Johor Bahru, Malaysia – May 2, 2026 — Two fourth-year education students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) – Calinog Campus, Nessie Pañada and Benjamin Copita, Jr., marked the culmination of their student exchange program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) with a presentations and performances during the official closing ceremony held today.
Pañada, a Bachelor of Elementary Education student, and Copita, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, shared what they learned during the program in their presentation on “Teaching Strategies and Methodologies,” where they discussed how they created comfortable and inclusive classroom environments, integrated digital tools such as Kahoot, My Line, and 2D/3D animations in instruction, and utilized QR codes for both attendance and student activities. They also reflected on their experience observing feedback sessions with student researchers, which enriched their perspective on educational practices.
Their experience extended beyond the classroom. Pañada and Copita engaged in Malaysian cultural activities including the Malam Kebudayaan Pesta Tanglung 2025, Language Academy’s Hari Raya Celebration, and various events organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. These activities allowed them to interact closely with UTM students, fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.
As part of their lesson planning and teaching practice, both students designed and delivered lessons that were responsive to student needs. They leveraged technology throughout the instructional process—from warm-up activities to lesson conclusions—demonstrating innovation and adaptability in their approach.
They also participated in international seminars and research presentations, where they gained deeper insight into emerging trends in global education, including Participatory Action Research and the role of Artificial Intelligence in teaching. Observing graduate students’ research further broadened their understanding of academic standards and research practices in both Malaysia and the Philippines.
This exchange program is a result of the university’s expanding internationalization efforts. It is recalled that in July 2024, a delegation from WVSU—led by University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Calinog Campus Administrator Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, International and Local Linkages Director Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, and Calinog Research Head Dr. Elias Olapane—visited UTM to strengthen institutional collaboration.
The program affirms WVSU’s commitment to fostering international linkages and providing students with global learning opportunities that enhance both their academic and cultural perspectives.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
