Teachers use lapel mic to beat noise

Classrooms shortage at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS), the province’s largest and biggest integrated high school, has been addressed, according to a school official.

As of Friday, they have at least 6,270 enrolees--and still counting.  

                                            

“Our shortage of classroom has somehow been addressed for the time being,” according to assistant school principal II Melchor Daniel, Jr on Monday’s opening of classes. “We have enough for the meantime.”

Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School
in Tagbilaran City, Bohol has a
population of 6,270 students—and still counting.
Photos by Helen Castaño  

The two storey-buildings - with 32 classrooms-were just recently completed were occupied on Monday even though it lacked with sprinkler and electricity.

Daniel said because of the additional classrooms the school can decongest the classes because they have more than 50 students per class.

“Because of this development, we are trying to achieve the ideal number which is 45 students per class,” he said.

Unlike last year that students were greeted from an on-going construction of adjacent two classroom buildings, somehow they felt comfortable.

The shortage of classrooms last year forced them to use makeshift classrooms and the gymnasium.

“ So, there will be no more makeshifts and classes in the gym,”  he said.                  

Although there were two Grade 7 classes were held at the gymnasium on Monday, but it was temporary since the classrooms are still being done especially the flooring.

“Probably within the week and the work will be over so that they can transfer to their classrooms,” he said.

Daniel said they have had to adopt the double shifting scheme to accommodate all enrollees. The first shift is from 7 a.m. to 12 noon, and the second shift is from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

He added that they would only prioritize old students and Tagbilaran residents.

“We are still currently accepting enrolments of our old students; transferees will have to wait and if ever they will be given slots, chances are very slim. It’s not promising for them to be able to study here because we have to accommodate our old students first,” said Daniel.

Daniel said it was impractical for the school to accept students from neighboring towns of Dauis and Cortes since there are high schools in these towns.

Grade 7 teacher Irish Baleling of Dr. Cecilio Putong
National High School is addressing her students
through a wireless microphone (lapel mic). She said
 the lapel mic helps to preserve her voice
 and prevent fatigue. Photo by Helen Castaño  

“We simply can’t accommodate the entire population of Bohol in our school because we have to admit a great number of our students would like to study in Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, and we simply we can’t accommodate all of them. It’s unfortunate but we have to be practical about things.  We can’t sacrifice quality over quantity,” Daniel quipped.

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Not only pop icon Britney Spears and Madonna find lapel microphones or hands-free microphone useful.

At DCPNHS, some teachers have a rock-star look, wearing headsets in their classrooms to boost their voice over background noises and help prevent their voice strain.

 Grade 7-Compassion teacher Irish Baleling doesn’t need to raise her voice.

Her voice rises above distractions, such as noise and the clatter of students hustling through the hallway.

Even when she stands with her back to write on the chalkboard, the students can still hear her. But that's not because she's shouting.

Baleling, 31, is addressing her 43 students through a wireless microphone (lapel mic) clipped to her uniform.

She and other teachers at DCPNHS opted to use lapel mic during classes to preserve their voice and prevent fatigue.

There are at least 259 teachers at DCPNHS.

“As a teacher in this number of students, lapel mic is very much important because if we will not use lapel mic our voice will only last for an hour,” said Baleling who has been using the lapel mic for the past three years.

On Monday, Baleling distributed student handbook to her students. She also handled the one day orientation- about the school’s rules and regulations.

She also told them to spread kindness.

“We’d all like the world to be a better place. It doesn’t take much to turn someone’s day around. A smile, a compliment, a small gesture will do,” she said.

According to her, using lapel mic has proven practical and effective since it enabled her to overcome usual classroom noises and distractions.

“It relaxes me,” said Baleling, a teacher of 10 years.

Using lapel mic to amplify their voices in classrooms has proven practical and effective since it enabled them to overcome usual classroom noises and distractions. The results – the students are more focused and fewer teachers with strained voices.

Student Leah Mae Lozano, 11, said she could hear her teacher clearly.

“Makadungog ko klaro sa gisulti ni Maam tungod sa iyang mic (I can hear our teacher clearly because of her mic)” she said.

Daniel said he has seen similar benefits.  But he said not all teachers are comfortable using the microphones. He said he leaves it up to the teachers.

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