2024 summer workshops for APC teachers

In April and May, during the school break months, APC teachers engaged in skills and pedagogy development workshops designed to enhance and streamline their teaching practices. Teachers from APC connecting schools in Nabawang, Nabag-o, and Mindagulos stayed in the dalēpaan in Bendum and fully participated in these workshops.

Computer use training and curriculum updating, 8 to 19 April 2024

The APC teachers updated their skills in using the computer for organizing files, creating settings, working with PDFs, and learning to create exams in MS Word, manage grades in MS Excel, and maintain printer functionality. For the other workshop, teachers used the activity to organize curriculum materials in the specific subjects they teach, create curriculum maps with cultural integration, develop learning plans, and craft sample test questions. The teachers also had English grammar lessons to hone their language skills with volleyball games in the late afternoons.

Inculturation workshop, 29 April to 1 May 2024

The teachers then went down to Malaybalay City to participate in an Inculturation Workshop at the Bukidnon Institute of Catechetics from 29 April to 1 May with Father Ambrosio “Bros” Flores SJ facilitating. Father Bros is the Superior of the Bukidnon Mission District and Coordinator of the Indigenous Peoples Ministry of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific. His extensive background in theology provided a rich foundation for the discussions.

Participants engaged in group activities, reflecting on their experiences with the education system, both as students and educators. Discussions highlighted the importance of integrating cultural heritage into education, with a focus on mother tongue instruction and cultural values. The groups also explored the influence of religion and cultural practices on education, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that respects and enhances local traditions.

Father Bros concluded the workshop by encouraging participants to align their cultural identity with their Christian faith. He stressed that inculturation should be a two-way dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and respect. The Inculturation Workshop provided APC teachers and staff with valuable insights to enrich their teaching and personal lives.

Orientation on psychological first aid, 3 to 4 May 2024

The two-day in Bendum on orientation on psychological first aid was conducted by psychology professors and volunteers from Ateneo de Davao University’s Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS). The group was headed by Dr. Gail Ilagan, former COPERS Director, and Randolph Reserva, COPERS Assistant Director.

Academic planning and development, 6 to 17 May 2024

APC teachers also had academic development and planning with Father Gabriel Jose “Gaby” Gonzalez SJ. They worked on preparing learning resources and materials for APC’s implementation of the Matatag Curriculum and streamlining documentation of the teaching-learning processes in the school.

These activities helped equip APC teachers with some of the necessary tools and insights for a more effective educational environment this school year 2024-2025.