UNPACKING AND

COMBINING THE MOST

ESSENTIAL LEARNING
COMPETENCIES (MELCs)
UNPACKING THE MOST
ESSENTIAL LEARNING
COMPETENCIES (MELCS)
In this session you will familiarize yourself with unpacking and
combining MELCS into learning competencies. By the end of the
lesson you will be able to:

understand the vital considerations in

unpacking and combining the MELCS.
unpack and combine sample MELCS.
affirm that unpacking and combining MELCS
provides curricular flexibilities to field
implementers.
 In unpacking the MELCs into learning
objectives, you need to consider the
following:
Alignment on the Content and Performance Standards
- The MELCs are not a departure from the standards-
based design, which is one of the main features of the
K to 12 Curriculum. In fact, there are no MELCs
without the content and performance standards.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills - It is worth noting that
the identified MELCs cater to higher- order cognitive
demands. As such, lower cognitive demand may be
considered first in creating learning objectives. This
ensures that prerequisite knowledge and skills that
would enable the achievement of MELCs, and eventually
the content and performance standards, are addressed.
Logical sequence of learning objectives - Since the
intention of unpacking the MELCs is to provide systematic
learning experiences for learners, it is incumbent that the
unpacked learning objectives follow a logical sequence.
Combining the
MELCs
In combining MELCs, field implementers
should take note of the following criteria:
 Commonality of content, topic, or theme - MELCs to be
combined should show commonality and relatedness in content,
topic, or theme. This ensures that essential content and topic
will not be watered down.
Alignment with the Content and Performance Standards - Just
like in the unpacking of MELCs, combining two or more should
aid in the achievement of the content and performance
standards.
To reiterate, MELCs are
not a departure from the
standards-based design of
the curriculum.
ACTIVITY 3.
Prepare a copy of your learning area’s original
K-12 Curriculum Guide and corresponding list of
MELCs. Go to the sections of the curriculum
guide and MELCs that are relevant to your
instructional needs. Copy and accomplish the
following table in your Study Notebook and
compare the two documents to determine
which learning competencies were retained,
dropped, or merged.
 K to 12 Learning MELCs
Competencies

Merged/
Clustered
Retained
Dropped
ACTIVITY 4.
In your LAC Session, discuss and share your
answers to Activities 1-3 in this lesson. Discuss
any questions about the MELCs that need
clarification as well. Share your thoughts and let
your co-teachers articulate their insights
regarding your questions. Jot down all the
insights shared in the discussion, including your
own, in your Study Notebook.