Life of a COLLEGE FACULTY

 in this
issue
3
Tech Trend
Online Learning
Did you know that...
4-5 Smart Up
The 7 Habits of
Effective People
Emotional Intelligence
Unleashing the finest teacher in you
4
Mission Altruism
STI College-Davao Caters to
Deaf-Mute Students
6 Teachers
Film Recap
The Pursuit of
Happyness
Music Geek
Bossa Nova
12-13 14 15 Event Scanner
EVIDENCE OF EXCELLENCE:
2007 Tagisan ng Talino
National Competition Winners
STI College-Sta. Maria
Ends its Semester with
Festivity
Global News
Vantage Point
“What do you think is the
value of lifelong learning
to you, personally and
professionally, and to the
academic community?”
Bang Lawag
COPYWRITER/EDITORS
Bonita Perez
Jenny Dy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
8
On the Cover
“STILL BLOOMING:
The never-ending
quest to learn”
Let’s get Literary
English Savvy
How to Write Fastrer
and Get Results
16
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Portrait
Continuing
Professional
Education…
A Key To
A Greater You
Eats, Shoots & Leaves:
The Zero Tolerance to
Punctuation
MANAGING EDITOR
Noelle Anne Rosales
7 Life of a COLLEGE FACULTY
10-11 Book Buzz
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Toni Abulencia
Djhoanna Camero
Liza May Yap
Darwin Jaime, Ph.D
Ma. Cecilia Ycong
Froilan Legaspi
Mayette Bontia
Patria Garcia
Marcelo Regalado Jr.
Gabriel Guevarra
Paolo Dimaano
Michelle Guinitaran
Oliver Noriega
Venerando Talento
Josephine Anne Daffon
Emil Guevarra
Jocelyn Dionisio
Gezelle Gregorio Segundera
Jose Arnold Sagun
Ma. Teresa Vicente
Jessie Gayosa
Grace Joy Millendez
Terranya Tiamson
GRAPHICS & LAYOUT
Ma. Cristina Magsino
12
Event Scanner
STI College-Olongapo’s
MARIO MORALES
– “Simply Amazing”
The Faculty Stimuli is published every semester
by the Faculty Services Department, Academic
Services Group, STI Headquarters, 5/F PhilFirst
Building, 6764 Ayala Avenue, Makati City
For comments, suggestions and/or contributions
please call (02) 887-8447 local 5860 or send email
at [email protected].
Did you
TECH trend
know that...
ONLINE LEARNING
by: Djhoanna E. Camero
STI Headquarters
W
ho said that education is expensive? That to be able to advance your skills and
knowledge will cost a fortune in your end? Gone are those days, for many courses that
would allow one to sharpen (or even to simply tickle) their brains are being offered online,
and what can be better than to access most of these without shedding a single cent. Yes,
you’ve read it right; there are number of websites that offer trainings and tutorials FREE of
charge!
But what is online learning to begin with?
Online learning, also termed as e-Learning, online education, web-based training, is a general
term that describes learning done at a computer, usually connected to a network, giving us
the opportunity to learn almost anytime, anywhere. Online learning is like any other form
of education - and it is widely accepted that
online learning can be as rich and as valuable
as the classroom experience or even more
so. With its unique features online learning
or e-Learning is an experience that leads to
comprehension and mastery of new skills and
knowledge, just like its traditional counterpart.
(http://www.worldwidelearn.com)
Many colleges and universities around the
world offer their degree and certificate
programs online. Some of these institutions
also offer courses for free, with all the course
materials readily available for online studying or for download (for those who prefer to study
offline). These online learning courses, similar with onsite classes, also include test, quizzes
and forums where students and teachers can interact. Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Carnegie Mellon University, Tufts University and University of California, Berkeley, are some of
the universities that provide free online courses.
There are several other institutions that offer free online tutorials; Hewlett-Packard, IBM and
Microsoft are to name a few. HP (http://h30187.www3.hp.com/) provides several instructorled short courses (usually one to two-month long) with topics varying from the most advanced
computer software to effective writing skill and even topics on overcoming shyness! There
are also other institutions that offer tutorials on personality development, business courses,
agricultural courses, etc., depending on the market where they play, which makes online
learning more exciting – due to the vastness of things we could learn!
Do you want to cook your mother’s favorite dish? Awe your neighbor with that beautiful
decorated home-made cake? Impress the man/woman of your dream with your prowess on
speaking French? Beat your boss with the number of degrees you’ve earned? Or, even amaze
your students with how well you converse with topics totally out of your league. Name it
and the Internet has vast number of online learning sites that will definitely help you do the
trick.
Registering or enrolling in an online course is a breeze, requiring only basic computer skill, and
for those who are computer novice, I tell you the experience is worth a try. Once you have gain
access to one of these websites, you will be hooked and will yearn for more – just like a 1st
grader who experience his 1st day in school, you’ll be looking forward for the days to come,
navigating your mouse for another rewarding learning experience.
