15 February 2017 RIYADH – The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh conducted a Classroom Management Seminar for Filipino teachers working from Philippine-curriculum Schools in Riyadh, Al Khobar, Buraydah, and Jeddah at the Chancery on February 10.
With the theme “Teaching Beyond Technique: Empowering Philippine Schools with the 21st Skills and Understanding,” the seminar aims to provide the Filipino teachers with new teaching strategies which will enable the students to cope with their school requirements academically.
Around 250 teachers and school administrators from the following Riyadh-based Philippine-curriculum Schools attended the one-day seminar:
Al Dannah International School
Al Taj International School
Elite International School
Future Generation Philippine International School
International Philippine School in Riyadh
Palm Crest International School
Riyadh International School
Second Philippine International School
Representatives from International Philippine School in Alkhobar, Philippine International School in Buraydah and Al Dura (GEMS) International School in Jeddah also attended the seminar.
Dr. Marylendra A. Penetrante conducted the first part of the seminar entitled, “Discipline Without Pain for 21st Century Learners” and “Understanding the Heart of Children”.
Dr. Penetrante is currently the Director of the Children and Youth Wellness Technical and Advocacy Center (CYWTAC) based in Legazpi City, Philippines.
Dr. Penetrante discussed the different methods in which the teachers can use to teach the children of the 21st century cope with their everyday experiences.
She also mentioned how the schools, especially the teachers, can make a difference in the life of their students. Having proper dispositions in life and giving proper discipline without inflicting physical and emotional pain to children are very important for the teachers to have so they can communicate and connect properly to their students.
“Effective pedagogical practice promotes the wellbeing of students, teachers and the school community. It improves students and teachers’ confidence and contributes to their sense of purpose for being at school; it builds community confidence in the quality of learning and teaching in the school,” said Dr. Pentrante
The seminar was organized by the Association of Philippine Schools Overseas (APSO) and the first one to be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Philippine Embassy’s Officer-in-Charge Christopher Patrick T. Aro delivered the keynote speech during the seminar wherein he underscored the importance of learning in an environment that is comfortable and enjoyable.
The second part of the seminar will be held on February 24 and to be conducted by Dr. Alexander S. Acosta, President of the Association of Philippine Schools Overseas (APSO). END
