K-12 TVL Track Series: Home Economic Strand

I. Content
Home economics is the profession and field that deals with the economics and
management of the home and community. Home Economics is a field of formal study
including such topics as consumer education, institutional management, interior design,
home furnishing, cleaning, handicrafts, sewing, clothing and textiles, cooking, nutrition, food
preservation, hygiene, child development, and family relationships. It prepares students for
homemaking or professional careers.
Home Economics is also known as Family and Consumer Sciences. It is taught in
secondary schools, colleges and universities, vocational school and in adult education centers,
where students include women and some men. In the 1800s, home economics classes were
intended to ready young women for their duties in the home. Classes were first in the United
States, Canada and Great Britain, followed by Latin America, Asia and Africa. International
organizations such as those associated with the United Nations have been involved in starting
home economics program around the world.
This curriculum is a valuable addition because it teaches students practical skills for
daily living. In the process of transitioning from childhood to adulthood, high school students
need training in practices such as nutrition, financial responsibility, home management and
child development so they can lead safe and productive lives. Most schools have changed the
course name Home Economics to Family and Consumer Sciences.
II. Experience and Observation
I agree with the statement that Home Economics is a valuable addition to the high
school curriculum. I have observed that it has helped students become responsible
individuals in the community at a young age. Some students are really finding it hard to
decide which field they should take. They find it hard to choose between other tracks
thinking that they might not be able to make it. The TVL track has helped them choose
what’s really best for them since it teaches them practical skills that is very helpful in their
daily lives. They become financially responsible and enhance their management skills as
well. It helps the students develop themselves and be productive in the future life. They
won’t be afraid of what’s to come and will always be ready to face any challenges that life
may give.
Students are also taught the value of a healthy lifestyle. Teaching Home Economics to
students is one of the best way to combat malnutrition. One of the big issue that the world
is facing today is obesity that causes diabetes and heart disease. Cooking healthy foods is
one of the best solution to have a healthy body with proper exercise. Teaching home
economics with new curriculum is not just teaching students how to prepare foods but how
to cope with ups and downs of family life.
Although teaching Home Economics to students is very helpful, we cannot deny the
fact that here in our country this field of discipline is being looked down by some because
the subjects being taught are very easy and it’s taught only to those learners of average to
low learning capabilities. But despite this, teachers, instructors and also the students
believe that the subject also demands critical thinking most especially in the proper way of
cooking, designing clothes, family management and many more.
III. Reaction
Home Economics has an extremely important place in our educational system
today. No other academic discipline incorporates in its curriculum as many pertinent
life skills that will help students succeed in their chosen career paths. The benefits of
receiving this kind of education and how the knowledge obtained through this program
will be valuable throughout the learners’ lifespan.
In my opinion, the most important aspect of home economics education is that
students not only learn about subject matter that has relevance to their present lives,
but will constantly be of use as they continue to grow. One area of home economics
that is considered to be among the most important is the emphasis on persona
development, decision making and intrapersonal skills. Those who lack ability to make
effective personal decisions are more at risk for experiencing hardships found in the
real world. Taking courses in Home Economics at school allows students to acquire the
necessary decision making, social, and communication skills to succeed in life.
For me, teaching Home Economics to students is very important because it doesn’t
only enhances their skills but it also integrates values. The students are able to show
camaraderie, patience, respect, leadership, humility and above all else, faith in the
Almighty.
IV. APPLICATION
To be an educator in the near future, what’s really important in teaching not only
Home Economics but all other strands is to be a good example to students. I will be
held accountable of my students’ welfare so I should be responsible enough in teaching
the subject to them with the integration of values as well. I will share to them my own
experiences and inculcate in their minds how this field of discipline has helped me
become a better person that I am now. Also, I will allow students to be open, in a way
that I would be able to gain their trust and will also help me know where they are good
at, and help them be the best that they can in their chosen field.
My aim would be to help them become responsible citizens, demonstrate good use
of their management and organizational skills that they may be able to contribute to
the society with the application of their knowledge from the subjects, implement
strategies for them solve complicated problems and that they may also be able to
understand and appreciate life’s value and develop capability and attitudes to make the
right decisions that will foster a healthy lifestyle and contribute positively to the social
and economic future of a society.
 CRITIQUE PAPER IN
K-12 TVL TRACK SERIES: HOME ECONOMIC STRAND

SUBMITTED TO: ELIZA R. CALABRIA Ph.D.

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSE