Up-Close and Personal 2

“Going to school is not only mental training but also a character building..”

by : Joel Tahimic/ Jomer John Osma

Dr. Celso Tagadiad during our interview

O ne of the inspiring words we have heard from no less than Dr. Celso Tagadiad during our conversation. It was truly  a privilege for us to have him and lucky enough to be given the chance to have an interview and heard directly from him some powerful and inspirational messages that had touched us personally while we’re having an interview

This interview enables the readers to know him better as a program head and more than that… a mentor, a friend and a teacher.

 Introducing ourselves  is common during the first day at school and sometimes or always we don’t pay attention  at all to what the person is saying. Maybe because this practice is predictable and  we knew already the information the person is going to say such as name, age and course. Well, that kind is really is rather boring to listen to. Could it be we would just like to hear something new that could break the routine of self-introduction?

That is the reason when we asked to write a story, we swiftly come up with this idea to know more the person we thought we already knew.  And we thought of the many people whom we don't know yet. Eventually, we decided to know more first about the Department of Teachers Education Program Head, Dr. Celso Tagadiad.

Having an appointment with him was already a challenging task to the point that we almost gave up and look for someone else who could give us free time.   But if we gave up that easily,  we will be missing the chance to know him better. We should never give up!

Finally, we had an appointment with him. However, on the day of our appointment, he has to attend a very important meeting. And I guess you know what it means. Of course, we understood that this could happen because of his situation and we already expected that anything could before we have chosen him. So, we decided to take him by surprise. Sounds rude or harsh to some extent  but that is actually what we did to get have him cornered. And we are right. We have got him!

We started our conversation with a little chat then to a more serious topic.

LIFE:

Dr. Celso Tagadiad came from a very humble and unusual beginning. His life began in Zamboanga where he was born as the eldest among 4 siblings. He added that his parents were separated for 6 years. He was 9 years old and 15 when they were reunited. It was during that time they moved to Marilog where took the responsibility of his father to his siblings. Playing with other children of the same age would rather difficult because he has to think of others than personal enjoyment. There were time that he asked “Why me?” or “Why is this happening to me?”. However, it did not stop him from dreaming but rather it pushed him to become determined and motivated to achieve his dreams.

CAREER:

August 12, 2002 was the time he was hired in University of Mindanao Panabo College (UMPC) as an English 9 teacher, it  was one of the subjects he handled. “There were challenges”, he said. One of these is teaching phrase structure where he asked his college teacher to explain the topic and how to perform tree diagramming.  This was challenging because according to him, he has no teaching experience teaching college students and the only experience he had was during the practicum and it was teaching high school students. Another one is typing subject. He said , “ Me, myself is not that good in typing. However, I still manage to teach them in theory and they’ll do the hands-on.”

Dr. Tagadiad (center) poses with
Jomer John Osma (left) and Joel
Tahimic (right) the day after the
interview.  

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT/S:

According to Dr. Tagadiad, he is enjoying his career now. He went to a very difficult situation but he was able to achieve his dreams. He added that looking back those times, he couldn’t imagine how he was able to surpass those challenges. Another achievement for him was way back 2006, where English 9 students performed “Miss Saigon” during the foundation day were local government officials watched. In addition, last 2008 where 8 out of 10 English majors passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers.” Of course, I took all the credits to my students but as a teacher, I can’t help myself being proud,” he added.

GOAL/S

Despite of being successful, it didn’t stop him from achieving and dreaming new set of goals. He is now working on the  abstract of his dissertation that he will be presented on an international paper presentation. Also, he wants to write a book about linguistics.

PIECE OF ADVICE:

Dr. Tagadiad counselled the students who are now taking education course, “Money shouldn’t be the motivation why they [students] have chosen teaching. They or we, as teachers should develop passion for teaching. We should think of our students first, we should prioritize them.”

Before we ended the interview, we threw a final question that made him speechless for a moment but spoke immediately. According to him, he wanted to be remembered as a generous person. A teacher who gave or rendered his time  to his students to learn. Same thing for his family, friends and colleagues... generous person in giving his time and sharing his knowledge in his own little way.

