Four faculty members from the College of Education actively participated in the International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education held at UP-NISMED in Diliman, Quezon City last October 27-29, 2008. The conference was organized by UP-NISMED in cooperation with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute and International Council of Associations for Science Education. The theme of the conference “Meeting Challenges in Science and Mathematics Education: Innovations in Action,” encompassed a number of interesting topics ranging from policy formation in science education, technology integration, curriculum development, educational reform and many others, all of which were of great importance in achieving progress in the field of Science and Mathematics education.
 |
| L-R: Amy Buan,Dr. Myrna Lahoylahoy, Dr. Peter Fensham, Rhea Febro, Max Stephens and Dr. Ruben Abucayon. |
One of the important activities of the conference was the parallel paper presentations, where three of the participants from the College of Education proudly presented their papers. Dr. Myrna E. Lahoylahoy presented her paper entitled “Computer Integrated Algebra: Effects on Students’ Conceptual Knowledge of Functions.” Prof. Rhea D. Febro shared her study on the “Development of an e-Learning Course on ICT Integration for Science Secondary School Teachers.” Prof. Amelia T. Buan, showed her expertise in integrating technology in mathematics curriculum by presenting her study entitled “Preservice and Inservice Teachers Partnership: Towards Quality Technology Integration in the Mathematics Curriculum.”
Likewise, Dr. Ruben L. Abucayon, an ICT advocate, actively involved in the parallel workshops of Technology Integration in the Classroom with Dr. Janchai Yingprayoon, the immediate past president of the International Council of Associations in Science Education, Bangkok, Thailand. He performed the exciting experiment of seeing the internal structure of Onion Skin using the improvised pocket microscope made from the cap of mineral water bottle.
The gathering of experts from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Mongolia, Ireland, Ghana, Philippines, and many other countries was a tremendous opportunity for the educators and researchers. They shared innovative and creative solutions to problems/ challenges in the teaching and learning of science and mathematics. They provided a forum for the exchange of exemplary practices and research results and generated local programs of action to improve science and mathematics education in their respective countries.
After the three day conference, the participants were challenged to go beyond teaching their students to acquire and memorize information; greater emphasis should be placed on how students can relate scientific and mathematical concepts to technological and social developments; and looking forward to sustainable program for relentless development in science and mathematics education and create a better science-oriented society.
Topics : conference ced science & mathematics education