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
May be an image of one or more people and text that says 'SS Congralulations!!! CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY GOOD for being rated a THREE STARS INSTITUTION by the Quacquarelli Symonds Stars Rating System QS'
 

Sen. Villanueva visits, delivers academic dialogue at CNU

“TESDAMAN” and Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education Chairman Senator Joel Villanueva came to Cebu Normal University (CNU) and conveyed a discourse within the spectrum of academic undertakings and approaches to higher education held in Tandang Sora Hall yesterday afternoon.
 
The approximately hour-long event thrived through an in-person forum with the selected CNU administration members; CNU-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) College of Medicine (CM) faculty and students; board of regents; and was also attended virtually by various stakeholders via Zoom.
 
During his speech, Villanueva shared his enthusiasm for visiting CNU as he openly expressed that he always watched over its endeavors and commended the university for its actions in facing the challenges that surged during the pandemic.
 
“I’d like to congratulate the Cebu Normal University, headed by our President Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, of course ang ating mga deans and faculty and staff, ‘cause amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘yong learning continuity nangyari po,” he said.
 
Apart from recognizing CNU’s achievements, the academic dialogue also acknowledged the senator’s contributions to the institution of CM and for his part in promoting medical education in higher education.
 
Having “lobbied for the budget allocation to increase the carrying capacity” of the CM, the dean of CNU-VSMMC CM Dr. Maria Socorro Manaloto apprised Villanueva with the college’s background and developments.
 
She informed that the first state-funded college of medicine in Region 7 was able to accept students in less than two months.
“We have to produce competent physicians and at the same time focus on primary health care,” said Manaloto during her presentation of the Doctor of Medicine Education model.
 
Meanwhile, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CESE Officer-in-Charge – Office of the University President expressed her gratitude to the senator who supported the institution of the CNU-VSMMC CM and authored the Doktor para sa Bayan Act; a law that allocates budget to increase the scholarship slots for aspiring doctors.
 
“It is seldom that we see Sen. Joel up close and personal, so we might as well really thank him for everything that he has done for the university, especially the establishment of the College of Medicine. … He has been actually supporting us ever since we started with this endeavor,” she stated.
 
Dayagbil also extended her appreciation of Villanueva’s presence in the academe as a part of his advocacy to “engage with [the] allies in higher education”.
 
Words by Mikaela Jane Dagani and Rena Mae Avila

CNU finishes as finalist in 1st Gawad Edukampyon

Cebu Normal University (CNU) was recognized as one of the finalists under Category 2: Excellence in Flexible and Innovative Learning for the first Gawad Edukampyon Awards 2021 held via Zoom and Facebook Live this morning.
 
With the framework “Reframing Teaching and Learning (RTL) of Cebu Normal University in the New Normal”, CNU fluttered the colors crimson and gold as one of the four finalists for the Public Higher Education Institution (HEI).
 
“It tells a story of the university moving upward and onward to greater glory,” Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CESE Officer-in-Charge – Office of the University President said.
 
Executive Director of Philippines Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Mr. Elvin Ivan Uy stated that among 55 public and private HEIS, CNU soared with the 22 overall remaining finalists that aimed to share their “overcomed unimaginable obstacles”.
 
“We are here to affirm the human spirit and drive to adapt and thrive amidst adversity and challenges,” PBSP President Reynaldo Laguda said.
 
Gawad Edukampyon was founded in January 2021 by Rex Education and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in partnership with PBSP to honor exemplary adaptability and flexibility measures of HEI’s in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Words by Jonaren Eran and Kristine Mae Paquibot
Screenshot by Kristine Mae Paquibot

CNU pays homage to crimson and gold educators

The posing challenge of distance and confinement did not stop Normalites from honoring their educators’ commitment and dedication in a virtual celebration of World Teacher’s Day with the theme “World Teachers’ Day 2021: Teachers at the heart of education recovery” on October 14, 2021, via Zoom and Facebook Live.
 
In her welcome speech, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CESE Officer-in-Charge – Office of the University President left behind points of inspiration for the educators.
 
“Let this be a reminder to all of us [teachers] to be teacher leaders; that our collective purpose of educating the young is much bigger than our individual interests; that we can do more and be more for others,” she remarked.
 
