First Eduspec Inc. encourages institutions to be STEAM-strong for the future of learners

The results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and other international standardized tests have brought attention to the poor performance of Filipino learners, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the quality of education in our country today. Filipino students are falling behind in critical areas, particularly math and science, ranking 77th among 81 countries in the 2022 PISA rankings released in December 2023.

For First Eduspec Inc. (FEI), this news presents a challenge and an opportunity to provide better support for learners by emphasizing their STEAM curriculum. With a purposive and well-designed STEAM curriculum, experiential tools to test and hone students’ skills, assessments to measure performance, and continuous professional development programs for teachers, Filipino learners can fully realize their potential and become more equipped and STEAM-strong. All these are offered by FEI, a multinational organization known for its innovative, technology-based educational solutions and services, and a sister company of Rex Education, a leading academic publisher in the country.

On October 11, FEI and REX underscored their commitment in a special program to address the challenges of providing better support for Filipino learners in STEAM education as they prepare to become future-ready citizens of a digital, technology-driven world.

Themed Armed and Equipped: Nurturing Future-Ready Citizens Through Leveled-Up STEAM Learning with First Eduspec Inc., the program featured keynotes from prominent STEAM stakeholders, including FEI General Manager Willard Paras and Dr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone of the Philippine Normal University. FEI and Rex Education also reaffirmed their commitment to actively support initiatives aimed at advancing the Philippine education system and further empowering Filipino learners.

“At FEI, we have made it our mission to come up with STEAM learning solutions that are relevant, needs-driven, and research- and evidence-based to respond to the ever-changing needs for innovative learning solutions,” Paras said, as he discussed the four pillars of FEI’s STEAM-STRONG programs:

STEAM curriculum designed to develop 21st-century skills.

Authentic assessment for evidence-based teaching, learning dynamics, and evaluation of students’ skills achievement.

Educational technology to help students and teachers familiarize themselves with the world of work.

Capacity building and professional development for institutions, and especially teachers, to effectively deliver these programs.

“We work closely with every partner and institution to ensure schools are ready to assist learners in their STEAM journey. We provide training and workshops to help empower teachers and instructors, enabling them to become competent STEAM enthusiasts who can, in turn, arm and equip our learners,” Paras added.

In his keynote, REX CEO Don Timothy Buhain reflected on the Philippines’ low PISA ranking, calling it “a challenge for all of us” and prompting the audience to consider these vital questions: How are we teaching STEAM in our schools? Are we truly giving our learners all the tools and support they need to succeed in the real world?

“This is a conversation we need to have, and I am happy we are here as part of the solution. We will do more,” Buhain assured.

“With FEI’s guidance, our STEAM offerings have been significantly enhanced, enabling us to better meet the needs of our learners. For us at REX, FEI is family—an integral contributor to the symphony of learning solutions we have developed over the years. This relationship grows stronger every day as we approach our 75th year of nurturing Filipino learners,” Buhain said.

These needs have only increased in the 21st century, with the introduction of digital learning technologies fundamentally transforming how people learn and interact with information. This transformation underscores the importance of technology—a core component of STEAM—in ensuring young people’s successful participation in all spheres of life.

In line with this, PISA has introduced in its ninth cycle a new, innovative domain: Learning in a Digital World, which assesses students’ ability to learn and thrive in digital environments alongside its usual evaluations of core skills in math and science. FEI and Rex Education’s STEAM-STRONG initiative aims to help improve Filipino learners’ performance in PISA and prepare them for a digital, technology-driven future.

The special event also marked the launch of the Partnership Graduate Studies Program with First City Providential College, an institution granted autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education. The program will offer advanced learning opportunities in STEAM and robotics education to further empower educators. Additionally, the event included the soft launch of the Federation of Robotics Schools in the Philippines, an organization dedicated to advancing coding, robotics, and STEAM learning nationwide through various programs and activities.

