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CNU acquires three-star rating in QS Stars
Cebu Normal University (CNU) moves forward with its vision as it was officially acclaimed as a Three (3) Stars Institution by the Quacquarelli Symond (QS) Stars Rating System on March 13, 2023.
The leading multidisciplinary research university of education’s three (3) out of five (5) stars rating means that CNU is a “well-recognized [institution] nationally and may have also begun to attract international recognition.”
They utilize three (3) criteria which consist of several categories when rating universities fairly: (1) the core criteria categories focus on the components of a university; (2) the advanced criteria categories look at a university with a solid foundation; and (3) specialist criteria categories look intently at an institution’s areas of specialization.
In an interview with Ang Suga, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Board and University Secretary Dr. Laurence L. Garcia shared that the institution only achieved that overall rating due to a one-star rating in the internalization category in the core criteria.
He added that the university is not yet prepared to host international students because of inadequate space and the restrictions of the Philippine government.
“…Strict man god kaayo ang Philippine government to that…Bisan pa ang atong curriculum kay nindot na ug kanang prepared which is ato ng strength kanang academic development. Pero ang atoang…environment is not [yet] supporting international students kay gamay kaayo tag space,” Garcia explained.
Meanwhile, Ms. Naila Y. Beltran, Director for External Affairs & International Linkages (EAIL), expressed that the other universities in the Philippines that were also evaluated by the QS only received a three-star rating due to this issue in internalization.
“In the Philippines, nobody was able to get four stars because of that one [which is] internalization,” she said.
However, CNU excelled in the inclusiveness category part of the advanced criteria and has shown great remarks in the academic development and teaching category in the core criteria.
The assessment was made possible through the Fostering World Class Philippine Universities Project Grant for PHP 2.5 million under the support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
QS Stars is a British company that is one of the “world’s leading providers of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education institutions (HEIs).”
Recognition overseas
In a phone interview with Ang Suga, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, OIC of the Office of the University President, shared that even before she became the university president, it was already part of her agenda to create a competitive advantage by getting recognition abroad.
The QS three-star rating is one of the educational institution’s successes in being recognized internationally, opening up opportunities to attract international students and expose Filipino students globally.
To cope with the weakness in internalization scope, Dayagbil shared that they have already applied for distance learning and are now at the CHED for consideration.
“Nagpaabot ta [sa CHED] sa ilahang mga suggestions to comply with all the [requirements]…Naa na tay curriculum…naa na tay module,” she said.
Furthermore, the university will track its progress using the QS World University Rankings. The institution will reapply if a second evaluation is required to obtain the five-star rating.
Dayagbil emphasized that they planned to apply for another assessment and quality assurance system known as Times Higher Education (THE).
“For the next three years, e-monitor nato ang tanan nga mga parameters sa QS, and then we will really reapply…At the same time, mo-expand gyod ta into Times Higher Education which is actually giving us proof that we can be very good in areas of research and quality instruction,” she explained. §
Words by Renee Ross Villariasa
Photo grabbed from CNU Facebook page
CNU presents research study on the Exploration of the Quality of Graduates of Teacher Education Institution
Cebu Normal University, a leading multidisciplinary research university in education, has championed the virtuous cycle of knowledge sharing and knowledge building in teacher education. The university has been identified as the partner institution for “Study II – An Exploration of the Quality of Graduates of Teacher Education Institution” as part of the Scoping Study on Philippine Teacher Education of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This laudable undertaking was concluded through “PADAYON: Philippine Pre-service Teacher Education Research Forum” of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at the Philippine Normal University (PNU) on February 13, 2023.
The CNU research team from the College of Teacher Education is composed of the following: Dr. Michelle Mae Olvido, Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, Dr. Rivika Alda, Dr. Ethel Abao, Dr. Janet Mananay, Dr. Remedios Bacus, Dr. Maria Nancy Cadosales, Dr. Vincent Theodore Balo, Dr. Kim Francis Rodriguez, Ms. Baby Jane Uytico, Dr. Jewish Merin, Dr. Marchee Picardal, Dr. Jem Cloyd Tanucan, Dr., Dr. William Augusto, Dr. Jo Ann Petancio, Dr. Joje Mar Sanchez, Dr. Noremay Perez, Dr. Monique Cordova, and Dr. Gino Sumalinog.
The project is made possible by the support of the following: the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office headed by Secretary Leonor M. Briones especially the Policy Research and Development Division together with the different regional directors and research focal persons who partnered with the team for data gathering; the members of the Technical Panel for Teacher Education Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz, Dr. Paz I. Lucido, Dr. Felicitas E. Pado, Dr. Maria Teresita P. Medado, and Dr. Runvi V. Manguerra who served as expert consultants for the team; the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Office of Programs and Standards Development, Office of Planning, Research, and Knowledge Management; the Office of Commissioner Aldrin A. Darilag and Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III for the funding, without which, this undertaking would not have been possible.