The school’s Main, Balamban, and Medellin campuses then presented tribute videos to show their appreciation and gratitude where a mix of humor and emotions was added when the videos’ invigorating words, meme edits, and virtual memories with the professors were shown.
 
To further express their gratitude, students were given the opportunity to declare a word of thanks to their favorite professors through the event’s Magtutudlo Shout-out segment where selected messages were read, moving the audience with their grateful words.
 
Cebu Normal University – Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (CNU-VSMMC) College of Medicine also participated in the celebration of honoring esteemed professors who truly delivered and exceeded what is required and expected of them in the department’s pilot year.
 
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Daisy R. Palompon concluded the celebration by inspiring and thanking both students and professors alike by noting that the reason for the professors’ commitment and dedication is the “students’ desire to acquire higher education”.
 
E-certificates were given by the three campuses’ respective Supreme Student Council (SSC) to all teachers in recognition of their service. Special awards were also given in acknowledgment of the outstanding instructors who have gone the extra mile in their profession.
 
The recipients of the different awards from different campuses are as follows:
 
MOST INFLUENTIAL TEACHER AWARDEES
CNU Main Campus – College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Male Category – Mr. Romualdo B. Generalao
Female Category – Ms. Clareziel Landringan
CNU Main Campus – College of Nursing (CN)
Male Category – Dr. Emiliano Ian B. Suson
Female Category – Ms. Joana Mariz Castillo
CNU Main Campus – College of Teacher Education (CTE)
Male Category – Mr. Alvin Cunado
Female Category – Ms. Jewish Merin
CNU Balamban Campus
Male Category – Dr. Kent G. Batulan
Female Category – Ms. Sarah Jane C. Trazo
CNU Medellin Campus
Male Category – Mr. Jude Gelig
Female Category -Ms. Leslie Monacillo
 
MOST INSPIRING TEACHER AWARD
CNU Main Campus – CAS
Male Category – Mr. Romualdo B. Generalao
Female Category – Ms. Therese Marie Villarante
CNU Main Campus – CN
Male Category – Dr. Emiliano Ian B. Suson and Dr. Jose Mari Louis Alforque
Female Category – Dr. Daisy Palompon
CNU Main Campus – CTE
Male Category – Mr. Gino Sumalinog
Female Category – Ms. Jewish Merin
CNU Balamban Campus
Male Category – Mr. Kent Batulan
Female Category – Ms. Jean Carmelotes
CNU Medellin Campus
Male Category – Mr. Jude Gelig
Female Category – Ms. Leslie Monacillo
 
DARLING OF THE CROWD AWARDEES
CNU Main Campus – CAS
Male Category – Mr. Romualdo B. Generalao
Female Category – Ms. Therese Marie Villarante
CNU Main Campus – CN
Male Category – Dr. Jose Mari Louis G. Alforque
Female Category – Ms. Joni Inocencia F. Gonzaga
CNU Main Campus – CTE
Male Category – Mr. Alvin Cunado
Female Category – Ms. Mary Nikka Richae Abangan
CNU Balamban Campus
Male Category – Mr. Marjohn C. Bucag and Mr. Christian Jay S. Caballes
Female Category – Ms. Sarah Jane C. Trazo
CNU Medellin Campus
Male Category – Mr. Jude Gelig
Female Category – Ms. Leslie Monacillo
 
Words and Screenshots by Junezze Mangubat and Kimberly Keith Gonzaga

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-ILS book month celebration unleashes students’ creativity, transforms students into well-loved characters

Who would have thought that cartoon characters could come to life?

Yes, it happened in such an adorable way as students from Cebu Normal University-Integrated Laboratory School (CNU-ILS) portrayed their favorite book and movie characters during the culmination of the English Month 2020: A Book Month Celebration. 

Fun-filled activities conducted by the CNU-ILS for the entire Book Month Celebration with the theme Read to Reel were compiled and streamed online last December 3, 2020, via the University’s official Youtube channel.

Read related article: [English Festival: A time of character play

Mr. Renan Elcullada, CNU-ILS Supervisor, said that with the digital shift forced upon the people by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, “careful reading and comprehension are now more essential” and reading can be a means of traveling for the time being.  

He said that reading is what we need now. “It is our vaccine for ignorance and a doorway for a better tomorrow”, he said, adding to the benefits reading brings including improved memory, expanded knowledge, and lower stress among others.