A total of 55 schools have signed up for FEI’s robotics program for SY 2024–2025, including St. Mary’s College (Quezon City), which showcased an agricultural robot prototype designed to help Filipino farmers cultivate their fields. This demonstration highlights both the far-reaching impact of robotics in various aspects of life and the exceptional talent of Filipino students in this high-tech field.

NBDB urges focus on readership and literacy initiatives

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) urges policymakers, educators, community leaders, and stakeholders to prioritize readership and literacy initiatives, while also involving parents in efforts to make reading more accessible to all segments of the population.

This call follows the release of the 2023 National Readership Survey (NRS) results, showing a notable decline in non-school book readership among Filipino adults and children. The survey revealed adult readership at 42% and children at 47% in 2023. Access to books emerged as the primary reason for the decline, with limited awareness of public libraries and constraints like time and distance cited as barriers to visits.

Unlock the joys of learning with REX’s Children's Books Christmas Promos

Running out of gift ideas? Worry no more! We’ve got you covered. For your peppy young ones, Rex Education has prepared a delightful array of surprises, especially for this holiday season.

Let every child explore and wonder. Let the fun in learning begin!

Little Explorers Giveaway Promo

Buy any ‘Little Explorers’ and ‘Hello Animals’ regular-priced items worth PHP 350.00 and up, and receive a pencil case for free! This awesome deal is here for a limited time only. So, stock up on your Little Explorers and Hello Animals books now! The adventure of learning awaits your little ones, and so does a free pencil case!

SM group turns over 104th school building

 
SM scholars from Roxas City volunteer to clean the new school building ahead of its turnover.

In time for the school year opening, SM Prime through SM Foundation turned over a fully furnished two-storey building to the President Manuel Roxas Memorial Integrated School-South in Roxas City, Western Visayas.

The 104th school building made through the collaboration is built in accordance with specifications set by the Department of Education (DepEd). It holds four classrooms, each furnished with desks, chairs for left-handed students, toilets per classroom, including a special toilet for PWDs on the ground floor.

SM Scholars aspire to share the gift of education

New SM scholars recently joined the contract signing event in Pasay.

"I desire to become an educator not just to fulfill a dream but also to be a blessing to the next generation." 

 

These inspiring words come from 18-year-old Princess Eunice Motel, an SM scholar currently pursuing her education at the Philippine Normal University. She is one of two children of Hildajane, an on-call factory re-packer, and Richard, a set man, hailing from Caloocan City. 

 

Princess' dream of becoming a teacher has been a lifelong aspiration, deeply rooted in her heart and mind since her childhood. This calling became even more pronounced when she embraced her Christian faith.

 

SM Scholar and aspiring educator Princess Eunice Motel

 

"My unwavering commitment to becoming a teacher is directly inspired by the Kidz Life Ministry, a cherished initiative of our church dedicated to teaching children about God's word. I aspire to be a vessel for sharing knowledge, instilling hope, and nurturing a brighter future for the next generation," she said.

 

To pursue her dreams, Princess has chosen to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education at the Philippine Normal University, her dream institution. "PNU is renowned for its ability to nurture exceptional teachers," she remarked. "As I aspire to become an educator, I also strive for greatness and excellence, and there's no better place to achieve that than at PNU."  

Following in her mother's footsteps, Jhona Bolinas is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education with English as her major. Born in Baliuag, Bulacan, she passed entrance exams at other universities but opted to enroll at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela due to its proximity to her family.

 

Despite considering other career paths, Jhona opted education, drawing inspiration from her mother, who is also an educator. "Watching, observing, and listening to her, I learned the basics," she shared. Driven by her love for reading and writing, she also chose to specialize in English. 

 

When asked if she plans to work abroad after graduation, Jhona keeps her options open, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "But right now, I want to ensure that my mother enjoys a good life before making such a significant decision," she explained.  

 

Another aspiring educator is Krissa May Oquindo. Her father, a cable technician, is the family's sole breadwinner while her mother dedicates her time to caring for the family. Krissa completed her senior high school education at the Universidad de Manila. She applied to four State universities and ultimately chose to enroll at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), known for producing graduates highly sought after by employers, as per a recent survey.
 

