Dr. Margarito S. Reyes, Jr., a graduate student from the USC Science and Mathematics Education Department (SMEd), grabbed the Best Presenter award for Category E during the 9th National Research Conference in Science and Mathematics on November 16-17, 2023, at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.
This achievement marks the third consecutive year that USC SMEd has been recognized for outstanding research, showcasing USC’s commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering impactful research in science and mathematics.
Under the guidance of Dr. Nelson A. Rosaroso, Dr. Reyes’ research, “Design, Implementation and Evaluation of Hybrid Inquiry-based Teaching and Learning Sequence on Optics,” is an example of the SMEd graduate faculty’s dedication and competence in shaping the landscape of science and mathematics education in the country through impactful and relevant research.
Aside from Dr. Reyes’ study, the University of San Carlos fielded 12 scholars, consisting of 11 Master’s and one Ph.D. student who presented their studies during oral technical presentations.
The national research conference, with the theme, “Promoting STEM Education Research for Sustainable Development,” brought together graduate and postgraduate scholars from 16 prestigious universities around the country.
Together with the scholar-participants, the USC delegation under the capable leadership of Dr. Rolando Obiedo, Dean of the School of Education and project director, was actively engaged in the conference. Dr. Enriqueta D. Reston, Dr. Marilou R. Gallos, and Diane A. Honoridez, members of the SMEd graduate faculty and staff, played essential roles as conference judge, plenary speaker, and assistant moderator, respectively.
The event was organized by the Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) through the Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME) and Science and Technology Regional Alliance of Universities for National Development (project STRAND).
The heart of the conference lay in the oral technical and poster presentations, divided into five categories based on thematic research focus. Esteemed panels of experts in science and mathematics education from member universities judged the presentations, selecting three winners per category.
Throughout the conference, plenary talks addressed the latest updates and concerns in science and mathematics education in the Philippines, with a particular focus on STEM education. Academic discussions, as well as the fellowship night, provided valuable opportunities for scholars to establish connections for future research collaborations.