Students from different levels then exhibited their creativity through different competitions including character portrayal or impersonation, bookmark decorating, storytelling, book poster making, essay writing, digital storytelling, book trailer making, and three-minute newscasting.

The winners of the Book Month Celebration are as follows:

Character Portrayal (Nursery 1 and Toddler) 
Toddler Peace

1st Place: Marga Nicolette Torres (Little Red Riding Hood)
2nd Place: Jarvi Reinbert Lujen Vergara (Pinocchio) 
3rd Place: Aleister Grey Amper (Tarzan)

Nursery 1 Faith
1st Place: Ardea Zafyr Mendoza (Cinderella)
2nd Place: Wynchestin Laput (Shrek)  
3rd Place: Gideon Franco Osorio (Sheriff Woody)

Nursery 1 Hope
1st Place: Kenzo Amadeus Tablada (Puss and Boots)
2nd Place: Felicity Quinn Lapining (Pocahontas) 
3rd Place: Danielle Jezley Chang (Rapunzel) 

Best in Costume Winners (Nursery 1 and Toddler)
1st Place: Elisha Skyler Batobalonos, N1 Hope (Belle)
2nd Place: Ysabella Tana Quilantang, N1 Hope (Mulan)
3rd Place: Danica Aiah Yu, N1 Hope (Thumbelina)

Bookcraft Winners (Nursery 1 and Toddler)
Most Creative Bookmark: Aleister Grey Amper, Toddler Peace 

Nursery 1 Faith
1st Place: Paul Gavin Sanchez
2nd Place: Wynchestin Laput
3rd Place: Jose Emmanuel Vicente

Nursery 1 Hope
1st Place: Danica Aiah Yu
2nd Place: Kendra Nenahzel Villaflores
3rd Place: Danielle Jezley Chang

Most Creative Gingerbread Craft (Nursery 1 and Toddler)
Jarvi Reinbert Lujen Vergara, Toddler Peace
Paul Gavin Sanchez, N1 Faith 
Danica Aiah Yu, N1 Hope

Bookworm Award (Nursery 1 and Toddler)
Marga Nicolette Torres, Toddler Peace 
Aloife Ellyane Paqueo, N1 Faith 
Kate Ayah Elarcosa, N1 Hope 

Character Impersonation Competition (Gr. 1-3 and Multigrade)
1st Place: Avery Sky Deiparine (Ursula) 
2nd Place: Noelle Alexis Rose Alison (Little Red Riding Hood)
3rd Place: Kiara Niqa Cordova (Hermione) 

Book Poster Competition (Gr. 4-6)
1st Place: Louise Philippe Tecson 
2nd Place: Illyza Aubrey Maceda 
3rd Place: Daryn Elisabeth Dolatre

Essay Writing Winners (Elementary Category)
Theme: The New Paradigm in the Educational Landscape, A Story of Hope amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic 
Grade 4 Winner: Ioan Iñigo Batucan 
Grade 5 Winner: Akissha Norene Aspirin 
Grade 6 Winner: Erika France Sibunghanoy

Digital Storytelling Competition
1st Place: Krystal Mae Anadia, Izabella Alexa Maceda, Althea Jaia Amante 
2nd Place: Andrie Kaye Gabutan, Akimah Ross Avendanio, Jewel Alexie Paler
3rd Place: Natalie Grace Roma, John Lewin Bacalla, and Karylle Mae Dinauanao

Book Trailer Competition
1st Place: Shahrazad Faye Navarroza. Chloe Jude Gandionco, Stephen Alphonsos Villarante
2nd Place: Neihl John Pancit, Maxwell Rose Laguda, Angel Love Sabay 
3rd Place: Franchela Glenyse T. Gonzaga, Trinity Mae R. Avila, Jewvienne Wyneth Merin 

Newscasting (3-minute News Reporting)
1st Place: Shana Bacolod, Kasandra Mae Butantan, Gian Christian Keith Palompon 
2nd Place: Heleighna Rev Arizobal, Leanne Dela Cerna, Andrew Benneth Moninio 
3rd Place: Arian Cortes Aliganga, Caeley Angelique Colao, Nayomi Gail Caruana

1st Weekly Trivia Competition Winners 
Jahzara Maria Bacalla
Lonnire Lerias
Gerardlyn Delapeña 
Janly Grace Demol 

