On November 18, 2024, the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) hosted the “CPD for Effective Schools Seminar-Workshop Series: Innovative Practices in Teaching” at its Amphitheater and Function Hall in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. CPD, which stands for Continuing Professional Development, is a requirement mandated by the Professional Regulation Commission in the Philippines for professional teachers.
The seminar topics combined both theory and practice to educate teachers about the latest innovative practices in education, which are research-based and applicable at the grassroots level. The event was designed to equip professional teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate and lead in the evolving educational landscape. Four key topics formed the core of the event: the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, fostering inclusive classrooms, maximizing educational technology, and applying authentic assessment strategies.
Each session was aligned with specific learning outcomes and incorporated practical assessment tools to ensure meaningful engagement. For instance, the session on AI encouraged educators to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of AI in education and devise strategies to optimize students’ higher-order thinking and creativity. This was assessed through brainstorming workshops and the development of AI-proof strategy lists, with real-time feedback and rubrics guiding participants’ outputs.
The session on inclusive classrooms focused on identifying key characteristics of inclusivity, crafting lesson plans, and creating classroom management strategies. Activities included hands-on planning sessions, supported by rubrics to evaluate inclusivity in lesson plans and management strategies. Similarly, the segment on educational technology introduced participants to a range of tools and techniques, culminating in demonstrations assessed using tailored rubrics.
Authentic assessment strategies were another highlight, where teachers distinguished between traditional and authentic assessments and developed implementation plans. Brainstorming workshops and structured rubrics provided a clear framework for their outputs, such as authentic assessment plans tailored to individual schools.
Seventy educators from institutions such as South Philippine Adventist College, Cavite State University Silang, AIIAS Academy, and others gathered to enhance their professional skills.
Esteemed speakers included Dr. Leni Casimiro, Chair of the Education Department at the AIIAS Graduate School; Dr. Louie B. Dasas, Assistant Professor at the College of Education, University of Santo Tomas; Dr. Prema Gaikwad, Professor in the Education Department at the AIIAS Graduate School; Jisty Dana Tapeceria, teacher at AIIAS Academy; and Hadassah Doss, also a teacher at AIIAS Academy. Together, they led sessions aimed at fostering innovation and leadership in education.
The outputs from this seminar were designed to be brought back to representative schools, enabling all teachers to apply these practices in their classrooms and further contribute to the dynamic nature of both pedagogy and andragogy.
This seminar marked the third CPD event hosted by AIIAS, an institution committed to advancing teacher education. Participants earned six CPD units and developed key outputs, including AI-proof strategies, inclusive lesson plans, and authentic assessment frameworks. The next seminar-workshop series is scheduled for June 2025, promising to continue the tradition of empowering educators to lead in innovation and excellence.
Photo credits: AIIAS Public Relations Office
