After two consecutive years of being held online, UPLB’s Seminar on Teaching (SOT) was finally conducted again face-to-face. From 22-25 August 2023, seasoned resource speakers and facilitators imparted their knowledge and experience to 67 new full-time and affiliate faculty members. Entitled “Strengthening Capacities of New Academics,” this event also marked the first-ever SOT conducted face-to-face by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL) since the pandemic. Prior to this, the SOT has been held online via Zoom.

Dr. Jean O. Loyola, UPLB Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, kicked off the event with a compelling message challenging participants to “remain passionate seekers of knowledge ourselves” and be active in the learning process with the learners. She also delivered a message from Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr., UPLB Chancellor, that emphasized his vision of UPLB as “a thriving academic community where the spirit of compassion is pervasive and palpable in all aspects of human interaction.”

To address these challenges, the first three days were focused on topics such as the philosophy of education,  psychology of learning, designing visual presentations, enhancing presentation skills, and addressing the psycho-social needs of students. Among the resource speakers were retired Assoc. Prof. Alleli Ester Domingo from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics; Asst. Prof. Ephraim Quiñones from the Institute for Governance and Rural Development; Dr. Erick Vernon Y. Dy of the Office of Counseling and Guidance; Asst. Prof. Ana Katrina Palma de Jesus from the Department of Humanities; Dr. Greg T. Pawilen from the Department of Human and Family Development Studies; Asst. Prof. Rovil A. Espiritu from the Department of Educational Communication; Dr. Rufo Gil Z. Albor from the Department of Human and Family Development Studies; Engr. Marita Natividad T. de Lumen from the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Benjamina Paula G. Flor from the Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication; Dr. Alexandra Jean C. Palis from the University Health Service; and CATL’s Director, Dr. Edmund G. Centeno.

The four-day event was concluded by having the participants present a group synthesis incorporating their insights and learnings from the seminar into their plans for the coming semester.