Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU student researchers clinch awards in Aramid confab

By Myrrha Prima Rosa Muli

Student researchers from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) earned awards in four research presentations during the third ARAMID International Student Collaborative Conference held online on October 29 and 30.

Hosted by Benguet State University, the two-day conference provided a platform for cross-cultural academic exchange and research discussions on educational and societal concerns. Seeking to strengthen international research linkages and promote inclusive access to higher education, it brought together student researchers and academic institutions from the Philippines, United States, Kenya, Nigeria, Greece, and Colombia, among others.

MMSU Psychology student Samuel Bermudez emerged as the winner in Session 1, Room 1, of the virtual conference, with his research titled “Towards a Triarchic Pedagogy: Synthesizing Western and Philippine Grit Models for Equitable Learning Continuity in Times of Public Health-Related Disruptions.” His study explored the integration of Western and Philippine perspectives on grit in developing pedagogical approaches that support learning continuity and equitable educational opportunities during public health disruptions.

Meanwhile, Graduate School students Jeremy Pascual and Ariana Bonifacio received first runner-up recognition in Session 2, Room 2, for their study, “Muffled Thoughts: A Study on Reticence in Language Classes.” Their research examined student reticence in language learning environments, particularly the factors affecting learners’ willingness to participate and express themselves in classroom discussions.

The other two MMSU student researchers received recognition in two collaborative presentations alongside international teammates. 

Ilay Louise Bulong of the university’s Bachelor of Special Needs Education program, together with Kenyatta University’s Kimtai Victor in Kenya, won first runner-up under Session 3, Room 1, for their study, “Navigating Friction in Fragile States: A Comparative Analysis of Emergency Education Policies and Localized Continuity in Kenya and Philippines.” Their research examined educational continuity in fragile contexts through a comparative analysis of emergency education policies and localized responses in the two countries.

Karl Humprey Pagdilao, a Graduate School student, together with Ioannis Xirogiannis of the University of West Attica in Greece, won first runner-up in Room 3 for their research, “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Vocational Education.” Their presentation explored the potential of artificial intelligence to reshape vocational education, particularly in teaching, learning, and skills development. 

The program also featured plenary speeches, parallel research sessions, and a roundtable discussion involving representatives of participating academic communities. The research sessions covered thematic areas such as natural disasters and climate change, public health and pandemics, war and political instability, economic crises, refugee and migration concerns, technological disruption and artificial intelligence, and political and policy changes.

Under the theme “Education Without Borders: Addressing Inequalities and Access,” student researchers examined how challenges affecting different communities intersect with education, public policy, technology, and social development, opening opportunities for further academic collaboration.

MMSU’s participation in the international conference supports its SUCCEED Agenda, particularly in advancing research, providing universal quality education, strengthening international linkages, and providing opportunities for its student researchers to contribute local perspectives to broader academic discussions. (𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘑𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘢𝘭)