The Division of Professional Education (ProfEd), faculty members led by its chair Dr. Jonny B. Pornel, conducted a focus group discussion (FGD) with 16 teachers from the Department of Education teachers in Tubungan last February 7, 2025 at the Tubungan Central Elementary School.
The discussion revolved around the participants learning in the seminar-workshop on Inclusive Education that ProfEd conducted last October 4, 2024. The FGD also explored the participants experiences, needs, challenges, and successes in implementing inclusive education in their classrooms. It was conducted to improve the Division’s public service activity on inclusive education as well as to support UP Visayas Chancellor, Dr. Clement C. Camposano’s 5-Point agenda, specifically building on the University’s strengths in teaching, research, and public service.
The seminar-workshop was designed to advance the principles of Inclusive Humanizing Education, where over 150 teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd) gathered at Tubungan Central Elementary School.
The seminar opened with a series of thought-provoking lectures delivered by a distinguished panel of educators. Dr. Donne Jone Sodusta, LPT, began the session with a presentation on "Exploring the Diversity Landscape," emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing diversity in the classroom. His insights were followed by Prof. Dominique J. Maquiran, LPT, who facilitated a dynamic discussion on current teaching strategies in his session titled "My Teaching Practices.”
Prof. Helen Grace Concepcion Q. Fernandez, RGC, shed light on Gender-Inclusive Education, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities for all students regardless of gender. Prof. Evelyn O. Alobba, RGC, presented on Learning Difficulties and Disabilities, providing teachers with insights on how to support students with diverse learning needs. Prof. Noel Galon’s lecture on Language and Inclusive Education explored how language plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity, while Prof. Rene C. Trance highlighted the significance of Religion and Education in creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment.
In the afternoon, Prof. Maquiran led a comprehensive session on Inclusive Humanizing Education, integrating all the key points discussed during the morning lectures. The teachers engaged in collaborative activities, exploring how to apply these concepts in their own classrooms.
The seminar-workshop concluded with the presentation of outputs from the participants, showcasing their plans and strategies for fostering inclusivity in their respective schools.
This seminar marks an important milestone in the ongoing effort to provide quality education that meets the diverse needs of all learners.
The facilitators of the recent FGD were Dr. Pornel, Asst. Prof. Aileen C. Chong, Asst. Prof. Helen Grace Q. Concepcion, and Dr. Donne Jone P. Sodusta. (With sources from Asst. Prof. Jonny B. Pronel and Asst. Prof. Joven S. Llabore)
