The two-day event, with the theme “Laying the Solid Ground: Our Best Effort”, provided a deeper understanding of the learner-centered approach to education to the attendees by discussing the theory and philosophy behind OBE as well as its practical applications.
“This event was organized to provide a forum to discuss the student outcomes and programs objectives that we have set for each academic program and the means to realize them,” said Engr. Dennis H. Tablante, MCL’s Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Two teaching pillars were invited as guest speakers to share with the MCL community their knowledge and experiences on the system.
Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose B. Bautista, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education and a notable social scientist, said that unlike traditional learning system, OBE focuses on student learning, with emphasis on what knowledge and skills students need to become successful professionals.
She added that instead of focusing only on the inputs, like world-class facilities and equipment, the degree of student learning must also be measured to improve an academic program.
MCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mapúa Institute of Technology, adopted OBE to produce students who can meet the entry-level requirements of local and international companies. Since the school adopted the system, it has invested on facilities, faculty and administrators to ensure the efficient implementation of OBE.
Dr. Allan B. de Guzman, a University of Santo Tomas professor and seasoned educator, on the other hand, shared the practical applications of the system.
He provided techniques that can help professors in designing and developing the course syllabus and coming up with assessment measures which they can use in evaluating their students.
MCL, together with Mapúa, is among the first schools in the country to shift to OBE, demonstrating its commitment to produce globally competitive graduates.