The University of Saint Louis’ (USL’s) School of Education, Arts and Sciences (SEAS) conducted the 4^th Pre-Service Teachers’ Convergence on Dec. 5-7, 2016, with the theme: “Expanding Learning Opportunities beyond the Classroom: Training the 21^st century teachers towards innovative, OBE-anchored learning outcomes,” at  Bulwagang Teodulfo Domingo.

Objectives of this year’s convergence were: enhance pre-service teachers’ awareness of the relevance and impact of learning opportunities beyond the classroom; promote research as an essential component in students’ learning; showcase new and innovative OBE-anchored strategies and practices in teaching and learning (with emphasis on the use of learning management systems); and continuously strengthen collaboration among higher education institutions (HEIs) offering Teacher Education program.

Speakers during the convergence were: Dr. Almacita P. Abrigo, CHED Region 02 Education supervisor; Dr. Caroline M. Acosta, visiting senior lecturer from Universiti Utara Malaysia and Graduate Program coordinator of Holy Angel University; Ms. Jenielyn E. Padernal, director of the Center for Innovative Learning Programs of De La Salle University; and Dr. Antonio I. Tamayao, Cagayan State University professor.

To meet the objectives, topics discussed were: a) The Outcome-based Education System: From Complexity to Workability (by Dr. Acosta); b) Cascading of Quality Assurance in Schools to Classrooms (by Dr. Acosta); c) Research and Resources for Experiential Learning (by Dr. Tamayao); and d) Developing Online Learning Initiatives (by Ms. Padernal).

Dr. Abrigo and the USL administration spearheaded by Dr. Delailah B. Valencia graced the opening program.

Dr. Felina P. Espique, dean of the School of Teacher Education of Saint Louis University, Baguio City, facilitated the quiz bee and chaired the judging of entries in the Lesson Plan Poster Presentation.

Sharing of good practices and relevant research findings in Teacher Education was made possible through the teaching demonstrations and research presentations.

Participating schools were: Cagayan State University, Gonzaga Campus; Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; International School of Asia and the Pacific, Peñablanca, Cagayan; Isabela State University, Roxas Campus; Nansiakan National High School – Integrated Senior High School, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya; Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bambang Campus; Quirino State University, Diffun, Quirino; Saint Mary’s University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; and University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao City.

Having been accredited level IV in Teacher Education by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), USL’s School of Education, Arts and Sciences shall continuously build a strong network of Teacher Education institutions with the vision to produce outstanding teachers.

Lead organizer of the convergence was the Teacher Education department spearheaded by Ms. Melanie M. Daquioag, Teacher Education program chair, and Dr. Therese May G. Alejandrino, SEAS dean.