Phnom Penh - Filipino teachers in Cambodia continue to upgrade their professional capabilities through their participation in Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and camps organized by the Teachers’ Learning Action Guild in Cambodia.
275 teachers completed the spring course entitled “Content-Based Instruction” facilitated by World Learning, while 243 participants completed the winter course on “Teaching English to Young Learners” facilitated by the George Mason University.
A grand gathering on 6 July 2019 was held at the Himawari Hotel to mark the 3rd Celebration of Learning of the graduates of the two courses. It was preceded by the 1st MOOC Alumni Summit which featured several plenary speakers on the overall theme of “Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”
Flying from the Philippines, Dr. Rebecca Casas Sagot, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Region XI, Department of Education, gave an inspiring presentation on “Re-framing - The Power of Positive Language,” while Mr. Romyr A. Libo-on, National Director of Miss Universe Cambodia, spoke on “Personal Development for Teachers.”
Mr. Brian Maher, a Christian missionary involved in community development, spoke about “A Teacher's Gift to the World.” Mr. Harold Samuels Regional English Language Officer, U.S. Embassy in Manila, flew all the way to Cambodia to share information on the U.S. Department of State's Professional Development Programs. Ms. Lovee Mae Campbell served as the 1st MOOC Alumni Summit convener and moderator.
The graduation program convened in the afternoon of the same day and was graced by Dr. Rebecca Casas Sagot as the keynote speaker, Mr. Harry Samuels as the guest of honor, and the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh Charge d’Affaires, Ms. Myca Magnolia Fischer.
In her congratulatory message, Ms. Fischer commended the graduates for “not being satisfied with the status quo” and for being dedicated to self-improvement in order to be “forces of good and facilitators of success.” Ms. Fischer shared with the audience the positive feedback received from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to the Embassy’s request for CHED to bring its adult education program to Filipino teachers in Cambodia.
The number of participants has steadily increased and now counts among them teachers from Cambodia, Fiji, and India. These participants came from four sub-camps in Phnom Penh, and one sub-camp each in the provinces of Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Kampong Cham. As a way of giving back, each sub-camp organized a charity outreach event.
“I would not have wanted to become a teacher if I did not join the MOOC and the MOOC Camp. People in the MOOC inspired me a lot. They inspired me to believe in myself and my own abilities, to stand for myself and be proud of my goals, to love and respect, to be kind, and most importantly, to give back.” says Mr. Sokun El, one of the Cambodian participants, during his speech.
The Teachers’ Learning Action Guild in Cambodia was founded a year ago by Mr. Jay Ian Capungan who was also the main facilitator of the just-concluded MOOC camps.The co-facilitators were Jean U. Bomowey, Teresa L. Tangi, Humbard A. Rioja, Gloria G. Mestidio, Joel G. Mesa, Romar A. Rioja, Edeza M. Banquilis, Marina C. Oligo, Evangeline C. Belleza, Lovee Mae D. Campbell, Adjani Marie Ann B. Navalta, Lorenza T. Dumaligan, Marciana D. Buyuccan, Jeanne Marie P. Mendoza, Maritess N. Chang, Maria Teresa A. Enriquez, Gaye Valerie V. Salacup, Miriam C. Pangket, Joy D. Beraquit, Noriel G. Beraquit, Zenaida M. Contante, Ronald C. Contante, and Lilibeth S. Baliling.