The CNU College of Teacher Education hopes that the research undertaking significantly impacts the uptake of evidence-based policymaking. Their study looks into contributing to more robust research-based evidence on dimensions and categories of teacher quality and sheds light on curricular innovations, management, leadership, and policy reforms in teacher education to ensure teacher quality.
Padayon CNU!
Words by: Dr. Michelle Mae J. Olvido
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DLSAU, GRASSO conduct 1st service-learning webinar
Are you ready to take on the next century’s work?
To address the futuristic needs of society, the De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU) in collaboration with Cebu Normal University (CNU) Graduate School Students Organization (CNU-GRASSO) hosted their first Service-Learning Webinar last September 18, 2021, via Zoom and Facebook live.
With the theme “Research and Technology for Sustainable Development,” the event tackled the importance of institutionalizing technological learning and improving educational strategy through game-based learning.
De La Salle Santiago Zobel School’s (DLSZ) Institutional Robotics Coordinator Dr. Genevieve Pillar addressed the question “Why Teach Robotics in School?” as the first keynote speaker and emphasized how robotics can train the students of today for the changes and challenges in life.
“Robotics is a learning environment that provides engagement through the use of authentic technology tools. So, the students should be given varied opportunities to build and program robots that can perform specific tasks and solve real and relevant problems,” she shared.
The second keynote speaker from CNU’s College of Teacher Education (CTE), Dr. Joje Mar Sanchez, presented a new and innovative strategy in education through gamification.
In his presentation entitled “Gamification: A Way Forward”, he defined gamification as the application of “game design elements” to “instructional settings”.
“In other words, gamification is very important to the socialization of our students as well as the mobility of our students not only physically and emotionally but also intellectually,” he said.
The purpose of gamification is, among others, to “introduce objectives that give learning a purpose” which can optimize learning.
Words by Arcale John Deraco
Screenshots by Aubrey Belle Ynot
Excelsior: Dayagbil and Her ‘Ever Upward’ Direction
Under the leading lights of the outgoing university president, Cebu Normal University (CNU) had achieved a good number of recognitions and awards which catapulted the university’s name to top excellence. Crimson and gold glimmered during Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil’s four-year term as a product of purposeful collaboration between the administration and stakeholders.
To formalize the conclusion of her term, an event held at the CNU grounds kicked off last April 29, 2021 and was physically attended by the CNU administrative council officials and members. Distant Normalites, on the other hand, had their eyes on screen as the event was broadcasted simultaneously on the university’s Facebook page.
Dr. Laurence Garcia, Chairman of the End-of-Report Portfolio, noted in his welcome remarks that this was “a day to be grateful to the administration that nurtured us even amid the trying times”.
While the event purposed to highlight Dayagbil’s report on her stay as the State University and College (SUC) President III of CNU, she desired to honor and recognize first those who have contributed to the achievement of the university’s strategic directions; thus, awarding plaques of appreciation to partner organizations, agencies, and individuals who helped in shaping the glory of CNU.
On her portfolio report and message, Dayagbil shared that she was reminded of the ending part of her investiture speech four years ago. “
As your president, it is my pleasure to partner with you and work with you on something that is bigger than any of us, an ongoing vision to chart the course for CNU to excel in innovative teaching and learning, cutting edge research, and relevant partnerships,” she repeated.
Dayagbil continued, “Fast forward today, as my presidency ends, I could proudly say that with your partnerships, we successfully accomplished what we have promised, achieving one milestone after another, in leaps and bounds.”
Representing her end-of-term report as “excelsior”, a Latin word and a catchphrase used by famous comic book writer Stan Lee, this described the entire CNU community’s collective efforts through the years, attaining noteworthy achievements to its five strategic directions: (1) sustaining quality and relevance; (2) enhancing research, development, and innovation; (3) expanding community engagement and linkages; (4) digitization and automation of operations; and (5) maximizing resource generation and utilization.
As she ended her speech, the outgoing president remarked, “Excelsior! Onward, Cebu Normal University!”
Words by Mark Aleson Sanico
Screenshots by Retlyn Ereca Ceballos
CNU flexible learning to get boost, thanks to CHED grants
Cebu Normal University is set to receive P7 million worth of grants from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that would enable the university to implement three projects.
Two of these projects focus on improving flexible learning — the Flexible Learning Modality Training for Teacher Educators (FLMTTEd) with an allocation of over P2.5 million and the Flexible Instructional Materials Development for Teacher Educators (FIMDTEd) which has been earmarked P1.8 million.
