On February 21, 2025 (Friday), a successful seminar was held at San Miguel Central Elementary School. The event began with an opening speech delivered by the respected principal, Dr. Alona A. Mallari. After her introduction, Assistant Professor Jayson Punzalan took the stage to present the first topic, "F.U.N. (Flexible, Useful, and Nifty) Hands-on Science."
The science educators actively participated in the discussion, particularly enjoying a game that served as an engaging introduction to the topic. Assistant Professor Punzalan elaborated on various generational transformations and strategies designed to accommodate a range of learning styles. He provided examples that included visual, verbal, social, logical, auditory, and solitary methods to engage advanced learners effectively. Furthermore, he highlighted the current implementation of a hybrid teaching model, which integrates online classes through platforms such as Google Meet, MS Teams, and Zoom with traditional face-to-face instruction. Also, he added the reintroduction of the GMRC (Good Manners and Right Conduct) subject aims to enhance students' learning and improve their social etiquette.
The second discussion commenced with Dr. Nelvin R. Nool, who initiated the session by posing a question to the participants regarding their strategies for addressing and managing students' math anxiety. The educators shared their approaches to learning styles, emphasizing the challenges learners face, particularly in problem-solving in mathematics, which requires strong reading comprehension skills. The teachers joined in singing after the principal began the math-related song. Dr. Nool elucidates the conceptual deficiencies in mathematics education and offers strategies to assist students in overcoming their challenges in learning mathematics. The conversation encompassed the exchange of effective pedagogical approaches to engage students' interest in mathematics. This included an exploration of the scaffolding technique, the promotion of collaborative learning, the incorporation of visual aids and hands-on activities, as well as the application of mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios. Dr. Nelvin elaborated on the significance of scaffolding in mathematics instruction, detailing its implementation, the deconstruction of intricate concepts, and the provision of guidance through strategic questioning, which was subsequently followed by a problem-solving exercise.
The seminar was characterized by a vibrant atmosphere and significant insights provided by the resource speakers, culminating in sincere closing remarks from Dr. Maria Agnes P. Ladia, the project head of Lugud 2.0. In her final address, she underscored the necessity for educators to persistently seek innovative ways to engage their students. Furthermore, she stated that "The youth are the hope of the nation," thereby underscoring the pivotal role that teachers have in influencing the lives of students, especially during their formative years. This was followed by the presentation of certificates and a photo session for both participants and facilitators.