You will be amazed with the many things you’ll learn online – more than what you can ever
imagine!
Faculty
Stimuli
• Al-Azhar University in Cairo,
Egypt is generally considered to
be the oldest university in the
world. It was said to be founded
in 969 A.D.
Source : ask.yahoo.com
• Reverend Edgar Dowse from
Isleworth, West London is the
oldest person to gain a PhD at
93 years old. He received his
degree in 2004 from the London
School of Theology. He is a
father of 2 who doesn’t have a
computer and just dictated his
thesis.
Source : Brunei.ac.uk
• Bill Gates is no longer the
world’s richest man. That honor
now goes to Mexican billionaire
Carlos Slim. But Slim’s incredible
fortune - $59 billion and climbing
- is more than a story of one
man’s rise to riches. He is one
of a growing number of tycoons
from countries like China, India,
and Russia who represent a
new wave of wealth, power,
and influence. Many are skilled
businesspeople. But, in these
fast-developing
economies,
being able to seize a political
opportunity may count for a lot
more.
Source : foreignpolicy.com
• The word college comes from
Latin collegium, “association,
partnership,” from collega,
“partner in office.” In English,
it dates from the 14th century
and its early meanings were
for a body of colleagues or an
assemblage, as of companions.
The word university is from
Latin universitas, “the whole,”
from universus, “combined into
one.” The term was used in
English by 1300 and it referred
to a whole body of teachers and
students at a place for higher
education. The words college
and university are sometimes
used synonymously.
Source : dictionary.reference.com
MISSION altruism
SMART up
The
STI College-Davao
Caters to Deaf-Mute
Students
by: Liza May Yap
GE Instructor, STI College-Davao
B
STI College-Davao has
opened its doors to
the
hearing-impaired
students
who
are
motivated
to
earn
a
college
degree
notwithstanding their
disabilities.
7 Effective People
Habits of
eing effective in work and life is difficult. Discipline and hard work are
needed although they don’t always equal success.
But why is being effective important? Well, first people tend to trust you
more when you’re efficient and trustworthy in what you’re doing. It may be
exhausting at times to do everything that is asked of you yet you could see
the trust and respect when you are told upon what to do. Second is maturity
on all aspects. An effective person is able to deal with all the turmoil and
troubles in a civilized and organized way. An effective person also knows to
set his/her priorities — what and when to do things.
This was made possible
through the efforts of STI Davao Deaf Students with their teacher at
radio program of Councilor Mabel SungaSTI College-Davao’s CEO the
Acosta at ABS-CBN Davao
Belle Torres and College
Dean Allan Gonzales by accepting deaf-mute enrollees for
their Diploma in Information Technology/PC Operations. They
believe that it is part of our social responsibility to cater to the
educational needs of these physically-challenged students.
Presently, there are four hard-to-hear students who were able
to finish the first semester and the school is expecting additional
enrollees for the second semester of this academic year. They
are Franklin Pia, Jennifer Bacurnay, Charisse Ann Gonzales, and
Kristine Anne Paragua, all enrolled in PC Operations 1 under the
Diploma in Information Technology Program.
Their curriculum is no different from the other students except
that they are being taught with the use of sign language. Aside
from that, they are being treated just like any other regular
students on campus. They even actively participate in school
activities.
The yen of STI College-Davao to help and develop the
personalities and skills of these special students is not limited
to the four corners of their classroom where their learning takes
place. It has perforated to a higher purpose by giving assurance
and boost the confidence of these hearing-impaired students
that they will land a job after finishing their course.
To provide their hearing-impaired students with the avenue
where they can make use of their computer-related proficiencies
and abilities, the school’s College Dean together with these
students and their teacher lobbied, before Councilor Mabel
Sunga-Acosta during her radio program, to the public to dispel
any hesitation in hiring persons with disability as they can also
function like any other person. The group also made use of the
radio program as venue to invite professionals and experts, who
are accustomed of using sign language and willing to be trained
in programming, to eventually come and try to be instructors
for hearing-impaired students.
STI College-Davao commits to continue helping persons with
disability for the improvement of their lives and personal
being.
Faculty
Here are the Seven Habits and if established properly can help one to be
truly effective:
• BE PROACTIVE – Change starts from within, and highly effective people
make the decision to improve their lives through the things they can
influence rather than simply reacting to external forces.
• BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND – Develop a principle-centered personal
mission statement and extend it on long-term goals.
• PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST – Spend time doing things that fit your
personal mission, observing the proper guidelines and balance between
production, and building production capacity. Identify the key roles you
take in life and make time for each of them.
• THINK WIN/WIN – Seek agreements and relationships that are mutually
beneficial. In case it could not be achieved, accept the fact that not
making a deal at all may be the best alternative. In developing an
organizational culture, be sure to reward win/win behavior among
employees and avoid inadvertently rewarding win/lose attitudes.
• SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD – Try first
to understand the other person, and only then try to be understood.
Effective listening is not only echoing what the other person has said
through the lens of one’s own experiences, but putting oneself in the
perspective of the other person, listening definitely for meaning and
feeling.
• SYNERGIZE – Find ways to leverage differences through an honest and
sincere communication so you can create a whole that is greater than
the sum of the parts. Through mutual trust and understanding, one can
often solve conflicts and find a better solution than what would have
been obtained through either person’s solution.
• SHARPEN THE SAW – Take time out to build production capacity through
personal renewal of the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual
dimensions and then maintaining a balance amongst them.
Success is not genetic, it is not handed down from one generation to the next
– it takes skill, initiative, and determination. Though these Seven Habits are
not full-proof guarantees to success, they are major stepping stones. Many
professionals are excellent at setting and meeting their goals, but the social
elements which are also vital to success at times are being forgotten.
Being effective is not just a stature; it is a state of mind and being that once
trusted into one’s persona is a very big asset as there are a lot of persons
out there who are efficient but not as effective.
Source : The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Stimuli
Emotional
Intelligence by Steve Darn
Respecting feelings (How will you feel if I…./How will you feel if I
don’t….)
Showing empathy (I understand/accept/realize)
E
Being positive (What would help me feel better?)
motional Intelligence or EQ (Emotional Quotient) theory was
originally developed in the 1970s and 80s but was popularized by
Daniel Goleman in the mid-90s. In the business world, EQ has become
a tool in human resource planning, recruitment, management and
customer relations. Why EQ? Supporters of EQ argue that conventional
concepts of intelligence are too narrow and that success requires more
than IQ, which ignores behaviour and character. Academic success is
not necessarily accompanied by equivalent social skills. EQ acts as a
complement to Multiple Intelligence (MI) theory, both recognizing that
individuals possess a range of capabilities and that everybody has a value.
EQ argues that success requires awareness, control and management of
one’s own emotions, and those of other people. Goleman identifies the
five ‘domains’ of EQ as:
Motivation. This relates to being able to keep yourself going
despite failures such as a poor exam result. It is much easier to lose
motivation if we constantly aim for perfection.
Self-regulation. This relates to the way we handle our emotions. We
are not only able to name our feelings but also do something about
them before they negatively affect our lives and the lives of others.
Stating wants and needs (I/you should/could/need/want to) rather
than obligations (I/you must)
EQ also involves the avoidance of language to do with strong advice,
commands, control, criticism and judgment.
The Institution
EQ has been adopted as a management-training tool, and as such is useful
in educational management and administration. The institution plays a
major role in creating an environment conducive to EQ. Much of this is to
do with creating a sense of identity, safety and value:
Self-awareness. This relates to recognizing and being able to name
our feelings. Having emotional intelligence enables a person to link
the thinking part of their brain with the feeling part.
Suggesting (I/you could) rather than advising (I/you should)
Attachment – a sense of belonging to the school or university.
Reassurance – that others find the experience difficult.
Bonding – enabling the formation of friendships.
Induction – informing students of what is available and what they
can do.
Training - in study skills, time management and stress reduction.
Holistic approach – mind and body – sports, relaxation, cultural
activities, clubs and societies.
Empathy. This relates to being able to read the emotions of other
people. People with empathy tend to be more successful with their
relationships, which has a subsequent positive effect at home and
at work or study.
EQ and other models and theories.
There are clear links between EQ and other theories, models and
methodologies to do with personal development. EQ is seen as a
complement rather than an alternative to these:
Adeptness in relationships. Being able to sense other people’s
feelings, you are then able to handle them appropriately.
Transactional Analysis (Eric Berne) is a theory of psychology which
initially identifies three different states (Parent - Adult – Child) that
can be used in interactions with students.
EQ also involves becoming skilled at handling your own emotions and
impulses, motivating yourself and improving your empathy and social
skills. EQ is said to provide ways of understanding and assessing behavior
patterns and is therefore relevant to both organizational and personal
development. In education, it is a concept which applies to the institution,
teachers and students. The benefits can be summarized as:
Multiple Intelligences Theory (Howard Gardner) is a psychological and
educational theory which recognizes different types of intelligence
and draws attention to the needs of individual students.
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) (Richard Bandler and John
Grinder) is a set of models and principles that try to describe the
relationship between mind, language and perception. Behavior and
learning can be changed using a variety of techniques to achieve
success.
• Avoiding anxiety and depression.
• Promoting academic success.
• Establishing patterns for future life.
• Making the whole experience more rewarding and enjoyable for
all.
Johari Window (Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham) is a metaphorical
tool used to help people better understand their interpersonal
communication and relationships.
• Developing skills that are in demand by employers.
Maslow’s Hierarchy (Abraham Maslow) is a motivational model
identifying layers of human needs. The provision of lower level need
encourages EQ, while ‘self-actualizes’ have usually developed a high
EQ.