The third project, Developing Global Filipino Teachers (DGFT), has been allocated a budget of P2.6 million. It aims to equip teachers with the needed pedagogical and socio-cultural competencies as global educators.
Flexible learning
Amid the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, CNU has been actively pursuing projects meant to help convert threats and challenges to opportunities.
In a survey conducted by the university, educators expressed the need to reshape their lessons to include provisions for flexible learning modalities to meet the changing educational landscape brought about by COVID-19.
Thus, FLMTTEd aims to train faculty members of teacher education institutions on effective implementation of flexible learning modalities in the teaching learning processes in the new normal.
To achieve this, CNU has forged partnerships with Cebu Technological University-Tuburan Campus and Leyte Normal University.
On the other hand, FIMDTEd aims to develop research-based flexible instructional materials such as modules for the professional education courses in teacher education.
These will be utilized by educators, specifically those who are teaching in local colleges within Central Visayas.
The flexible instructional package for a professional education course includes lectures, readings, worktext, problem-based activities, and other resources that can be used in both face-to-face and online classrooms.
Going global
Meanwhile, the DGFT program of the CNU College of Teacher Education seeks to help Filipino educators in Cambodia increase their cultural awareness to address global change. This, as schools have increasingly become more culturally diverse.
It also aims to help the educators develop their teaching skills to create a learning setting wherein students respect each other, value diversity, and collaborate effectively.
The program is set to conduct intensive review classes, hands-on trainings on varied learning modalities and practice exercises to be done in Cambodia and in the Philippines.
With this program, teachers are expected to acquire the needed competencies as global educators, and pass the licensure examination at the same time. –/Chiel Martina Y. Condor/JMD
GRASSO Day transpires online
Graduate School Students’ Organization (GRASSO) of Cebu Normal University (CNU) initiated its first virtual GRASSO Day in the new normal last December 5, 2020 via Facebook live.
With the theme, “GRASSO Day 2020: An Introspection of Phyical and Mental Awareness in the New Normal”, GRASSO aimed to continue the yearly-celebrated event, despite the tolls caused by the pandemic.
In his welcoming remarks, Hon. Angelito Cabanilla, GRASSO President, shared that this year’s event focused more on graduate students’ mental health, whereas the past year was centered on physical activities.
“The Graduate School Students’ Organization believes that this is the right time for us to conduct the activity that could raise mental awareness to students who are having immense stresses,” said Cabanilla.
Several administrative officials also gave encouraging words to students; among them were CNU President Dr. Filomena Dayagbil; Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Daisy Palompon; Vice President for Research, Extension, and Publication Dr. Angeline Pogoy; Vice President for Administration Dr. Floriza Laplap; Dean of Office of Student Affairs Dr. Gwendelina Villarante; Dean of College of Teacher Education Dr. Ethel Abao; Dean of College of Nursing Dr. Emiliano Ian Suson II; and, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Milagros Greif.
The lecture proper kicked off with Ms. Marianne Taladua MA, RPSY, providing a detailed discussion about mental health.
Taladua explained the significance of mental health as it is associated to someone’s capacity of being productive in work, in relationships, and in contributions to the society.
Contest proper
To still liven the event, GRASSO hosted three contests participated by graduate students prior the event day.
For the first contest, graduate students showed their prowess in hammering words through essay writing contest.
Ms. Marjorey Cabigas (DA Literature and Communication) placed first with her piece “A Quarantine’s Soliloquy”; while Ms. Pythia Monique del Mar’s (MaEd English Language Teaching) “Once Upon a Quarantine” and Ms. Rensel Mae Barbado’s (MaEd Mathematics) “Self-Scrutiny in the New Normal” finished as second and third placers, respectively.
For techy students, a TikTok contest also took place where creativity through the use of music and videos were recorded.
Ms. Ethel Chrisia Cejano (MaEd Mathematics) earned the first spot with her “Simple Steps on How To Prevent COVID-19”; meanwhile Ms. Christy Canales (MaEd Mathematics) ended as second with her simulation of the “New Normal House-to-House Module Distribution”.
On the other hand, Spoken Poetry Contest hailed Ms. Christy Canales (MaEd Mathematics) as the winner, exuding her feelings and emotions virtually.
During the closing portion, GRASSO Adviser Dr. Catalina Canasa thanked the administration, officers, and all students who took part of the activity.
In addition, Canasa claimed with positivity that, “Lahat ng simula ay may wakas dahil walang forever. Kaya si COVID[-19] na ito, talagang walang forever ‘to. Darating ang araw, darating ang panahon na tayo ay mapupunta rin sa kung anuman ang mga pagbabagong nangyari sa ating buhay, patungo ito sa kaniyang kabutihan.”
Words by Mark Aleson Sanico
