Ateneo de Manila hosts 10th CALOHEA National Meeting

The Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design (GBSEALD) of Ateneo de Manila University hosted the CALOHEA Capacity Building: Implementing Student Workload Measurements for More Effective and Holistic Learning Outcomes in the Philippines’ Higher Education last 21–22 September 2023. Organized by the International Tuning Academy, University of Groningen (RUG), and ASEAN University Network (AUN), the CALOHEA Capacity Building coincided with the 10th CALOHEA National Meeting. 

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, the CALOHEA project (Measuring and Comparing Achievements of Learning Outcomes in Higher Education in Asia) aims to contribute to the internationalization of higher education institutions in Southeast Asia by developing a series of interrelated measures in three Key Recognition Mechanisms (RM1: Subject-Specific Reference Framework, RM2: Student Workload Calculation, and RM3: Authentic Assessment).

CALOHEA’s Recognition Mechanisms (RMs) are tools developed by Tuning Academy, to make the degree program comparable in three subject areas (Civil Engineering, Medicine, and Teacher Education). This comparability, which can be replicated in other subject areas as well, accommodates program/degree recognition, promotes student mobility, and enhances the internationalization of ASEAN Higher Education Institutions.

The two-day onsite and online meeting, with plenaries held at Leong Hall and breakout sessions in Areté, was attended by more than 200 guests from different universities, both locally and internationally. University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ welcomed participants and guests, remarking: “As higher education institutions, we strive towards a shared vision to ensure that our students have opportunities and access to high-quality education that will prepare them for their role in the world of work and society.”

“As ASEAN higher education institutions,” he added, “we are challenged to lead, enable, engage, and inspire our students and graduates to thrive in this rapidly changing world. We are emboldened to constantly think of new ways of teaching and learning amidst this global landscape. Thus, the CALOHEA project allows us to improve the internationalization efforts of ASEAN higher education institutions by creating core recognition mechanisms.”

The first day of the meeting focused on policy dialogue and knowledge sharing, beginning with the CALOHEA Project’s overview in Southeast Asia and the world. Dr Maria Yarosh of Tuning Academy from the University of Groningen and Mr Korn Ratanagosoom, First Officer and Chief Strategy Officer of the ASEAN University Network delivered their plenary addresses. 

The policy dialogue focused on the prospects and challenges of student workloads to promote student mobility, degree recognition, and internationalization, delivered by top management and policymakers in charge of degree recognition mechanisms from the government and universities. Speakers included Ms Ma Cristina M Alikpala, Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization, Ateneo de Manila University, and Dr Edizon A Fermin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, National Teachers College and Chair, CHED Technical Panel for Teacher Education. Dr Fermin also shared the insights of Atty Lily Freida M Milla, Director, International Affairs Service, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), who was unable to attend the event. 

Dr Norman Dennis E Marquez, Asst VP for Health, Care and Well-being of Ateneo de Manila University and Ms Julianne Gatdula, President of the Civil Engineering Society of De La Salle University–Manila, representing faculty members and students, respectively, presented their respective addresses relating to the various student mobility and internationalization programs of their institutions. Ms Theresa Nebres-Ladrido, High School Principal of Xavier School, presented the internationalization programs of her school and the skills and traits of teachers that they hire to address their needs.

Breakout sessions based on subject areas took place in the afternoon and on the second day, with various speakers on specialized topics and workshops. 

To learn more about the CALOHEA project, visit calohea.org.