The language of emotions
The teacher’s job here is to draw attention to language that enables the
expression of emotions and feelings. This language consists mainly of a
few main verbs, a wide variety of adjectives, and the use of modals, but
is best seen in terms of functions:
Changes in society are affecting EQ development. EQ is initially developed
in childhood and youth, and research suggests that successive generations
are becoming less emotionally aware. Factors contributing to this may
include changes in family structure, a reduced family role in education,
mobility and the influence of technology. Whatever the reasons, the
teaching and development of Emotional Intelligence are becoming
important across the curriculum, from elementary to tertiary level.
Labeling feelings (I feel impatient/hurt/bitter) rather than labeling
people (you are insensitive)
Distinguishing between thoughts (I feel like/I feel as if/I feel that)
and feelings.
Taking responsibility for feelings (I feel jealous vas you’re making
me jealous)
Faculty
Source: http://www.stevedarn.com/?Writings::GME%3A_Emotional_Intelligence
Stimuli
TEACHERS portrait
Continuing Professional Education…
A Key To A Greater You
by: Darwin P. Jaime, Ph.D
Academic Dean, STI College-Baguio
International Convention Center on May 27, 2002. Ms.
Magnolia H. Rillera (former Manager in the Faculty
Services Department) and Mr. Joel Dy (then Channel
Manager for Northern Luzon) tapped me right after
to serve as the Academic Head of STI San Jose, Nueva
Ecija which opened in June 2002.
Being a fresh graduate at that time, accepting the
position was truly overwhelming and it brought me
anxiety because I needed to enroll and finish my
master’s degree within two years to suit the position
and comply with the requirements of the Commission
on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Dean Bienvenido R. Torres, former COO/Dean of STI
College-Balanga, was one of my academic advisers.
He was my motivator and mentor who taught me
how important education is. So instead of giving up
the position, I challenged myself to finish my Master’s
degree and become successful for I graduated with a
Master’s Degree in Business Administration major in
Management in 2004.
M
y life has been shaped by what life has taught me. Education is a process, a
stepping stone to success. My school life is a reminiscence of perseverance,
sacrifice, gratitude, and service. Looking back on my life as a student and an STIer,
I have come to measure what I have gained (awards, recognitions, promotions) as
tokens of hard work, sacrifice, and faith in God. As a student, taking two courses
simultaneously was a challenge. Like any of us, I had to pass through a refiner’s
fire. In the face of adversity, I was able to make a wise decision as I was left
to choose between two roads. I chose the course I wanted. I took Information
Technology. I was able to convince my mother to stay home instead of leaving the
country to work abroad. My family was one of my greatest supporters. I studied
hard and finished with honors. I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree
in Computer Science.
“And the Most Outstanding STI Student of the Year 2002 goes to…” I was
smiling at that time, feeling anxious while receiving the award in the Philippine
Faculty
Stimuli
On September 13, 2003, I won “The Distinguished
STI Alumnus Achievement Award”. This award is the
highest distinction given to an alumnus or alumna
and its recipients are automatically elevated to the STI
Alumni Hall of Fame. I believe I was the first and, so far,
the only recipient of this award.
Rev. Fr. Mario Margallo and Rev. Fr. Gerry Jorge served
as my spiritual advisers. They were very supportive as
they gave me advice and counseling when I encountered
problems that needed spiritual healing and reflection.
Having a positive attitude about life helps us achieve
our goals no matter how difficult things may seem.
Challenges will come along the way but being focused
on our goal will give us the strength to continue striving
for the best.
In pursuing professional education, the three most
important factors to consider are time, money, and
extra effort; whereas, in achieving our goals, the three
factors we need to consider are promotion/ranking,
salary increase, and job security.
In February 2006, I went to the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) and worked as a Corporate Account Manager
and HR Supervisor in ALLO-ETISALAT. There, I was
able to personally observe the high demand of
workforce for Master’s Degree holders and not for
Bachelor’s Degree graduates.
I also tried applying in some colleges/universities in
Dubai and had the opportunity to be interviewed
by their Minister of Education. The response I
got however was, “Mr. Jaime, I know you’re a
competent person but we need a qualified person
for the position; finish your doctorate degree then
come back.”
I thought a Master’s degree was enough to easily
land a high-paying job related to my academic
qualifications and experiences, but I was wrong.
That interview motivated me to finish my one-year
contract in UAE and return to Philippines right away
to finish my Doctorate degree.
After months of striving for the best, I graduated last
year with a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Philosophy
in Education Major in Management. Naturally, my
dissertation was about STI and was entitled “Attitude
and Anxiety of Teachers Toward ICT: Their Impact on
the Utilization of ICT in STI Colleges in Northern and
Central Luzon”.
