Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU IM dev’t chief joins learning exchange on gender-transformative syllabi in Thailand

By Benedict Jay Collado

Prof. Bryan Eli Sadorra, chief of the Office of the Instructional Material Development of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), represented the university in a Learning Exchange Program on Designing Gender-Transformative Syllabi at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 31 to September 2. 

Organized by the ASEAN University Network on Gender Justice and Inclusion (AUN-GJI), the three-day program aimed to integrate radical and responsive approaches to gender in higher education curricula and syllabi, providing opportunities for different higher education representatives in Southeast Asia to examine gender justice issues and challenges in education.

AUN-GJI also partnered with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Higher Education (SEAMEO RIHED) to mount the event.

During the first day, the participants engaged in expert sessions on social-inclusive education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, teacher training, and inclusive pedagogies. Discussions also explored perspectives from Social Science Education and Gender Studies, with resource persons from institutions including Mahidol University and the University of Malaya. 

These were then followed by sessions focusing on practical approaches to developing assessment tools, teaching strategies, and syllabi that incorporate gender-transformative principles. Through workshops and collaborative activities, participants developed action plans and strategies that may be adapted to their respective institutions.

Prof. Sadorra, who is also the Technical Working Group (TWG) Focal Person for Curriculum and Development Education of the Gender and Development (GAD) Directorate of the university, is anticipated to integrate the perspectives gained from the program that may contribute to the university’s continuing initiatives in curriculum development, instructional materials, and gender-responsive education.

This activity is part of the ongoing efforts among higher education institutions in the region to promote inclusive and gender-equitable education and responsive learning environments through curriculum and instructional innovations.