In a bid to engage faculty and students in research and equip them for success in an increasingly interconnected world, Ifugao State University (IFSU) partnered with Walailak University in Thailand for Session 3 of the Betelnut Digest 3.0 with the theme "Globalization in Education" today, April 11, 2024.

The Betelnut Digest is a forum institutionalized in the University since 2020 to strengthen research appreciation and produce quality research outputs toward the University’s goal of Strong Research Leadership and Culture. It is inspired from the local culture, where engaging conversations often begin with the communal act of chewing betelnut or moma.

Mx. Clyde B. Pumihic, Chief of the IFSU-International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO), expressed hope for a  long-term impact of the collaboration between the two institutions. “By nurturing a culture of research excellence and fostering international partnerships, we are not only enhancing our own academic endeavors but also contributing to the broader global community,” she further remarked.

Dr. Mark Bedoya Ulla, Head of Research Department of Walailak University, discussed "Maximizing Productivity in Education Research." He highlighted key considerations for publishing in academic journals, including topic selection and publication legitimacy. The topic should be new, interesting, current, and address a pressing problem while offering solutions and contributing to the field.

He also noted that researchers should aim for publications indexed in established, neutral citation databases evaluated by independent subject matter experts such as Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. Dr. Ulla also recommended using these databases to search for topics and cite sources.

To boost publication chances, Dr. Ulla pointed out the importance of selecting research topics with broad appeal to international reviewers, avoiding overly localized themes.

Dr. Jeng Jeng M. Bolintao, IFSU's Director of the Department of Quality Assurance, presented on "Education 4.0: Digital Learning in Higher Education." Her discussion explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools in higher education.

She cited a study by the IFSU Department of Psychology revealing that most IFSU students spend more than 3 hours browsing the internet after classes. Dr. Bolintao noted the potential of digital education through proper use of educational online research platforms, interactive resources, virtual classrooms, and flexible learning.

She concluded with a call to action: "Let's be FIRED UP (Fourth Industrial Revolution Upscaled Professionals) now and in the future!"

Mr. William Perales from the Faculty of School of Languages and General Education at Walailak University in Thailand discussed his experiences and strategies in teaching English to Thai learners who are non-native English speakers.

He also noted the high level of English proficiency among Filipino teachers, with those from the Cordillera region ranking highest in the Philippines.

Perales shared his reflections as a teacher in a foreign country, including the need for cultural adaptation, understanding student language proficiency levels, employing kindness and firmness,  utilizing the Total Physical Response (TPR) method, among others. #Faith B. Napudo