2nd Weekly Trivia Competition Winners 
Jahzara Maria Bacalla
Euan Marcus Astrologo
Chryslan James Arriba 

3rd Weekly Trivia Competition Winners 
Kaylee Theone Batiquin 
Phoebe Claire Chan 
Kaelanih Gabrielle Manongas
Jahnelle Marie Bacalla 

4th Weekly Trivia Competition Winners 
Lierich Gomez Cania 
Aliyah Mary Sarraga
Andre Carl Abella 
Keith Henry Dabatian 

5th Weekly Trivia Competition Winners 
Jahnelle Marie Bacalla 
Akissha Norene Aspirin 
Jahnelle Marie Bacalla 

Dr. Monique Cordova, CNU-ILS Center for Teaching Innovations Chair thanked all the supportive family members of each child which contributed to the success of the celebration.  

“We know that each of [our] learners’ triumph is a family who gave their support from the child’s costume to the rehearsals, to the recordings, and the editing. To each one of you, we offer our sincerest gratitude,” she said. 

Along with the English month celebration held every November are: the National Book Week on November 24 to 30 organized by the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) aimed to encourage reading and literacy and to promote public libraries in the Philippines; the National Reading Month which started in November 2011 by former Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin Luistro; and the proclamation for November 25 to be the “Araw ng Pagbasa”. These celebrations made CNU-ILS call this year’s English month a Book Month Celebration(JDF)  

CNU-ILS culminates UN month 2020 virtually

Cebu Normal University-Integrated Laboratory School (CNU-ILS) culminated the United Nations (UN) Month highlighting the significance of collaboration amidst diversity and care for plants in line with the 2020 International Year of Plant Health.

The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) teams were also relaunched as part of the UN Month Culminating Activity which was streamed through the CNU Facebook page last Thursday, October 29, 2020, with the theme, “Our Planet, Our Future”.

A compilation of the CNU-ILS UN month activities which includes the Parade of National Costumes, Poster Making, and Hand Painting was showcased, and the awarding of the #IAMPLANTIAMLIFE Vlogging Competition and Quiz Bowl was done in the culmination activity. 

Read related article: [ILS celebrates UN month]

Mr. Renan Elcullada, CNU-ILS Supervisor said that the UN month celebration is a way of CNU-ILS’ recognizing the importance of cultural diversity in the world. 

Students from the preschool and elementary grades made national flags and exhibited their DIY or improvised national costumes, while the high school students also displayed the national costumes with the corresponding continents assigned to which ESD teams they belong.

The ESD teams are school clubs in CNU-ILS that are based on different subject areas. The assignment of continents are as follows:
-Excellent Communicators of English Language (ExCEL)/English – Asia
-Filipino Investors/ Filipino and Math – North America
-Engaged Environmentalist/Science – South America
-Wellness Guild/MAPEH – Africa
-ARMY/Araling Panlipunan – Europe 
-Innopreneurs/TLE – Oceania and Australia

Representatives of the different ESD teams took part in the #IAMPLANTIAMLIFE Vlogging Competition where they shared plant facts, health benefits of plants, the importance of plants, and ways on how to take care of plants. A Classroom-Based Quiz Bowl Contest also took place. 

The winners of the competitions are as follows:

#IAMPLANTIAMLIFE Vlogging Competition

First Place: Filipino Investors Club
Second Place: ExCEL Club
Third Place: ARMY Club

Classroom-Based Quiz Bowl Contest
Grade 7
First Place: Athena Krystle Cordova
Second Place: Miea Angela Paez 
Third Place: Trinity Mae Avila

Grade 8
First Place: Kyle Angelo Malinao
Second Place: Marian Angelyn Labrador
Third Place: Adrian Laurence Pesirla

Grade 9
First Place: Sofia Ysabel Atillo
Second Place: Lea Victoria Pogoy
Third Place: Gianna Aleiza Timbang 

Grade 10
First Place: Mark Laurence Cabuguas
Second Place: Shahrazad Faye Navarozza
Third Place: Kasandra Mae Butantan

Ms. Rosita Lacea, ESD Team’s Day Coordinator closed the UN Month Culminating Activity imparting the strength in unity and challenged the students with the TEAMS acronym: Together, Everyone, Act, Move, and Soar. (JDF)

Photo grabbed from Sebastiano Piazzi

Educators avert anxiety through work-life balance webinar

Photo grabbed from Dr. Janet Mananay Photo grabbed from Dr. Janet Mananay

Cebu Normal University (CNU) educators were given tips on how to create work-life balance through a webinar to help them cope with the challenging situation brought by the pandemic.