After our the interview, we realized that we are among the people who are lucky enough to have a chance and thankful that we never gave up until we’ve got an appointment.

We have to admit, people come and go but memories etched forever in our hearts. 

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If you wanted to know more of any University of Mindanao Panabo College staff and teachers, kindly send us an email to johanesjairus@gmail.com  with the following information; Name of the staff/teacher you wanted to be interviewed and things you wanted to know about him/her. You can also include your personal questions and we’ll assure you that your identity will be held with full confidentiality.

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Strengthening in Team Building

by : Adrin Escobal

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

                                                                                              --Henry Ford

Math major in team building
task.

Mathematicians, let's count..1...2...3!
Smile!

    Team building is the use of different types of team interventions that are aimed at enhancing social relations and clarifying team members’ roles. The purpose of team building activities is generally to foster awareness of the team spirit and to reinforce commitment to the team's shared goals and objectives. Properly applied, these activities can develop strong interpersonal relationships which help to bond the team closer together. That’s why one of the clubs of UM Panabo College had a team building activity.

Another task to build team effort and
team work.

Last December 22, 2014, Sets of Students Majoring Mathematics (SM2) had a team building at Beach View Resort, Pindasan, Compostela Valley. They depart at 7:30 in the morning. They used jeep as their vehicle and they arrived at 8:30 am. In the morning, they did an island hoping then at the afternoon they did an activities that develop their communication and trust with each other.

Basking under the sun and ...staying on water?!

Truly, this activity strengthens not only their trust with each other but also their camaraderie in their journey. In any activity they will do they know they can do it successfully because they build teamwork with each other. Truly as quoted by Michael Jordan, “ Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” 

Tutor for the Future

by :  Aldrin Escobal

Mathematics is  all around us. From going to school, buying foods and etc., we use mathematics. But even though we use it every day some people find difficult in this matter. In school, according to some students mathematics is a nightmare for them. Some students taking course that doesn’t have math at all because for them number is their enemy. That’s why taking up a course in the field of mathematics is a challenging one.

When we are in first year in college those who are majoring in mathematics find it easy but when we are in our sophomore year we realize that our knowledge in math is just a dirty part of our fingernail compare to the whole anatomy of mathematics. When we encounter problem solving every moment seems to be dreadful. Only few of my classmates understand this matter that’s why Peer tutoring was implemented in Sets of Students Majoring Mathematics. Peer teaching is a method by which one student instructs another student in material on which the first is an expert and the second is a novice. It was done only once.

The goal of Peer tutoring is to help other classmates to understand the lesson clearly but even though we implement this activity still in our final exam we find the word problem difficult. Thus still we are hoping that we will still implement this program for us to help also other classmates to cope up with the lesson but the question is what if also the tutor doesn’t understand the lesson? How he/she can teach other classmates if  she/he doesn’t understand the topic? As quoted, “you cannot give what you don’t have”. But I believe that peer tutoring still help us to understand the lesson and it will also help to build camaraderie in our journey.

Technology in Better Way

by :Aldrin Escobal

As quoted by Bill Bates, “There’s a lot can be done for people who are using technology in a better way.” 

That’s why last September 23-24, 2014 at AVR, UM Panabo College a seminar was conducted to utilize the use of technology in learning which was facilitated by 4^th year BSED- Mathematics students namely: Ms. Sarah Jean O. Cole, Ms. Nikki Paye Doronio, Mr. Jay Mark R. Morrondoz, and Mr. Darren and Darryl C. Ancot. This seminar was part of the requirement of their course. The said seminar includes how to use the latest online powerpoint presentation like Powtoon and Prezi and online quize maker like schoolhouse tech. The respondent of the seminar was the students of STC 1 under Prof. Pedrito Misoles who also the professor of the 4^th year students. During the seminar, there are also raffle draw like ballpen and P50.00 load. After the seminar, the STC 1 students were required to make a prezi, powtoon or schoolhouse tech. They were evaluated if they applied what they learned on the seminar. Through this seminar, the student now have the better way to present their report.

