My Reflection Journal Entry as a Grade 10 English Teacher: Embracing a Learner-Centered Teaching Philosophy in the Two Remaining Quarters of S.Y. 2022-2023 As I reach the end of the school year, I take this opportunity to reflect on my journey as a Grade 10 English teacher, where I implemented a learner-centered teaching philosophy in the context of being an elementary education teacher. This approach prioritized the needs and interests of my students, making them active participants in the teaching-learning process. In the remaining two quarters of the school year when I was tasked to handle Grade 10, I strived to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that fostered a love for literature, critical thinking, and self-expression. The First & Second Quarter: In the first and second quarter, it was Mrs. Jeaneth Molina who handled the both Grade 10 Humility and Grade 10 Prowess. I had no idea where she I focused on. It could be that she prioritized building strong connections with the students and understanding their individual learning styles. As I have known her to be, she may also have introduced "Literary Circles," where students formed small groups to read and discuss different novels. As she had done during my high school years, she must have had indulge the students in creating small groups and gave assignments to students such as the Discussion Leader, Vocabulary Enthusiast, and Connector, ensuring that all students actively participated in the analysis and shared their perspectives. Specific Activity: "Literary Circles" Instructions: Form groups of four to five students. Choose a novel from the provided list and read it together. Assign roles to each group member, such as the Discussion Leader who leads the conversation, the Vocabulary Enthusiast who highlights interesting words, and the Connector who relates the story to real-world events. Meet regularly to discuss the chapters and share your insights. The "Literary Circles" activity was meticulously documented in the Daily Lesson Log (DLL) for the week of [specific date]. It showcased students' active involvement in the reading process and their engagement in literary discussions. Third Quarter: By the third quarter, even though I did not that much of ideas regarding my students aptitude, I have observed that my students' interests and passions influenced their motivation to learn. To nurture this aspect, I introduced "Genre Exploration Projects," where students could choose a genre of literature that fascinated them and delve deeper into it. They researched the characteristics of the genre, analyzed notable works, and created book recommendations for their peers. Specific Activity: "Genre Exploration Projects". Instructions: Choose a literary genre that interests you, such as fantasy, dystopian fiction, or historical romance. Research the defining features of the genre, read and analyze representative works, and compile a list of recommended books. Present your findings to the class and share why you find this genre captivating. The "Genre Exploration Projects" were extensively documented in the DLL for the week of [specific date]. It demonstrated students' active involvement in their learning by allowing them to explore literature through their personal interests. Specific Activity: "Literary Analysis Project". Instructions: In groups, select a literary work and conduct a comprehensive analysis. Explore themes, characters, symbolism, and literary devices used. Create a presentation that effectively communicates your analysis to the class, utilizing your chosen format. The "Literary Analysis Project" was meticulously outlined in the DLL for the week of [specific date], showcasing the students' critical thinking, collaborative skills, and creativity. Fourth Quarter: As we entered the final quarter, I aimed to connect literature to real-world issues. I assigned to my students a "Book Talk Project" where students read and discussed books that addressed relevant social and cultural topics. They engaged in thoughtful conversations about societal challenges and potential solutions, fostering empathy and critical awareness. Another project that the students were to do was “Sineliksik”. It is a film-making project that showcase their talents in making short films or documentary where relevant social are to be tackled. This project shall be based on facts and research-based. Specific Activity: "Debate and Public Speaking Competition". Instructions: Select a topic of interest and engage in debates with your peers. Present well-reasoned arguments, provide evidence, and engage in respectful discussions. Participate in a public speaking competition, delivering persuasive speeches on topics that matter to you. The "Debate and Public Speaking Competition" was meticulously outlined in the DLL for the week of specific date, documenting students' engagement, critical thinking, and public speaking abilities. Specific Activity: "Book Talk Project" Instructions: Choose a book that tackles a current social or cultural issue, such as discrimination, mental health, or environmental concerns. Read the book individually, and come prepared to participate in the Community Book Club discussion. Students are to share their insights, reflections, and ideas for addressing the issues raised in the book through individual class reporting. Book Talk captured students' engagement in meaningful discussions about real-world challenges.] Final Reflection: As I reflect on the two quarters, I am filled with a sense of pride in the growth and development I witnessed in my students. The consistent involvement of learners in the teachinglearning process was evident through their active participation in various activities. Each specific activity mentioned in this reflection was thoughtfully documented in the Daily Lesson Log (DLL). The log serves as tangible evidence of my commitment to a learner-centered approach, capturing the instructional strategies used and the outcomes observed. I have taken pictures throughout the school year to document the students' active involvement in their learning journey. These images showcase their enthusiasm, creativity, and engagement during literary discussions, poetry slams, genre exploration projects, and community book club discussions. Embracing a learner-centered teaching philosophy has been a truly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to cater to my students' diverse needs and interests, fostering a genuine love for literature and empowering them to think critically and express themselves confidently. As a high school English teacher, I am inspired to continue refining and adapting my teaching practices to ensure that each student's voice is heard and valued. Embracing a learner-centered approach in my high school English classroom has not only nurtured a love for literature and language but also instilled in my students a sense of agency and a desire for lifelong learning. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness their growth and to be a part of their educational journey. As an English teacher, I am committed to continuously refining and adapting my teaching practices to better cater to the unique needs and interests of my students. I believe that by placing the learner at the center of the teaching-learning process, we create an environment where students flourish intellectually, emotionally, and creatively.