The webinar entitled Creating Work-Life Balance was conducted last Friday, October 23, 2020, via the Zoom platform that was attended by CNU College of Teacher Education (CTE) and Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) teachers. 

The webinar was organized by CNU-CTE and spearheaded by Dr. Janet Mananay, Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) Program Chair.

“In this time of pandemic, as our academic tasks are suddenly shifted remotely, our focus has been stirred as well…personal needs are somehow overlooked in favor of serving others,” Dr. Ethel Abao, CNU-CTE Dean said to her fellow academicians. 

She said that there is a need to capture or recapture certain coping mechanisms for teachers, parents, spouses, children, and community leaders to still become proactive in life and work with the challenges brought by the health crisis. 

Dr. Daisy Palompon, CNU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) said that the webinar is designed to be an avenue for teachers to gain insights and acceptance on the current realities with the demands of work and home responsibilities that are pushing and pulling them in different directions.

Mr. Rhoderick John Abellanosa, Director of Human Resource at Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu was invited as the guest speaker where he provided techniques and coping mechanisms to create a balance between work and personal life.

He shared strategies on how to cope with the work from home setup and guided the participants on how to develop their work-life balance plan.

Abellanosa shared and discussed the two variables of work-life balance – time and the social environment. 

He said that it is difficult to accomplish work-life balance individually but should be planned and managed collectively as departments, as colleges, and as a University.  

“If we want to create a space where people feel more life in where they are, the space should also be a nurturing space,” he said. 

Abellanosa said that space does not only entail physical space but also relationships. He added that space should allow employees to grow in their fullness as persons.

He also shared that work-life balance has a relation to mental health and that time and space also relate to the behavioral dynamics of workers and must be taken into consideration.

He also emphasized that stress is part of life and is a necessary effect of change. He recommended that employees should have open communication in the workplace and that a clearer feedback mechanism should be in place.

“Anything that would make you feel tired would no longer make your life meaningful and at some point, it has to be stopped at least temporarily in order to regain balance,” Abellanosa said.

The webinar ended with Mananay encouraging her fellow teachers to remember to enjoy life and to be each other’s keeper. She imparted that management of time and self-care are both important. (JDF) 

Photo grabbed from the Facebook post of Dr. Janet Mananay

CNU-ILS culminates Sci-Math month recognizing its role in the pandemic

The Cebu Normal University-Integrated Laboratory School (CNU-ILS) culminated the Science and Math (Sci-Math) Month highlighting the importance of Science and Math in combating the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) health crisis. 

CNU-ILS exhibited the activities and outputs of its learners that were done during the entire month of September virtually for the first time this year.

The annual Sci-Math Culminating Activity was streamed via the CNU Facebook page last September 30, 2020, with the theme Reinventing the Future: Advancing Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations. 

Math Student Teaching Mentor, Mrs. Jo Ann Petancio, said that the Sci-Month is celebrated “to encourage the youth to step up and reinvent the future.”

She cited the achievements of two junior high school students who came up with innovations amidst the pandemic with the use of their knowledge and skills in Sci-Math. She associated the inventions in their young age as reasons to celebrate Sci-Math Month. 

These two boys Petancio was referring to are Marcus Chu, a 16-year-old boy from Manila, Philippines who was able to produce more than 80 face shields (which were later donated to medical front-liners) with the use of a 3D printer, and Avi Schiffmann, a 17-year-old boy from Seattle, USA who made a website that updates the spread of COVID-19 every minute which has been visited by 12 million people since it was launched in December. 

The Sci-Math Culminating Activity showcased the outputs of the CNU-ILS learners such as the: Milk Art Experiment, Paper Spiral Experiment, and Growing Togue of the pre-school to name a few; Sci-Math Jobs Vlogs Contest for Grades 1 to 3; Virtual Poster Making and Virtual Slogan Writing Contests for Grades 4 to 6; and Sci-Math Vid, Virtual Poster Making, and Virtual Slogan Writing Contests for Grades 7 to 10.

The contestants from the elementary and high school categories were then awarded e-certificates during the latter part of the program.