“Confucius, the great philosopher once said, “What
I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do,
I understand.” We can have a better understanding
of our roles when we apply it for a nobler cause. I
have learned that there is no greater reward than
to WORK, WORK, WORK….! Work entails great
dedication and commitment. As teachers, for
example, we will never be content or we will never
deprive ourselves from being stagnant. We will want
to progress to make things happen. As a wise writer
reminded us, “He who dares to teach must never
cease to learn.”
In conclusion, I would like to quote a wise saying,
“Victories in life come through our ability to work
around and over the obstacles that cross our path.
We grow stronger as we climb our own mountains”.
Now I realize that God allows everything to happen
so I may experience all the trials and see the light in
the midst of the darkness. Let us not STOP dreaming,
Lets believe in ourselves and our capabilities. But
most importantly, let’s put our trust in HIM and
everything will be possible.
(Thank you to all Academic Heads and Faculty
Members of STI Northern and Central Luzon. Darwin)
Life of a
COLLEGE FACULTY
by: Ma. Cecilia C. Ycong
GE Instructor, STI College-Sta. Maria
S
tudents are basically the stimuli that inspire college instructors
or professors to continue their quest to share their expertise. It is
because the latter believe that it is really the young who are capable to
lead the nation.
It is no wonder that in spite of the salary discrimination as compared to
being a Doctor or Engineer, many would still opt to teach. The rewards
are simple – they are glad to become instruments in achieving students’
dream of being educated and have a good job in the future.
The life of a teacher is very tough. Though faculty members would
sometimes wish that they don’t have to give grades to their students,
they do know that it is vital and necessary. Oftentimes, faculty members
would wish to just sleep until 9 o’clock in the morning; but since there
are lessons to prepare or they have early classes, they have to pull
themselves together and be up early. Faculty members strive to be good
examples to their students. They become an integral part of the lives
of their students. They help mold their students on to who they will be
in the future. Teachers are responsible for teaching students to become
responsible individuals. That is what sets teachers apart from other
professionals.
There are also other difficulties on being an instructor/professor. First is
on disciplining the difficult students and on how to get them inspired with
their studies. Undeniably, there are students who just want to get their
diploma but are not serious about their studies. Another difficult thing
is when you know you have exerted all efforts but some students still
get low grades in examinations. Lastly, there were cases before when I
handled subjects that are new to me so I have to read references, exerted
more effort to get ready with the lessons I have to teach; I guess some
faculty members are also experiencing this now or have experienced it
before.
With all these things to consider, I count myself lucky for being a positive
thinker, through this, I seldom feel down, I always try to see the positive
side of things that are happening around me, as it will be my greatest joy
to see my students excel not only in school but also in life.
As a teacher, I certainly advocate the endless pursuit for knowledge. Life
is a quest for continuous learning so we can share more wisdom with our
students.
It can be quite enjoyable when we think of education as student-centered.
It means schools are founded not to focus on how good we teachers are
but on how our students receive the knowledge that we impart to them
and how they use it in the real world. Let us consider our students as our
younger brothers and sisters, pursuing their goals in life. If this happens,
we will be loved more by our students. Sharing my knowledge to my dear
students and fellow faculty members is my inspiration in life.
Faculty
Stimuli
on the COVER
“STILL BLOOMING:
The never-ending
quest to learn”
Dr. Christina Colili of
STI College-Novaliches
“I never stopped working on my game, ‘cause I know someone,
somewhere is working as hard or harder than I am to get better”
– Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Faculty
Stimuli
D
oes education really end after
receiving your college diploma? Does
it end when you get a job? Or does it end
just because we want it to? Dr. Christina
Colili of STI College-Novaliches didn’t think
so. For her, it’s a matter of professional
growth and personal wants.
After receiving her Bachelors Degree in
English from Metro Manila College in
Novaliches, she pursued her Masters
Degree in Education majoring in
Administration and Supervision and
graduated in 1999 and just this summer
she received her Doctorate Degree in Philosophy majoring in
Developmental Education also from the same school. But her desire
for learning does not end there as she plans to take up Pre-Law from
the University of the Philippines this year.
HARDSHIPS
There are sacrifices to be made for every reward and that Dr. Colili
knows quite too well. Aside from the toll that her further schooling
took from her, mentally and financially, her time with her family also
greatly lessened.
Dr. Colili was quick to point out though that “time is never measured
by its length”. She furthermore explained that, in spite of these
shortcomings, she still finds time to bond and talk with her kids. She
has three boys, aged 14, 8 and 6. All of them understood what she’s
doing as she instill in their young minds the value of her quest to
further improve herself. In fact, she’s also pushing her eldest to follow
her lead and pursue a higher degree after college.
Why? One would ask. It’s tiring enough to spend four years in college,
more so when you spend another eight years in advanced education.
But for Dr. Colili, the need to be abreast with the changes and
adjustments being made in the academic industry is one big factor,
adding that it is also a requirement by CHED (Commission on Higher
Education).
