INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COLLABORATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITAS PGRI MADIUN AND NEUST FORGES PATH IN EDUCATION

By: Joel I. Alvarez
College of Education

A historic international research collaboration between Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) in Indonesia and the College of Education at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) in the Philippines prospered on November 11, 2023, aiming to improve educational methodologies and practices.

Distinguished faculty from UNIPMA, under the direction of Vice Rector Dr. Jeffry Handhika, visited the College of Education at NEUST. This momentous gathering set the stage for a number of joint initiatives that would advance teaching and learning methodologies in both nations. This innovative approach towards globalization was first conceptualized by the Dean of the College of Education, NEUST, Dr. Angelica O. Cortez, together with the Vice Rectors of UNIPMA, Dr. Jeffry Handhika, and Dr. Marheny Lukitasari.

Improving general education, science, math, and educational administration methods is the common objective of this international collaboration. UNIPMA and NEUST faculty members are actively involved in this project comprising the Bachelor of Secondary Education program, which specializes in Mathematics and Science; the Bachelor of Elementary Education program, which majors in General Education and Educational Management; and the Bachelor of Physical Education program.

"This partnership between UNIPMA and NEUST signifies a commitment to excellence in education," said Dr. Handhika, expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration. "By pooling our expertise and resources, we can explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning, ultimately benefiting students and educators alike."

The partnership will encompass a range of research endeavors, collaborative efforts, and exchange programs designed to tackle significant educational issues like augmenting student involvement, cultivating critical thinking abilities, and advocating for inclusive pedagogy.

The importance of this collaboration in the context of global education was underlined by Dr. Angelica O. Cortez, dean of NEUST's College of Education. "In an increasingly interconnected world, collaborations such as this are vital for promoting cross-cultural understanding and sharing best practices in education. Together with our colleagues from UNIPMA, we are committed to driving positive change in the field of education," she said.

Aside from providing insightful and innovative ideas for education, this innovative research partnership between these two partner institutions has the potential to build enduring ties between academic institutions in the Philippines and Indonesia. Benefits from the research are anticipated to accrue to larger educational systems and practices as well as outside the collaborating schools as the projects progress.

UNIPMA and NEUST's international research collaboration is proof of the ability of partnerships to promote innovation and excellence in education, with a common goal of improving teaching and learning, therefore putting them in a strong position to make important local and international contributions to the field of education.