Written by Michelle Ranges, STELA
The School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) of the University of Baguio held its Professional Learning Community (PLC) session on July 4, 2025, as part of the university’s flagship initiative, IGNITE 1: Inspiring Growth and Nurturing Innovation for Teaching Excellence. With the theme, “Strengthening Outcomes-Based Education through Quality Assurance,”, the session brought together faculty members to realign teaching strategies, curriculum, and assessments toward a more student-centered and outcome-focused approach.
The session was led by STELA’s newly appointed dean, Dr. Antonio Mangaliag, who also served as the main speaker. Dr. Mangaliag emphasized the need to shift from traditional, content-heavy instruction to purposeful, outcomes-based teaching. His message reinforced that educators must prioritize what students are expected to know, do, and value by the end of each course, and align all classroom practices to support these outcomes.
A key focus was on refining Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) using the ABCD format (Audience, Behavior, Condition, Degree), ensuring alignment with Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Program Educational Objectives (PEOs). Faculty were encouraged to adopt backward design, beginning with desired results and planning instruction and assessments accordingly. Strategies like setting high expectations and providing expanded learning opportunities—through real-world tasks, community-based projects, and performance-based assessments—were emphasized to deepen engagement and promote competency development.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of Outcomes-Based Learning and Teaching (OBLT) and Outcomes-Based Quality Improvement (OBQI). These frameworks help educators monitor student progress and respond with timely interventions when learning gaps arise. The session reinforced the teacher’s role as a designer, facilitator, and assessor, with a clear focus on continuous improvement and accountability.
STELA faculty actively engage in aligning course objectives with real-world competencies as part of the outcomes-based education recalibration.
STELA’s PLC session also reflected alignment with both national and global education standards. Through the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), CHED PSG, and regional benchmarks like the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF), the school ensures its programs meet quality expectations. Additionally, the session addressed key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), reinforcing STELA’s commitment to producing competent, inclusive, and future-ready graduates.
Faculty members collaborate during the PLC session, demonstrating shared commitment to transforming instruction into a more student-centered and outcomes-driven experience.
More than a compliance activity, the session marked a renewed collective effort to elevate teaching standards. Under the leadership of Dr. Mangaliag, STELA continues to position itself at the forefront of transformative education—empowering faculty and shaping educators who create meaningful impact inside the classroom and beyond.