Dr. Colili attested that being well-versed in the academic industry
intricacies brought by the things she learned in her post-graduate
studies has helped her a lot, both as an academic head and as a
teacher. Fortunately, most of her classmates are also academicians,
and since most of them belong to the same industry, they share their
experiences and queries with one another.
Dr. Colili explained that taking up a higher degree is mentally and
emotionally draining especially when they have to make reports and do
researches and at the same time need to deal with the egos of some of
her classmates. Dr. Colili quoted, “your classmates will scrutinize your
report and since most of them are veterans in the academic industry,
some of them may feel that they are better or smarter than the
others.” To cope with these treatments, she took these as a challenge
and didn’t waver in her yearning to learn.
Her knowledge has helped the teachers in STI College-Novaliches in
improving the way they teach and deal with legal issues as courses
such as leadership training and academic management are being
offered in post-graduate studies.
Despite all the adversities and sacrifices she faced, Dr. Colili was still
more determined than ever to get her degree and diploma. For her,
getting her degree through sheer hard work and perseverance makes
the achievement even sweeter.
SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE
Dr. Colili further emphasized that the teachings and experiences she
gained from her eight years in graduate school has helped her a lot,
which she likewise imparted to the school, her co-faculty members,
and students. “I always tell my students never to stop learning,”
Dr. Colili said. She has indeed set a very good example to her coteachers as 90% of STI College-Novaliches’ faculty members are now
taking their post-graduate studies and five of them have graduated
last March. She has been trying to exhibit other exemplary behavior
as well, such as being prepared in class and ready for lectures and
discussions. “A person who always wants to learn never ceases to
study,” Dr. Colili stated.
“EVERYTHING HAPPENS
FOR A REASON”
Given the chance for another lifetime, Dr. Colili said that she will not
change anything in her life. “I’m contented with what I have and I
believe that everything happens for a reason.” And her continuous
hunger for knowledge will never waver, even if she’s already 60 years
old.
“Bloom wherever you are planted. If you’re in the academe, you have
to grow. Never stop learning,” Dr. Colili stressed to her fellow teachers
and students.
Dr. Colili reiterated that having a post-graduate degree is important
and gratifying, both personally and professionally, as it also provides
greater chances of being promoted to a higher rank and that finishing
another degree makes one’s intellect better and sharper.
Faculty
For her, education doesn’t end in the classroom, nor in the four years of
college but learning goes on … as long as you’re living and blooming.
Stimuli
BOOK buzz
FILM recap
Eats,
Shoots &
Leaves:
the
The Zero Tolerance to
Punctuation by: Lynne Truss
Reviewed by: Mayette Bontia
STI Headquarters
W
riting a book about grammar and its related cousins is
difficult, at best. You can be sure that it will only reach
a limited audience – academics, students brushing up on the
fundamentals, and people who have a compulsion to use correct
grammar forms in their everyday lives. However, publishing that book and
learn that it has an audience beyond its limited circle is nothing short of astounding, as
Lynne Truss found out when she published her bestseller Eats, Shoots & Leaves.
Consider this sentence from the book: A woman, without her man, is nothing. But before we hear
the outraged cries of the independent women out there, know that your punctuation marks will let
you put one over the more dominant species. A couple of dots in the right place and voila! you will
have: A woman: without her, man is nothing; thus, getting the satisfaction of knowing that you can
turn things very favorably to your advantage.
As can be seen in the small exercise above, Eats, Shoots & Leaves tackles the very important issue of
placing correct punctuation in sentences. In an age where textese and abbreviated sentences abound,
the book provides a breather for people who have grown tired of incomprehensible sentences. You
see, punctuation marks are really little courtesies given by writers to their readers, allowing them to
“understand a story without stumbling.” Which is considerate of writers, too, for how can you fully
appreciate what you have read if it just stormed through your head after the first reading?
The book, as a forewarning to future readers, contains descriptions and uses of commonly-used
marks such as the comma, semi-colon, apostrophe and the hyphen. It also tells how punctuation was
first used by printers and Greek dramatists – printers to provide gaps in the sentences they print and
dramatists to give their actors breathing stops before they utter their next lines.
However, and as future readers will see, buried in its pages are descriptions of punctuations gone
wrong, run amuck or just plain disappeared off the face of the Earth. Through humor, the author
painlessly eases you into a world where punctuation rules and sentence order reigns with a writing
style that is un-academic (there are no dry school teacher-ish terminologies) and totally not boring
(instead of falling asleep, you are compelled to look for other examples of faulty sentences, laugh,
and realize that you are also guilty of the same offense).
There lies the value of Eats, Shoots & Leaves. The author does not patronize the reader. Instead,
she talks as any gossipy friend might talk – giving the lowdown on faulty punctuation use and telling
anecdotes about it at the same time. As Ms. Truss takes pain to integrate the correct forms throughout
the various chapters on the punctuation marks, one will notice that there is no irreverence in her
over-all tone. This is why the book is such a bestseller in Britain and the United States. Instead of
being preachy, it gives “punctuation-ally”-challenged readers a kinship with others who have the
same dilemma. In a sense, it has unified people to a common cause and has shed light on a grammar
issue that is usually overlooked and taken for granted.
