The forging of academic partnerships with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the United States Embassy has yielded another fruitful encounter as Pangasinan State University showcases its dedication to global collaboration and educational diplomacy.
PSU, the region’s university of choice, hosted a Specialized Training in Translanguaging for English Instructors of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Region 1 on December 14 as part of its commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
PSU President Dr. Elbert M. Galas, in his welcome message, expressed gratitude for being chosen as partner for the training and encouraged the participants to transform English language instruction into an even more inclusive and effective endeavor.
“As we embark on the captivating journey into the realm of translanguaging, its crucial to emphasize how this approach equips language teachers with tools to create a truly inclusive and effective learning environment in the classroom. Translanguaging allows educators to tap into the rich linguistic tapestry that students bring, fostering a deeper understanding of language, culture and subject matter,” Dr. Galas expressed.
The President added that since 2020, PSU has been actively engaged in the facilitation and discussion of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and MOOC Camps and three faculty members were fortunate to participate in the global online course.
The event was also graced by CHED Regional Director Dr. Christine N. Ferrer who said that language is a conduit through which ideas traverse borders.
“The commitment to translanguaging in academic endeavors allows us to tap a global pool of knowledge and collaborate effectively. It breaks down barriers and ensures that a person of knowledge is not confined by linguistic limitations,” Dr. Ferrer quipped.
Prof. Peter Sayer, a respected expert in multilingual language education from Ohio State University served as the main speaker who not only enriched the discussions but also infused a vibrant spirit of collaboration.
Prof. Sayer said students have funds of knowledge or the knowledge and skills that they bring to school based on their everyday experiences, culture and language of the families and communities which has resulted to multilingualism.
“Bilingualism is not two wheels on a bicycle. A multilingual person’s proficiency of their language is complex. It depends on the context and purpose. There is no perfect balanced bilingual,” the English professor said.
The expert also took time to answer queries from the participants that includes code switching, education assessment and view on teaching instruction in the Philippines, among others.
Key personalities who graced the event include Regional English Language Officer Dr. Carleen Velez, Ms. Connie Chico from the Public Affairs Section of the US embassy and Dr. Mitchellene Rivo, an AB English alumna of PSU.
The event was formally closed by PSU’s Director for International Linkages Prof. Celeste Mercado who encouraged the faculty members and students to help learners be more at ease by using language that is more understandable to them.
A total of 15 HEIs from the region attended the free training at the Golden Lion Hotel with PSU fielding 16 English instructors and 24 English language students.
