing work. e. He recognizes the beautiful when he sees one. He can create a thing of beauty in his handicrafts. 7. Obedience. The person who has achieved personal discipline manifests cherful obe.dience when a. He carries out the good advices of.his parents, and listens to the advices of elder brothers and sisters and older relatives. b. He carries out the suggestions and advices of his teachers and others who have superior knowledge and experince. c. He cooperates with town officials in the execution of projects for community benefit. d. He cooperates in the execution and enforcement of the laws. e. He plays in games enthusiastically, but does not let his enthu66 THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATOR siasm carry him away against the rules of the game, and the decisions of the umpire. f. With his opponents he is sport. g. In all cases where he is personally concerned, he gives example to others by Following rules at street crossings. Standing in line to wait for his turn at eating places at pay windows at the bank when buying tickets at theater when buying stamps at the post office when entering a room where a program is going on when drinking at a fountain. 8. Leadership and Independence. a. He develops a capacity to lead at certain times. b. He is a good follower during many other times. c. He finishes a task given to him even though he is not bossed. d. He knows when to make and execute his own decisions rather than follow crowds, tendencies and suggestions. e. He cooperates with democratic leaders, but he is quick to denounce those who do not lead in a democratic manner. Personal discipline merges into and is manifested in the other concept of moral character. This will be itemized in the next issue. -oOo~&~~ :·, ·'. . ~ E D u c AT 0 R -T H f vo I c f 0 f 8 5 ,000 TEACH f R 5 - ~'"J -.nt.<:.''t The PHTLJPPTNE EDUCATOR is the officia'i organ of the Philippine Public School Teachers Association. It is approved by the Director of Public Schools. PUBLISHERS : The "Philippine Public School Teachers Association .. Editor: Marcelino Bautista Managing Editor: Quirico A. Cruz Rates: P6.00 a year; cJ ub rates of 10 subscriptions or more paid for in advance, P5.00 ; single copy, P0.65. All exclusive of money order fees. EDITORIAL AND BUSINESS OFFICES: 3 Bulusan, Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City. REMITTANCES should be sent by postal money order payable to the PHILIPPINE EDUCATOR. The magazine is published every month except May and June. Entered as second-class mail matter in the Manila Post-Office, on April 18, 1947.