SMU MAT SS Students Conduct “Beyond Testing” Assessment Seminar for Practice Teachers of Nueva Vizcaya
The School of Graduate Studies (SOGS) and the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center (CEIPSC), through the Master of Arts in Teaching Social Studies classes 201 (Lead), 200, and 204, successfully conducted an assessment seminar entitled “Beyond Testing: Transforming Learning through Better Assessment” for the practice teachers of Nueva Vizcaya on December 6, at Aula Maria Hall, Saint Mary’s University.
A total of 84 participants took part in the event from six higher education institutions of Nueva Vizcaya, comprising 18 (Saint Mary’s University), 14 (Nueva Vizcaya State University Bambang), 12 (Aldersgate College Incorporated), 11 (NVSU Bayombong), 7 (King College of the Philippines), and 1 (PLT College Inc.).
Dr. Justine Navalta, Assistant Professor IV at NVSU’s Bambang Campus and a proud alumnus of SMU’s graduate school, was featured as a resource speaker.
In his talk, he discussed the crucial role of assessment in the 21st century. He underscored the importance of feedback, which should not be limited to the four corners of the classroom and should not be controlled by the participant’s subjective emotions.
“Assessment is not just about classroom-based but also outside, such as the field trip…We need to go beyond the borders of it in conducting…and in giving its quality feedback, your mood and emotion should be balanced,” Dr. Navalta emphasized.
He also reminded the pre-service teachers to be prepared for the reality of their field, echoing the guidance of Dr. Kenneth Maslang, his former teacher and thesis adviser: “Assessment is for ALL-Advance, Least, and Lost.” He encouraged them to show and carry this quote as it has an impact on the four aspects of their future learners.
To strengthen participants’ competence, Dr. Navalta facilitated workshops that enhanced their knowledge and skills in test construction, developed their ability in conducting item analysis, and equipped them with practical skills in designing and implementing innovative assessment tools that promote critical thinking, creativity, and learner-centered engagement in the classroom. Participants were grounded in other schools and worked collaboratively, revisiting traditional assessment practices, and engaged in an open forum afterwards.
The event was also attended by Ma’am Armely Almazan, teacher of SS 201, Ma’am Airene Santos, Head of the SMU Professional Education Department, and other teachers and professors from six universities, showcasing their support and initiatives for advancing assessment literacy among future educators.
Adding to the insights shared, Dr. Maslang, the lead organizer of the seminar delivered a short, heartfelt message emphasizing the importance of the core values of SMU in assessing students, which he has practiced in his profession for more than a decade.
“Sometimes failing once the student is okay, but it has consequences. That is why you need to listen beyond the assessment because each learner carries a background. Something that can give you the reason to become considerable and eventually give light to them,” he said.
The program concluded with closing remarks from the Project Leader, Jenick C. Tagao, followed by the awarding of certificates and tokens to the resource speaker and participants.
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 17: Partnership for the Goal
Written by:
Jenick C. Tagao, MAT-SS Project Leader
Dr. Kenneth L. Maslang – Faculty, School of Graduate Studies