It has been said that the best way to teach is by example. Ms. Truss’ book gives readers a look at how
wrong sentences can be corrected and thus making it more enjoyable to read.
Faculty
10
Stimuli
PURSUIT
of
HAPPYNESS
I
nspired by true events, the film The
Pursuit of Happyness is loosely
based on the life of Chris Gardner, a
self-made millionaire, philanthropist,
and CEO of his own company. But
before reaching his present stature,
Gardner had to endure a lot of
hardships and sacrifices. The movie
tells the story of how one man can
survive adversity through sheer
hard work and determination; and
believing that his life could still
improve – not just for his sake but
also for those whom he truly cares
for.
Real life father and son, Will and
Jaden (in his film debut) Smith, played
the lead roles as Chris Gardner and
his son Christopher.
The movie shows Gardner as a
hardworking but unlucky salesman
trying to make ends meet. Then his
wife (Thandie Newton) got fed up and
left him with a 5-year-old son to take
care of. Gardner, now a single father,
looks for that “elusive” good-paying
job using every skill and talent he has.
He got his big break when he got an
internship at an exclusive brokerage
firm together with 19 other hopeful
interns. And his luck continued as he
managed to get a job in the said firm
after his internship.
Father and son slept on homeless
shelters, train station bathrooms,
and shabby motel rooms (whenever
he has the money to pay for it). But
BOSSA NOVA
F
MUSIC
geek
ORGET hip-hop, R&B, alternative rock or disco, there’s a new kind of mainstream music that’s
taking the country by storm today – Bossa Nova.
The music originated from Brazil in the late 1950’s, it combines the smoothness of AfricanAmerican jazz and the upbeat style of the Brazilian Samba, and has started to take the music
entertainment scene by storm here in the country. The first Bossa Nova album was Elizete’s
Cardosos’s Canção do Amor Demais LP, the album had the classic Chega de Saudade as its carrier
single.
despite all that, Gardner never lost sight
of his ultimate goal and that is to provide
a better future for his son.
One of the most touching lines in this film
was when Gardner told his son Christopher,
“You got a dream, you gotta protect it.
People can’t do something themselves,
they wanna tell you that you can’t do it.
You want something? Go get it. Period.”
The film is very inspiring and shows that no
matter what the obstacles are, one could
achieve his dream through dedication,
perseverance, and sacrifice.
Despite its great plot, script, and direction,
the film started slow and dragged on for
the first few minutes but once you get
hooked to it you surely wouldn’t want
to miss a moment. Will Smith awed
audiences in this film. Though popularly
known for his action hero-persona due
to such movies like Independence Day
and Men in Black, he’s also touching and
very convincing as a “desperate” Chris
Gardner in this tearjerker movie. Smith’s
son, Jaden, also got rave reviews from the
critics for his performance and was tagged
as a “star in the making”. Another first
for this film is Director Gabriele Muccino.
This is Muccino’s first full-length English
feature film.
The film was critically-acclaimed with
Smith being nominated for an Oscar for
Best Actor. This is a film that Filipinos can
easily relate to as it shows the importance
of hard work, faith, and family – despite
any circumstances.
With Joao Gilberto as the music’s “guru”, Bossa Nova became popular especially in the Latin
American region. The initial releases by Gilberto in the 1959 film Black Orpheus brought huge
popularity in Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America, and later on spread to North America by way
of visiting American jazz musicians. This resulted to recordings by Charlie Byrd. Stan Getz then
cemented its popularity and led to a worldwide boom with 1963’s Getz/Gilberto and numerous
recordings by famous jazz performers such as Ella Fitzgerald and the late-great Frank Sinatra.
They all got hooked on Bossa Nova’s rhytmic up-tempo yet mellow style of music.
The Getz/Gilberto recording “The Girl From Ipanema” was perhaps the most successful Bossa
Nova single of all time. It was edited to include only the singing of Astrud Gilberto (Gilberto’s
then-wife). The resulting fad was not unlike the disco craze of the 1970s. The genre would
withstand substantial “watering down” by popular artists throughout the next four decades.
An early influence of Bossa Nova was the song “Dans mon île” by French singer Henri Salvador,
featured in a 1957 Italian movie distributed in Brazil (Europa di notte by Alessandro Blasetti). It
was later remade by Brazilian artists Eumir Deodato in 1964 and Caetano himself in 1981. Henri
Salvador was awarded the Brazilian Order of Cultural Merit in 2005, which he received from
singer and Minister of Culture, Gilberto Gil, in the presence of President Lula for his influence on
Brazilian culture and heritage. Other prominent foreign artists who joined the bandwagon are
Bebel Gilberto, daughter of Bossa Nova co-creator Joao Gilberto, Nouvelle Vogue, and Sergio
Mendez.
