Faculty members of La Consolacion College Bacolod explored strategies for strengthening student engagement and critical thinking during a professional development session held Aug. 14 at the college.
Rafael Patrick Pecjo, PhD candidate, led the session titled “Minds On, Hearts In: Strategies for Meaningful Engagement and Critical Thinking of LCCians,” highlighting approaches educators can use to create learning experiences that engage students intellectually while fostering deeper personal involvement in the learning process.
The session formed part of LCCB’s faculty development activities aimed at equipping educators with responsive teaching strategies and strengthening the institution’s distinctive Catholic educational mission.
Pecjo’s presentation focused on meaningful engagement and critical thinking, emphasizing the importance of moving students beyond passive participation toward active inquiry, reflection and purposeful involvement in classroom learning.
The afternoon program identified Pecjo’s talk under the theme “Catholic Charism and Strategies for Engagement and Critical Thinking Skills.” The session provided faculty members an opportunity to examine how classroom practices can integrate academic rigor with the values and formative dimensions of Catholic education.
The presentation ran from 1:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. and was followed by an open forum, allowing participants to raise questions and further discuss the application of engagement and critical-thinking strategies in their respective disciplines.
Dr. Romela Auyero, vice president for administration, introduced Pecjo as the second resource speaker.
Kevin Ciana of the School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Communication Arts gave the token and words of gratitude following the open forum.
Dr. Rodjhun Navarro, vice president for research, innovations and linkages, delivered the word of thanks before the program concluded with a closing prayer led by Ricky Minerva.
The activity underscored the continuing role of faculty development in strengthening teaching practices that challenge LCCians to think critically while remaining grounded in the values and educational mission of La Consolacion College Bacolod.