QSU’s Project SHINE Partners with Can Tho University, Vietnam, and Saguday District, Philippines, to Advance Lesson Study and Educational Collaboration
Quirino State University (QSU) is advancing education through Project SHINE, a transformative initiative enhancing classroom practices via Lesson Study and international collaboration. The program, in partnership with Can Tho University (CTU), Vietnam, and the Saguday District of Quirino, integrates research, cultural exchanges, and professional development to transform teaching and learning experiences while fostering cross-border educational innovation.
Impact on QSU’s Prospective Teachers
Through its collaboration with CTU, QSU’s College of Teacher Education (CTE) has seen a remarkable impact on its prospective teachers. Immersive exchanges and Lesson Study practices have equipped teacher-education students with advanced pedagogical techniques, a deeper understanding of cross-cultural education, and research-driven approaches to teaching. These future educators report heightened confidence in classroom management and improved instructional strategies, paving the way for more effective, innovative, and culturally responsive teaching.
Research and Exchange Outputs
The partnership has yielded numerous research outputs that underscore the value of cross-cultural collaboration:
1. The Art of Classroom Observation: The Case of QSU and CTU-Vietnam, by Liriolyn B. Pacers, Eduard P. Alip, Thi Phuong Thao-Do, and Trinh Chi Tham (Published in July 2024)
This study examines observation techniques co-developed by both institutions, emphasizing their influence on teaching practices.
2. Lesson Study: A Cross-Cultural Analysis Between the Philippines and Vietnam, by Romiro G. Bautista, Wilfredo B. Baniqued, Huynh Thi Thuy Diem, and Mai Phuc Thinh (Published in July 2024)
A comparative analysis of Lesson Study practices highlights how cultural contexts shape and enrich educational strategies.
3. A Comparative Study of Teaching Internship Practices: Insights from CTU and QSU, by Divina Gracia S. Sabio, Agaton P. Pattalitan, Jr., Huynh Thi Thuy Diem, and Mai Phuc Thinh (Published in November 2024)
This paper explores best practices in teaching internships, offering a framework for enhancing pre-service teacher training.
These, along with localized studies in Saguday District, demonstrate how collaboration and research enhance both academic and practical aspects of education.
Localized Impact in Saguday District
In Saguday District, the success of Project SHINE has been transformative:
1. Impact of Lesson Study Practice on the Teaching Practices of Teachers in a Schools-District of Quirino, Philippines, Magdalena U. Aquino and Romiro G. Bautista (Published in November 2023)
This study reports the improved teachers’ instructional skills and confidence after implementing Lesson Study techniques.
2. Building a Community of Practice in a Sustained Culture of Lesson Study: The Case of Saguday, Philippines, by Sonia C. Pagbilao, Pauline Anne Therese M. Pfeifer, Sherly C. Cainguitan, Felimendo M. Felipe, Madelyn L. Macalling, Cheryl R. Ramiro, Hermenegildo F. Samoy, Jr., and Romiro G. Bautista (Published in November 2023)
This study highlights the development of collaborative professional learning communities.
3. Tuning in to In-Person Class: A Case in Saguday, Quirino, by Arlene G. Tomas, Apple Grace C. Garingo, Mary Jane A. Guillermo, Fides R. Pascual, Romiro G. Bautista (Published in December 2023)
This study examines how Lesson Study practices facilitated the transition to face-to-face classes post-pandemic.
Dr. Sonia C. Pagbilao, District Supervisor of Saguday, shared, “Project SHINE has empowered our teachers with innovative and globally relevant strategies. This collaboration with QSU and CTU has strengthened our district’s ability to deliver quality education.”
Cultural and Educational Exchange
Cultural immersion and faculty-student exchanges have enriched academic and personal perspectives, bridging cultural gaps and enhancing global competencies.
Dr. Dinh Minh Quang, focal person of CTU for this initiative, remarked, “Our partnership with QSU exemplifies how collaboration transcends borders to create impactful educational practices. Lesson Study has been a key driver in fostering mutual learning and innovation between our institutions.”
Leadership and Vision
QSU President Dr. Hermenegildo F. Samoy, Jr. emphasized the strategic importance of the program, stating, “Our collaboration with Can Tho University affirms the transformative power of global partnerships in enhancing local education.”
QSU International Relations Officer, Dr. Romiro G. Bautista, added, “Project SHINE not only highlights QSU’s commitment to internationalization but also ensures that our faculty and students benefit from world-class educational practices. It has elevated the university’s role as a hub of innovation and collaboration.”
Looking Ahead
With its sustained efforts in cultural exchanges, research, and professional development, Project SHINE continues to set a benchmark for cross-border educational excellence. The program exemplifies how collaboration between institutions like QSU and CTU can create impactful, future-ready educational strategies that benefit students, teachers, and the wider community alike.