More than 550 participants from around 100 institutions filled the UP NISMED auditorium on May 9, 2015 to attend the symposium, “Curriculum Studies and 21st Century Skills” organized by the UP College of Education Curriculum Studies Area in cooperation with the UP Curricularists Society (UPCS). The symposium attracted participants from as far as Isabela (Isabela State University) and Zamboanga (Ateneo De Zamboanga). The majority of the participants came from Bulacan State University, Philippine Normal University, Adamson University, Southville International School and Colleges, and New Era University.
According to UPCS President, Ronnel Almazan, the symposium which is the second that the Society had helped organize, aims to “provide a platform for Curriculum Studies undergraduate and graduate students to present relevant researches with respect to how 21st Century Skills impact the curriculum.” The symposium featured plenary speakers who discussed 21st century skills in relation to different topics. Mr. Ho Sun Yee of Decision Processes International discussed Strategic Thinking and 21st Century Skills; Fr. Onofre G. Inocencio, Jr. of Don Bosco explained the TVET Curriculum and 21st Century Skills; Dr. Romylyn A. Metila of the UP College of Education presented on Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education and 21st Century Skills, and Dr. Ferdinand B. Pitagan discussed Media Information Literacy and 21st Century Skills. Various paper presentations from students of Curriculum Education courses were also featured in the symposium.
UPCS was organized on 16 December 2013, with the following officers: Ronnel R Almazan, Rocelia Bayan, Pia Andres-Khan, Emie Ang, Charisse Malolot, Ferdinand Martin, Tina Manipis, and MG Liquido. The Society aims to “be a promoter of research, a venue for academic exchange, and an avenue for undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, and stakeholders in education and training to continue contributing to the growth and development of the discipline.” Another Curriculum Studies symposium is scheduled for the second semester of AY 2015-2016
