Ateneo DOST graduate scholar-teachers win at 10th NRCSME

Two Ateneo graduate students emerged victorious in the oral and technical poster research presentations at the 10th National Research Conference in Science and Mathematics Education (NRCSME), with the theme “Synergies in STEM: Fostering Cultural Integration, Collaboration and Innovation for Sustainable Futures,” held on 21-22 November 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga.

Mr Patrick John Fernandez (PhD in Mathematics Education) was recognized as the best oral presenter in the doctoral level for the “Learning Experiences and Teaching Strategies” research category. Meanwhile, Ms Wendy Villamin (MS in Science Education) placed 2nd for the same research category in the technical poster presentations. The winners received certificates and monetary awards of P10,000 and P6,000, respectively. This remarkable feat highlights the commitment and hard work of Ateneo scholars and their mentors.

The research conference is annually organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) in partnership with the National Consortium in Graduate Science and Mathematics Education (NCGSME). This year’s iteration was hosted by the Central Luzon State University. Among other scholars from NCGSME member universities, thirteen scholars from the Ateneo de Manila University’s School of Science and Engineering actively participated in the conference. These included Maria Digi Anna Avila, Patrick John Fernandez, Rhett Anthony Latonio (PhD Math Ed), Christian Abasta, Ella Ansay, Jun Balili, Angel Mae Ombid (MS Math Ed), Victor Benitez II, Iris Mae Caidic, Alyanna Nicole Carlos, Mary Grace Manalastas, Wendy Villamin, and Geneena Villarico (MS Sci Ed). The participating scholars were accompanied by Ateneo faculty members Dr Angela Fatima Guzon, Dr Lester Hao, Dr Janice Ragaza, and Ms Trinket Constantino.

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Jayeel Cornelio, the former head of the Ateneo Office of Research and Creative Work, delivered the opening remarks on the first day, highlighting two underlying problems of the country—slow research productivity and a scarcity of scientists. He mentioned that more individuals are needed to mitigate these problems and threw a challenge to participants to wield powerful influence through research and teaching.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bill Atweh presented a keynote speech about "Confessions about Self Naivety in a Life-Long STEM Work: The Audacity of Being Critical" and emphasized that teachers must take an active role in asking questions, especially on the policies that influence them as well as the use of technology in education. Afterwards, Prof. Lerma De Llana-Paris led the first plenary talk on “Ethical Considerations in Research: Harmonizing Efforts in STEM Education for Sustainable Futures.” She accentuated that quality research is both scientifically sound and adheres to social and ethical standards.

Lastly, Dr. Richard R. Jugar presented the second plenary talk about “STEM & Internationalization: Leveraging on Mobility and Recognition Mechanisms in Sustaining Synergy and Innovation.” Dr. Jugar mentioned some internationalization myths that learning institutions should avoid, such as the misconception about the number of memoranda of agreement and international students. He further emphasized that higher education institutions should first meet the local minimum standards of Commission on Higher Education (CHED), with internationalization coming second. The plenary talks were followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony that formally opened the research poster exhibit.

The second day of the conference began with the continuation of the technical oral presentations. The afternoon featured the third and final plenary session delivered by Dr. Melfei E. Bungihan, a faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas. Her presentation, titled “Outcomes-Based Education Framework: Towards Integrative, Collaborative, and Innovative Science Education” explored the impact of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) on teaching at the tertiary level. Dr. Bungihan stressed that the ultimate goal of OBE is for graduates to demonstrate tangible outcomes that prepare them for the ever-evolving demands of the workforce. She also highlighted the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the science curricula as part of the greater effort to equip Filipino learners with 21st century skills. Ultimately, Dr. Bungihan’s talk emphasized a more holistic, outcomes-driven approach to tertiary education that prepares graduates for success in the real world.

The afternoon session proceeded with one of the most anticipated parts of the conference—the launch of the CBPSME Scholars Journal. Dr. Raphael A. Guerrero, AdMU CBPSME Project Director and Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee for the CBPSME Scholars Journal, introduced the new initiative designed to improve the archiving and dissemination of STEM education research. The journal was primarily created to assist CBPSME graduate scholars to fulfill the requirements set by the CHED memorandum, which calls for master’s students to have at least one publication or evidence of acceptance to a refereed, peer-reviewed journal. By providing an accessible platform for submitting graduate research, the journal also seeks to fulfill one of its key goals: to guarantee that STEM education research in the country is effectively utilized to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Dr. Guerrero also shared that the journal will be published online, with a limited print run, and will release two issues annually—one in May, and one in November, with the first issue expected to be published in May 2025.

Following the final plenary session and the journal launch, the participants donned their elegant gowns, exquisite suits, and color-coded masks at the Scholar’s Gala, themed Masquerade Night. This glamorous dinner ball provided an opportunity for attendees to socialize and celebrate the conclusion of the conference, as well as the successful completion and dissemination of their research. The evening culminated with the announcement and awarding of winners for both the technical poster and oral presentations.

(Official photographs courtesy of the NRCSME event photography team.)