JBLFMU-A sparks educational innovation through research, best practices workshop

The faculty and staff of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. converged for the Unit Annual Research Colloquium, Sharing of Best Practice, and Research Utilization Workshop 2023.

This event was a showcase of innovative research presentations in the morning session, underlining the interplay between theory and practicality in maritime education.

Instructors delved into creative methodologies for implementing research findings into their teaching approaches and decision-making processes.

Furthermore, during the afternoon session, the Senior High School department exhibited successful practices that have led to concrete improvements led by their Principal, Mrs. Mary Mae Jun P. Esmaya. The study, “INFIT: The Legacy of the Infinite Fitness Program,” served as inspiration for instructors to explore inventive approaches to enhancing student well-being.

Moreover, the event underscored the significance of “collaborative learning, effective research application, and pioneering best practices.”

 

JBLFMU-A hosts successful Research Capability Training, fosters a culture of research excellence

In a productive start to the week, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. organized its annual Research Capability Training for 2023. The event saw active participation from Department Heads, Faculty Researchers, as well as selected students from Graduate School, BS Criminology, Bachelor of Science Marine Transportation (2nd year), Grade 11, and Grade 12, all gathered at the JBL Hall on October 23.

The program opened with a warm welcome from the school administrator, Captain Alfred G. Espinosa, Ph.D. Following this, Dr. Melchor M. Magramo, Director of JBLFMU Research and Extension, presented a compelling case for the importance of research at JBLFMU. The event was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Lovella S. Divigrancia, a distinguished Professional Educator, Trainer, and Researcher, who served as the guest speaker.

The research review segment of the event featured an interactive examination of survey research, along with an engaging open forum that delved into the cutting-edge issues in education. Notably, one faculty member highlighted a pressing concern, describing a “mismatch” problem where certain graduates or students struggled to pass company examinations.

Dr. Lovella S. Divigrancia stressed the pivotal role of research in informed decision-making, particularly within the university. She emphasized, “Research can guide us in reviewing and making well-informed decisions for the betterment of the university.”

The event underscored the indispensable value of research, especially for students, in molding world-class seafarers capable of delivering knowledgeable performance at the highest standards. It encouraged the cultivation of creativity, complexity, and collaborative efforts among teachers, promoting essential qualities in students.

Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, in his closing statement, wholeheartedly encouraged fellow department heads, faculty members, and administrative staff to actively participate in research efforts aimed at enhancing the university’s quality and overall performance.

The program reached its conclusion with Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas expressing heartfelt appreciation for all the participants, acknowledging their dedication, even amidst busy schedules.

JB-MOLO RESEARCHERS IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Two researchers of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo presented the results of their studies at the University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the International Research Conference of SEAAIR (South East Asian Association for Institutional Research)  last September 26-28, 2023. Dr. Stella S. Cantor, a faculty member of the College of Business presented her study “English Teachers’ Out-of-Field” and Dr. Rolando A. Alimen, Research Coordinator also presented his study “Seafaring Profession: Edge of Filipino Seafarers” with delegates from different countries in this international conference.

The study of Dr. Alimen is about the Filipino country’s pride, attributes, and characteristics. Filipino seafarers are the most preferred seamen because of their many virtues and professionalism that significantly contributed to the Philippines and the global maritime industry. This qualitative phenomenological study was conceived to determine the edge of Filipino seafarers among other nationalities on board. The results of this study depict how Filipino seafarers work and respond to the seafaring world and their lived experiences while onboard. Through this phenomenological study, the lived experiences of Filipino seafarers in terms of the different concepts, themes, and personal stories will be derived from their lived experiences. The recruited seafarers were contacted through referral and were qualified on specific criteria, the source of information, and whose narratives were gathered and documented to establish the study’s objectives. The study of Dr. Cantor aimed to present the participants’ out-of-field teaching and their initiatives. The researcher used inductive thematic analysis to explore and generate “themes” from the interview. Different themes emerged from the monograph as an educational resource that would serve as a reference for researchers and educators who are interested in the field and wish to explore the context of out-of-field teaching.

JBLFMU Researchers Excel with Top Honors, Best Paper at NOSTE 2023 Conference

Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas, the Research Coordinator at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. secured the title of “Best in Oral Presentation” at this virtual conference, held from September 22 to 24, 2023. His presentation, part of a collaborative research paper titled “Selected Water Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Iloilo Batiano River, Philippines,” alongside co-authors Bartimeues Nathan Wiederhold, Tom Lichtenberg, and Engr. Roderick R. Germo, Ph.D., also claimed the “Best Paper” award.

This acknowledgment highlights not only Dr. Sarinas’ achievements but also JBLFMU’s commitment to advancing knowledge and education through a meaningful research.

In parallel, Engr. Roderick R. Germo, a faculty member of the Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation (BSMT), with his research, “Effectiveness of Problem-based Learning (PBL) on Maritime Courses in a Blended Learning Modality” was a collaboration with C/M Virmari S. Tan, Ph.D., and 3/O Angelo F. Casañare.

2/M Karl Danielle H. Sira, Head of the Academic Affairs Office (AAO), addressed the critical issue of students’ mental health during the pandemic. His research paper, “Status of Students’ Mental Health during Pandemic: Basis for the Development of Student Enhancement Program,” in collaboration with Brian Gil S. Sarinas, Ph.D., and Rohena Z. Miranda, M.A.Ed., RGC, added depth to discussions on students’ and teachers’ well-being and learning during these challenging times.

The JBLFMU community takes pride in these notable accomplishments, recognizing the significance of contributing meaningful research to the broader academic community.

URDC spearheads collaborative discussions in formulating the University Research Agenda for 2023-2024

The JBLFMU Research and Development Council led by Dr. Melchor M. Magramo, JBLFMU Director for Research and Extension, and the Unit Research Coordinators, Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo (JBLCF-Bacolod), Dr. Brian Gil S. Sarinas (JBLFMU-Arevalo), and Dr. Rolando A. Alimen (JBLFMU-Molo) took the lead in conducting a collaborative workshop aimed at formulating the University Research Agenda for the upcoming School Year 2023-2024. This collaborative workshop had the following objectives: (1) To review the Research Agenda for AY 2022-2023, and (2) To identify researchable topics for inclusion in the University Research Agenda for the AY 2023-2024.

This activity, held based on the mandate of Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo (Chairman of the Board) and Dr. Ronald L. Sebastian (Chief Executive Officer), was joined by focal people from the three academic units composed of the Community Extension Officers, Deans and Principals of the various academic departments, Placement Officers, and Onboard Training Officers.

This dynamic session produced a series of thought-provoking research themes, carefully aligned with the university’s overarching research priorities. Noteworthy topics encompassed a wide spectrum, including Maritime Education and Training, Marine Environment, Deployment, Training, Monitoring, and Evaluation of Cadets, Innovations in Teaching Pedagogy, Stakeholders Feedback, Assessment of Learning/Academic Performance of Students, Occupational Safety and Security, and Tracer Studies, among others.

This collaborative effort sets the stage for a promising year of innovative research and development, propelling JBLFMU further into the forefront of academic excellence. The event was held at the JBL Hall Lobby in JBLFMU-Arevalo on August 3 to 4, 2023.