TAU holds teacher induction program for new faculty members

The Tarlac Agricultural University’s Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Department of Extension and Training, through the Office of the Director for Curriculum and Instruction and the College of Education, facilitated a virtual Teacher Induction Program for the new faculty members of TAU last March 2.

The said program was conceptualized to make the faculty members more equipped in carrying out their tasks in the new normal of teaching and to help them become effective partners in achieving the University’s vision and mission.

The director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Claire Anne A. Olivares conveyed the salient features of TAU’s Flexible Learning Plan, which is now Learning Continuity Plan, as context for the topics and preparation of syllabuses and Learning Resource Packs (LRPs).

Dr. Olivares explained to the participants that the TAU Learning Continuity Plan is based on the principle that "education must continue despite the pandemic.” She also reiterated the University's commitment in performing the State’s constitutional mandate of promoting quality and accessible education for all.

“These principles imply a holistic instruction institutional approach to ensure the University's success in migrating to a flexible learning system,” Dr. Olivares added.

Meanwhile, the director for Gender and Development Dr. Marianne P. Villaruel enlightened the participants on gender equality in instruction and provided practical tips in mainstreaming gender and development in their teaching.

Dr. Villaruel also emphasized the importance of using gender-fair language in the academe and reiterated that gender awareness requires intellectual effort, sensitivity, and open-mindedness.

Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, director for External Linkages and International Affairs, on the other hand, lectured on internationalizing the curriculum. She explained to the participants how internationalization had become one of the priorities of TAU, and she shared some tools and activities to enhance classes and to make them globally relevant.

“When we integrate internationalization in our classes purposively, we can see that the global dimensions are to integrate global topics, and we have to develop global citizenship among our students and make them realize that they need to make a meaningful contribution to society,” Dr. Ferrer reiterated.

Further, Dr. Ferrer emphasized the need to create a framework for future direction designed to strengthen and enhance faculty performance in their classes and ensure quality.

The Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Noel J. Petero, lectured on the grading system, assessment, and TOS construction that were slated on a separate date.

Through the induction program, TAU intends to support new faculty members in acculturating themselves to their profession and present working environment in order to get a glimpse of the art of becoming a successful and effective educator. (LQSobravilla, CED)