“UNITY UNDER ONE BANNER”

Education students emulating cooperation.

by : K. Fructuoso / HJ Lao

Academic Festival has been the yearly program of all Departments of University of Mindanao College students to be able to express their talents by integrating their academic aspects and their multiple intelligence.

University of Mindanao Panabo College holds Academic Festival last March 06, 2015 with theme “Education: Challenge ln the Digital Age”. And the said event was held at New Building of UM Panabo College.

The events were the Exhibit of Using Technology in Teaching, a Video Clip Presentation and Amazing Race. Everybody enjoys and the unity had been prevailed. Dr. Celso L. Tagadiad a DTE Program Head who spoke for opening remarks. He leaves an inspirational message which can open the minds of future educators.

For the part of program the Variety Show which is Philosophers Alike won by BEED Club. In the Comical Skit won by FETA Club and for the Ms. Oxygen won by KAMAFIL Club.

Keeping the balance and focus.

After the event ends the DSG officers give a souvenir for those who are in the event. A souvenir “bookmark” contains a sarcastic message relating to their majors. For Generalist Domination, “We acquire more than superficial knowledge about many different interests, in short, “WE KNOW EVERYTHING!” For Math Wizards, “Differentiate me and I will integrate you.” For Languageanemia, “Cover your nose, because it might BLEED!” And for the Pilipino Tayo, “Huwag Mailitin Wika Namin, Sapagkat Kayo’y Isa sa Amin.”

All Department of Teachers Education and also Professors are so much enjoying the show. Students are very participative have different strategies on how to perform their activities. The unity of the team and its confidence achieved an award. 

Up-close and Personal (Question and Answer part)

Department of Teachers Education Program
Head Dr. Celso Tagadiad poses (center) with
Jomer John Osma (left) and
Joel Tahimic (right)

by: Joel Tahimic and Jomer John Osma

"Going to school is not only a mental training but also a character building."

This is one the inspiring and motivating words we've heard from the Department of Teachers Education Program Head, Dr. Celso Tagadiad during our interview.

We believe that this article would enable the readers to know him better as a Program Head and more than that… a mentor, a friend and a teacher.

We had a privilege and lucky enough to be given the chance to have an interview with Dr. Celso Tagadiad and heard from him directly some powerful and inspirational messages that had touched us personally while we’re having an interview with him.

I must admit, it's not easy to set schedule since there were unexpected appointments like seminars and conferences that he has to attend traveling from Panabo.

Nonetheless, his generosity has emerge again by giving us his extra time despite of his busy schedules.

Interviewer                : Good morning Sir. First, we would like to thank you for giving us your extra time to conduct this interview.

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     : No problem.

Interviewer                 : First, could tell us something about yourself?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad    : Well, my life started in Zamboanga where I was born. I am the eldest among 4 siblings. I am a product of not a broken family but rather parents who had been separated for 6 years. I was 9 during the time they got separated and I was 15 years old when they reunited. During that time where my parents were separated, we moved to Marilog. Being the eldest, I felt and took the responsibility of a father-figure to my siblings. It was rather difficult. Try to imagine, 9 years old, very young, didn’t get the time enjoy my childhood years. I couldn’t enjoy playing with other children of my same age because I was thinking of others than personal enjoyment. There were times that I was in the verge of difficulties that I asked like “Why me?” or “Why is this happening to me?” But it didn’t stop me from dreaming rather it pushes me to become determined and motivated person and to achieve what I am today.

Interviewer              : And how did you start working here in University of Mindanao Panabo College?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     :I started my career here way back August 12, 2002, where I hired as an English teacher, English 9, Introduction to Linguistics is one of my subjects.

Interviewer                : What were your challenges in your teaching career and how did you overcome those challenges?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     : I have lot of challenges. One of the challenges I have was teaching English 9 to English major students. The topic was phrase structure. I asked help from my college teacher by way of explaining to my students the topic and how to perform tree diagramming.

                                                The other one is teaching typing subject. Me, myself is not that good in typing. However, I still manage to teach them in theory and they’ll do the hands-on.

                                                To sum up this, acquiring the knowledge through study helped me a lot those times. Also, accepting and being honest to yourself that you cannot really teach what you don’t have.

