NDMU Launches Teaching Course for Marist Learning Centre Teachers in Thailand, Strengthening Internationalization Initiatives
Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) has successfully delivered the first face-to-face module of the Teaching Course for Marist Learning Centre (MLC) Teachers, marking the beginning of a seven-module professional development program aimed at strengthening teachers’ pedagogical knowledge, professional competencies, and classroom practices.
Conducted at the Marist Learning Centre in Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, the first module marks an important milestone in the continuing partnership between NDMU and MLC in advancing quality education and teacher professional development.
The Teaching Course for MLC Teachers is a program of NDMU's College of Education, implemented in collaboration with the University's Social Sciences, Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Physical Education departments and programs. This interdisciplinary collaboration brings together faculty expertise from different fields to provide MLC teachers with comprehensive professional development opportunities that integrate educational foundations, subject-area knowledge, and practical teaching approaches.
The session formally opened with words of welcome and inspiration from Br. Ismael Valls Pujol, FMS, Director of the Marist Learning Centre. His opening message set the tone for the professional learning journey and highlighted the shared commitment of MLC and NDMU to the formation and development of teachers in the spirit of Marist education.
The first module focused on two foundational courses: The Teaching Profession and The Teacher and the Community, School Culture and Organizational Leadership, facilitated by Dr. Noemi B. Silva, Faculty of the College of Education and Dr. Cecilie Sharon Porras, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The NDMU faculty facilitators were accompanied by Dr. Wilter C. Friales, Vice President for External Affairs and Internationalization Officer, who also facilitated the activity as part of the University's continuing efforts to strengthen international academic engagement and collaboration.
The sessions provided opportunities for participants to deepen their understanding of teachers' professional roles and responsibilities, their relationships with the communities they serve, and the importance of school culture and organizational leadership in creating meaningful learning environments. Through discussions, reflection, and collaborative learning activities, the participants were encouraged to examine their experiences as educators and reflect on how their teaching practices contribute to the holistic development of learners.
The seven-module program adopts a hybrid learning modality, combining face-to-face and online instruction to provide a flexible and meaningful professional learning experience. Following the initial face-to-face module, the succeeding modules will be delivered online. The program will culminate in a face-to-face revalida, during which participants will demonstrate and integrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies developed throughout the course.
Significantly, the Teaching Course forms part of NDMU's internationalization initiatives, particularly in the areas of international faculty lectures, community extension, and innovation in the teacher education curriculum. Through international faculty engagement, NDMU provides opportunities for its educators to share their expertise in an international learning environment. As a community extension initiative, the program extends the University's educational services to teachers serving diverse learning communities beyond the Philippines. At the same time, the collaboration contributes to curriculum innovation by providing opportunities to integrate international perspectives, intercultural experiences, and emerging teaching practices into NDMU's teacher education programs.
Beyond professional development, the initiative reflects the shared Marist commitment to making quality education accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of learners. It recognizes the important role of teachers not only in facilitating learning but also in accompanying young people in their personal growth and development.
The partnership also demonstrates how internationalization can move beyond institutional agreements toward concrete academic collaboration and meaningful educational engagement. By bringing together faculty members from various academic disciplines, NDMU strengthens its international academic presence while contributing to the professional development of educators within the Marist network in Asia.
Through this initiative, NDMU and the Marist Learning Centre reaffirm their shared mission of forming competent, compassionate, and committed educators who make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through quality education.
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