Written Rhoda C. Tique & Aurora Luzano (STELA) |
Benjamin Franklin’s timeless words, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn,” capture the heart of authentic education. This philosophy came to life through the active engagement of Pre-Service Teachers enrolled in the Professional Enhancement 1 and 2 courses both BSED and BEED. Their participation, initiative, and commitment reflect the true spirit of meaningful learning—one that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal #4 on Quality Education, which emphasizes the development of real, demonstrable student competencies.
The first half of the Professional Enhancement courses centered on rigorous academic preparation. Students underwent a series of tests, mock board examinations, and rationalization sessions addressing the three core components of the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET): General Education, Professional Education, and Specialization. These activities strengthened not only their content mastery but also their confidence and readiness for the national board exam.
The second half of the courses highlighted a more experiential and transformative approach. Students participated in various seminars and webinars relevant to their field of specialization. As a culminating requirement, they conducted an Echo Seminar—an activity designed to cascade their learning, enhance their communication skills, and provide them with a platform to apply professional competencies in authentic contexts. Through this, they deepened their understanding, showcased leadership, and bridged their seminar experiences with real-world demands in the teaching profession.
The Pre-Service Teachers demonstrated excellence in planning, implementing, and evaluating four series of Echo Seminars—each organized by student groups who crafted themes based on insights gained from sessions led by distinguished speakers in education. Their creativity and initiative resulted in the following seminar series:
- November 7 – Innovation Pathways in Education: Fostering Well-being, Inclusion, and Future Readiness through Effective Teaching Strategies and Play-based Learning.
- November 13 – IGNITE: Illuminating Minds, Guiding Hearts, and Nurturing Individuals Towards Empowerment—A Vision of Light, Growth, and Direction.
- November 21 – AI and the 21st Century Classroom: AI Literacy, Language Assessment, Teacher Well-being, and Digital Transformation in Education.
- November 27 – INTEGRATE: Inclusion Nurtures Teaching Excellence, Guiding Responsive Approaches to True Engagement.
In all four series, the Pre-Service Teachers delivered performances comparable to seasoned professionals. The student-speakers exhibited outstanding clarity, insight, and depth—an inspiring demonstration of learning by doing.
This holistic experience embodies the principles of experiential and outcomes-based education. Beyond academic preparation, the Professional Enhancement courses provided students with opportunities for leadership, collaboration, critical inquiry, and self-directed growth. They served not merely as subjects but as transformative pathways that shaped the students’ perspectives, skills, and professional identity.
Ultimately, empowering future educators through active involvement and authentic learning experiences maximizes their potential, strengthens their competence, and prepares them for the noble calling of teaching. Truly, Professional Enhancement is more than a course—it is a journey toward becoming empowered, reflective, and effective educators.
