West Visayas State University (WVSU) kicked off the first part of its teacher training workshop today, March 13, 2025, featuring insights from English Language Fellow of U.S. Embassy, Ms. Maureen Rooney. The workshop aims to enhance educators’ communication skills, promote inclusive classroom practices, and explore the integration of artificial intelligence in language learning.
Dr. Greta Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, welcomed participants from various colleges and external campuses. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering an environment of continuous learning and collaboration. Dr. Gabinete highlighted the importance of equipping educators with not only the technical skills required in modern classrooms but also the interpersonal skills that enable them to connect deeply with students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
“This workshop is more than just a series of lessons; it’s about rethinking how we approach teaching,” said Dr. Gabinete. “We’re giving our educators the tools to foster more inclusive and engaging learning spaces, where every student feels valued and supported.”
The first day of the workshop focused on enhancing educators’ communication skills. Topics such as effective public speaking and intercultural communication strategies were discussed, giving teachers valuable methods to improve their classroom presence and connect with students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Ms. Maureen Rooney, emphasized the power of communication as a tool for engagement.
“The ability to speak with confidence and to understand cultural nuances in communication can make a huge difference in how students absorb and respond to learning,” Rooney said.
“Our goal is to provide educators with strategies to foster understanding and create meaningful connections with their students”, she added.
Day one also explored how to foster inclusive and collaborative learning environments, a concept that is increasingly important in today’s educational landscape. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their teaching styles and find ways to build a more culturally responsive classroom that encourages collaboration and empathy among students.
Participants also explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can play a role in modern language learning. With AI increasingly shaping the education sector, the session focused on practical ways to integrate interactive technologies that support English learners, making learning more engaging and personalized.
This is the first of a two-part series, with the second workshop, “Classroom Engagement in the 21st Century,” scheduled for March 17-18, 2025, which will explore modern teaching methods and strategies to engage students in today’s digital age.
The workshop is being sponsored by the U.S. Embassy’s Regional English Language Office (RELO) and is being initiated by WVSU’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO).
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
