Philippine E-Journals

Teaching and Research in the Social Sciences in Metro Manila Colleges and Universities

Exaltacion D. Ellevera | Jennifer A. Lauby | Yeung Yeung Yu

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The social sciences in the Philippines face a number of dilemmas at this important time in their history. They have survived their infancy and there are a number of well-trained professionals in each of the major fields. Decisions now must be made about how to best utilize these social scientists. With the present educational conditions, however, several crucial issues demand attention before any options are taken. Of utmost importance are those matters related to: I) whether more weight must be given to teaching rather than research, or vice versa, 2) availability of research funds, 3) degree of applicability and usefulness of the models and theories being developed in the West in the Philippine setting, and, 4) types of models and frameworks that need to be developed by our Filipino social scientists and researchers. To deal with these issues is indeed important inasmuch as they will adequately determine the status of social science growth in the Philippines. The examination of these issues would also give insights about efforts and action that must be exerted in order that social science disciplines in the Philippines continuously develop and evolve into meaningful sciences.