Interviewer                  : Do you have any advice for future teachers like us?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad   : Well, I have seen students with different attitudes towards studying. It saddened me to see that some of them don’t have the passion to their chosen career. Money shouldn’t be the motivation why they have chosen teaching. They or we, as teachers should develop passion for teaching. We should think first of our students first, we should prioritize them.

Interviewer                 : Do you have motto?  What is your motto in life or the principle that drives you to be a better person every day?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad    : Ah, yes! I do have. Coming to school is not only mental training but also character building.

Interviewer                   : If you could turn back the time or see the future, what would you like to do?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     : I wouldn’t change anything from the past and don’t want to see the future. I already learned from the past it and made me a better person.

Interviewer                  : What do you consider your greatest achievements and why?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     : First would be, I was able to enjoy my career now. I went on a very difficult situation but I was able to achieve my dream now. I studied and worked at the same time. Looking back during those time, I couldn’t imagine how did I surpass those challenges. But I did. Another is the “Miss Saigon” presentation way back 2006, were my English 27 students performed at school as part of the subject. However, many teachers asked if we could do it again during the foundation day of University of Mindanao Panabo College. There were local government officials watched the play namely during those time were local officials; Mayor Gavina, Vice-mayor Adlaon and other city officials. Also, in 2010, 8 out of 10 English major passed the licensure examination.  Of course, I took all the credits to my students but as a teacher, I can’t help myself being proud.

Interviewer                : Are there things that would you like to achieve? And what are the steps you’re doing to achieve these things?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad   : There are two things. First, I would like to conduct a research in other country. I already sent the abstract of my dissertation hat will be presented to an international paper presentation. So, I am waiting for their response now. The second one is, I wanted to write a book about Linguistics, which my second priority to achieve after my dissertation. It’s far from reality now which means I haven’t thought of any actions in order to achieve this, however, it’s one of the things I wanted to achieve…to write a book.

Interviewer                : One last question Sir, how would like to be remembered by the people around you?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad    : Well, some people see me as a strict person or serious one. I would like to remembered by my students as a teacher who gives or renders his time to his students to learn. As for my family, friends and colleagues, I would like them to remember me as a generous person. Generous in giving time and sharing the knowledge in my own little way.

Interviewer                 : I believe that would be all. Thank you so much Sir for rendering us your extra time.

After the interview, we had a chance to chat a bit about many things. Truly, it’s a complete privilege and we've know him better now.

If you wanted to know more of University of Mindanao Panabo College staff and teachers, kindly send us an email to johanesjairus@gmail.com  with the following information; Name of the staff/teacher you wanted to be interviewed and things you wanted to know about him/her. You can also include your personal questions and we’ll assure you that your identity will be held with full confidentiality.

"Educ.Nation" to "The Moment.UM"

 

by : Joel Tahimic 

After thorough consideration, the title has to change from “The Educ.Nation” to “The Moment.UM” due to some reasons.

Let’s weigh up. First, it took a while to publish the first or the July issue of The Educ.Nation, as well as August and September issue. In fact, it seems that there were problems within the writers themselves. Some say they were busy. Some say that they don’t know what to write. Some even asked me if they need to write for the next issue.

Now, are the reasons valid?

First problem. They were busy. Busy with what? Or maybe with who? Time management is the key. I know students have a lot of time than I, so make use of the time wisely.

Second, they don’t know what to write. In the course to revive the paper for education students, tasks were divided accordingly. There’s someone to write for sports, literary and feature. Perhaps the communication between the writers, editor and adviser needs to change for better or for the best.

And finally, the last concern. I was somehow shock when I heard this. Our goal is to keep the paper alive and how can we keep it alive unless we write. That’s our job. To write and produce the paper every month. I understand that we don’t receive any clergy every time we write, but it pay more than that if we look deeper within ourselves. Our skills in writing improves. Our commitment becomes better. Our ability to work with other also increases.

I understand that there were things that made our conviction lesser but it doesn’t mean that we have to stop. We need to keep the momentum and keep the spirits burning inside.

We need committed, enthusiastic and team player writers who can help us. We need to keep “The Moment.UM” alive.