The winners of the different categories are as follows:  

Sci-Math Jobs Vlog 
1st Place: Vincent Prime Armecin, Grade 1
2nd Place: Merriamnemosyne Aharul, Grade 1
3rd Place: Avery Sky Deiparine, Grade 2

Virtual Slogan Making (Elementary Category)
1st Place: Stacie Louisse Ibones, Grade 4
2nd Place: Louiz Phillip Tecson, Grade 6
3rd Place: Rob Oswald Castillo, Grade 6

Virtual Poster Making (Elementary Category)
1st Place: Seth Johan Santino Misa, Grade 6
2nd Place: Deandre Chiz Lima, Grade 5
3rd Place: Maximus Rodriguez, Grade 4

Virtual Slogan Making (High School Category)
Champion: Mary Anne Gorrero, Grade 10
1st Runner-up: Akimah Ross Avendanio, Grade 10
2nd Runner-up: Ella Adrienne Bacalso, Grade 8 
3rd Runner-up: Athena Krystle Cordova, Grade 7

Virtual Poster Making (High School Category)
Champion: Marian Angelyn Labrador, Grade 8 
1st Runner-up: Azalea Gabrielle Mongaya, Grade 10
2nd Runner-up: Janna Tisha Revero, Grade 10
3rd Runner-up: Krystal Mae Anadia, Grade 7

Sci-Math Vid
Champion: Grade 9 Representatives
1st Runner-up: Grade 10 Representatives
2nd Runner-up: Grade 7 Representatives
3rd Runner-up: Grade 8 Representatives

Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) Student Teaching Chair, Dr. Feleeh Enanoza, said that CNU-ILS is a creative community that will help reinvent the future by helping each of their students become the best they can be.

She then closed the program thanking all the students for their participation, the parents for their support to their children, and the mentors and student interns for constantly reminding the students to be at their best. (JDF)

HEdConnect 5 discuss ways for engaging virtual learning and reading

Cebu Normal University (CNU) educators imparted ways to have an interactive virtual learning environment and to effectively teach reading online during the fifth session of Higher Education Connect (HEdConnect).

The HEdConnect Session 5 was organized by CNU College of Teacher Education (CTE) with the theme 
Meeting the Challenges of a Virtual Learning Environment. The webinar was held last August 29, 2020, through the Zoom platform. 

Read related article: [HEdConnect gathers education leaders to discuss the ‘new normal’ in higher ed]
 
The webinar featured two faculty members from CTE who are experts in the field of Education. They were Dr. Noremay Perez, Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) Student Teaching Mentor and Dr. Janet Mananay, CTE Undergraduate Studies – Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) and Diploma in Professional Education (DPE) Chair. 

Perez talked about Creating Engaging Learning Experiences in a Virtual Classroom, while Mananay shared about Teaching Reading and Developing Critical Thinking in a Virtual Environment.  

Read related article: [HEdConnect Session 2 reflects on pandemic and society]

“The virtual classroom is a new learning environment; hence, teachers are still figuring out the best way to deliver lessons and to engage students in learning,” Perez said.

She said that defining how to communicate with students, establishing virtual classroom rules and expectations, planning of virtual class, utilizing multimedia materials, making the class interactive with different online tools, asking for feedback on your online class, and taking time to relax are ways on how to create engaging learning experiences in the virtual classroom. 

She then gave a tutorial on how to make use of online platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet to have an interactive online class.

Read related article: [Language and literature propel HEdConnect 3 & 4]

Mananay on the other hand discussed on virtual learning environment, reviewed some principles of teaching reading, and shared strategies that help develop critical thinking skills of students.

She formulated ways on how to effectively teach reading virtually by using the acronym READING and called it the ‘Magic 7’.   

The Magic 7 includes: Receptiveness to Digital Tools, Engagement is an important key, Active involvement of parents, Distance is addressed through presence, Interactivity leads to quality online learning, Nurture the love for reading, and Give yourself and your students time to adjust. 

The HEdConnect is an ongoing webinar series of the University which aims for educators to share experiences and discuss ways to overcome the challenges brought by Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). This is the pledge of the University – to serve in the new normal.

The first session of HEdConnect was held last June 30, 2020, as a post-Foundation Anniversary activity in celebration of the University’s 118 years of existence. (JDF)

X