 

SM scholar Krissa May Oquindo (right) aspires to be a teacher for her family and community.

When asked about her motivation to become a teacher, Krissa responded, "Being an educator has always been my passion. From the moment I set foot on a school campus, the idea of standing in front of students and sharing knowledge excites me." She has selected Science as her major to deepen her understanding of the subject and to enlighten others about it. 

 

Krissa has no plans to teach abroad. She believes that while there is demand for teachers overseas, the same holds true in the Philippines: "My passion for teaching is rooted in caring for the next generation, especially for the youth of our country."

  

Through the years, the SM college scholarship program has empowered 3,791 graduates who have enrolled in over 120 partner colleges and universities across the nation. These scholars enjoy full tuition benefits, monthly allowances, part-time work opportunities during semestral and Christmas breaks, job offers from the SM Group upon graduation, and engaging activities and enrichment programs. 

 

Additionally, SM's tech-voc scholarship program has produced 4,669 graduates, further contributing to the development of skilled professionals in various fields. 

 

PHINMA Education launches new unified brand for two NCR Schools

PHINMA Education, a leading education network in the Philippines, has launched a new unified brand for its NCR schools at the #GritToGlory Partners’ Launch, jumpstarting a campaign that highlights the value of courage and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. 

During the brand launch held last April 26 at Light of Love Events Place, PHINMA Republican College unveiled its new name, PHINMA Saint Jude College Quezon City, alongside PHINMA Saint Jude College Manila, the original campus located in Sampaloc, Manila. 

"We are thrilled to present our PHINMA NCR schools’ unified brand in the launch of our campaign that highlights the virtue of Grit,” said Ana Chua, PHINMA Education NCR schools Chief Operating Officer. “This virtue, which is what we nurture among our students in the new PHINMA Saint Jude College Manila and PHINMA Saint Jude College Quezon City, is one that is reflected amongst our students - young people, many of whom hail from low income households, coming from all over the country and courageously staking their claim to a better life through quality education in Metro Manila.

“As we continuously expand to new markets, what remains constant is our resolve to deliver our brand of accessible, flexible, and supportive education to more of the underserved market," Chua continues. “This time, as we establish our presence in the country’s capital, we intend to serve those from humble backgrounds in this bustling, highly-competitive environment, and provide them with equal footing among their peers. That is why our battle cry is Hamon, Tapang, Tagumpay - because we believe that with grit, kasama ang PHINMA Ed, they can.”

PHINMA Saint Jude College and PHINMA Republican College are two of the nine (9) PHINMA Education schools in the Philippines, along with Horizon Education in Indonesia. PHINMA Saint Jude College was acquired in 2017 while in 2019, PHINMA Republican College became part of the network. 

For more information about PHINMA Education and its #GritToGlory campaign, please visit www.phinma.edu.ph or follow PHINMA Education's official social media accounts.

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How can children benefit from online games?

Online games can provide both positive and negative effects on children, depending on the type of game, amount of time spent playing, and the child's age and developmental stage. When kids are left unmonitored while playing online some of the possible harms include:

Addiction

One of the most significant negative effects of online gaming is addiction. Kids can get hooked on games, especially those that offer rewards or progress. When kids spend too much time playing, they may neglect other important activities, such as homework, physical exercise, or socializing with friends and family.

Courtesy of You Are Mom

Poor academic performance

Kids who spend excessive time playing online games may experience poor academic performance. They may struggle to keep up with their studies and homework, resulting in lower grades and poor academic achievement.

It's important for parents to monitor their children's activity and set limits on the amount of time they spend gaming to ensure their safety. Parents can also educate their children on safe online practices, such as not sharing personal information with strangers, and using appropriate language and behavior when playing with others.

Money games like Cash Back and Treze Coins are examples of online video games that are beneficial to kids. These games provide a fun way for kids to learn and enhance their math skills in basic operations like addition and subtraction. Cash Back challenges players to provide accurate change to customers, while Treze Coins allows players to add coins together to deposit into a gumball machine.

Both games are easy to play and have simple instructions that kids can easily follow. Cash Back also features hints that show the change amount to help the player solve the change quickly under time pressure. Treze Coins allows players to choose their preferred language and coin denominations, making it a versatile game for kids around the world.

If used in moderation and with proper supervision, online games can be beneficial to kids.

Cognitive Development: Many online games are designed to challenge a child's cognitive abilities, such as memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Playing these games can help kids develop their cognitive skills and enhance their brain function.

Social Skills: Online games that involve multiplayer mode can help kids improve their social skills by interacting with other players. They learn to communicate, cooperate, and negotiate, which are essential skills in real-life social situations.

Courtesy of Just All Star

Hand-eye Coordination: Many online games require quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination. By playing these games, kids can improve their fine motor skills and coordination.

Stress Relief: Online games can provide a  outlet for kids to relieve stress and relax. Games that involve strategy or puzzles can help them focus on the task at hand and forget about their worries.

Learning: Some online games are designed to teach kids specific subjects, such as history, geography, and math. These games can make learning fun and engaging, encouraging kids to learn more and retain information better.

Overall, playing online games can be a fun and enjoyable experience for children as long as it's done safely and in moderation. Money games like Cash Back and Treze Coins provide a great way for kids to learn and enhance their math skills while having fun at the same time.

Parents can ensure their children's safety by monitoring their online activity and educating them on safe online practices. By doing so, parents can make sure that their children's online gaming experience is both fun and educational.

International bestselling Filipino author Robert C. San Luis reveals secrets to early retirement

Top international bestselling author Robert C. San Luis delivered a seminar on financial freedom during the launch of his book, Wealth Without Wall Street: Seven Keys To An Early Retirement, held last March 10 at Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City, Philippines.

With the success of his book in the United States (US), the finance guru, successful investor, and sought after investment consultant in America has arrived in the country on a mission to educate Filipinos on investment trends and achieving their dreams of financial freedom.

Power Mac Center & Galileo offer Digital Summer Camp 2017 for Kids

What better way for kids to spend summer is by attending workshops to learn new things and develop or enhance hidden talents and skills. 

Propel’s DETOUR Bootcamp 2016 in Antipolo | October 27-29, 2016

PROPEL MENTORING PARTNERSHIP CO. holds its most awaited annual life enrichment boot camp this year entitled DETOUR: Embracing Life's Unexpected Turns happening on  October 27-29, 2016 at Boso-Boso Highlands Resort in Antipolo.

This meaningful 3-day camp program offers its 150 campers fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests as they rediscover themselves through the 7 journeys of the 7 speakers from this country’s leading industries for only Php 4,000.00. This fee already includes food and hotel accommodation for their entire 3-day stay in the camp as they create memories that last a lifetime. Added to this, the event main beneficiary is the children cancer survivors here in the  Philippines.

Free Seminar: Financial Literacy for Artists | August 29, 2015

The Artists Welfare Project, Inc. holds a free seminar on Financial Literacy, Taxation and Legal Obligation targetted for Artists to be held on August 29, 2015 at 3:00-6:00 pm at MINT College, McKinley Hill, Taguig City.

Free Seminar: Financial Literacy and Bookkeeping for Artists | July 8, 2015

The Artists Welfare Project, Inc. holds a free seminar entitled "Financial Literacy and Bookkeeping for Artists" to be held on July 8, 2015 at the Silangan Hall, 4th floor, Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila.

This is the Final Schedule:

10:00 am-12:30 pm - Art Organizations

3:00-5:30 pm - Artists

The Top 15 IT certifications resources

Photo courtesy of IT Business Edge

As a good teacher creates excellent students, similarly a good technical training institute can create excellent professionals. In order to become an excellent professional, you have to choose such technical training institute or vendor which may guide you in going through your exams for obtaining a certification. As there are large number of vendors currently working to develop courses and trainings for students and professionals, it is very important to choose among these vendors so that you may succeed in your purpose of getting certified in a technical field.