In the Philippines, Sitti (real name: Sitti Katrina Navarro Baiddin) was the first local artist to
utilize Bossa Nova to catapult her to fame. Her first album, released in 2006, Café Bossa was
a certified double-platinum, selling over 60,000 copies. Her follow-up Sitti Live went gold with
15,000 copies sold.
Other artists that released their own Bossa albums are Agot Isidro and the ageless group, The
Company, along with newcomers Sofia (Bossa Latino Lite) and Raffi Quijano (Manila Blend).
The music’s popularity has also inspired bossa-themed bars to pop-up in the Metropolis and
nearby provinces like Café Havana in Greenbelt 3 in Makati City, and Klub Bossa in Angeles City,
Pampanga. Bossa-themed bars are so popular that if you drop by Café Havana at night even on
weekdays, you could see the place packed with foreigners and locals alike, dancing and swinging
to music.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and soothing kind of music to ease your stress then this is the
music for you. For those who like to listen
to soothing, melodic, and powerful yet
not ear-wrenching voices, Bossa Nova is
perfect for you. For others, Bossa Nova is
more than just music, it’s an image of life
pictured through music.
Sources: wikipedia.org
philmusic.com
Faculty
11
Stimuli
EVENT scanner
STI College-Olongapo’s EVIDENCE OF EXCELLENCE:
MARIO MORALES
2007 Tagisan ng Talino
– “Simply Amazing” National Competition Winners
M
A
As astounding as it may sound, it certainly
is no surprise to STI College-Olongapo‘s Into
Programming coach Mr. Mario Morales that they
won the competition for five times since it was first
held in 2001.
The GIFs and TAGs (website development competition), on the other hand, was held on August 30,
2007 at the STI Headquarters in Makati City.
ERRIAM-Webster dictionary defines the
word “amazing” as an adjective that means
“causing amazement, great wonder, or surprise.”
“As far as coaching
is
concerned,
I
always
do
my
best,” Mr. Morales
said and added
that
dedication,
duty, prestige, and
determination are
his ingredients for
success.
These factors must
have really done wonders for him as it produced
six regional and five National Into Programming
Championships since 2001.
His success did not come though as easy as everyone
thinks. He was previously not considered to head
the Into Programming delegation that was to join
the Tagisan ng Talino, but he persisted. “I asked the
Academic Head (for) the chance to be the coach,”
Mr. Morales explained. And eventhough he knew
it would mean additional work in his part, he still
insisted on it, knowing that he was doing this for
the glory and prestige of his school.
“We really practiced hard and came prepared for
every competition” Morales explained, adding that
preparation is the key to success. Those words came
to life no later than the recently concluded Tagisan
ng Talino National Finals (see related story), where
STI College-Olongapo topped the competition once
again. Mr. Morales furthermore added that he never
doubted his team’s ability to win the competition,
“we were confident that we could win”.
When asked what keeps him motivated, he simply
replied, “loyalty to the school.” He also reiterated
that being in STI for a decade now is a very big deal
for him and he really takes its meaning to heart.
On the subject of turning his students into
champions, Mr. Morales said that it was easy
to motivate the students as long as the faculty
members lead by example, “as instructors if they
(students) see that you’re really willing to impart
knowledge, they will follow” and emphasized on
the maxim, “lead by example”.
S STI celebrates its 24th year of academic excellence, the 2007 Tagisan ng Talino was held last
August 29, 2007 at the Richmonde Hotel in Pasig City. The events held during the competition
were: Stand Up & Deliver (impromptu speech), Speak your Mind (oratorical competition), Essay
Does It (essay writing), INTO Programming (programming competition), and Think Quest (quiz team
competition).
FIRST TIME’S THE SWEETEST
ONE of the neophyte winners during the national finals was STI College-Fairview’s Stand Up &
Deliver representative Divine Tingson. She was coached by Ms. Fe Zacarias, GE Faculty. “I was a
bit confident (that we would win)” Ms. Zacarias shared. She also added that they practiced for two
months before the actual competition. And it was evident that their hard work and perseverance
did pay off.
Another first time winner is Mr. Marcon Valderama’s team from STI College-Recto who won in the
senior category of the Think Quest Competition. “We were shocked (by the win),” Mr. Valderama
professed since they have been on the short end of the stick during the previous competitions.
“We all worked hard, and (luckily) it paid off,” Mr. Valderama stressed. He also added that the win
boosted the morale of the students.
Rounding up the list was Ramil Libao of STI College-Makati and his coach Mr. Jublas Nolasco as they
topped the Speak Your Mind Competition. Mr. Nolasco, a newly-hired instructor, confessed that
although they only practiced for a month, he emphasized the values of hard work and dedication
to Libao and made him research extensively on possible topics that may be asked during the
competition proper.
CONFIDENCE IS KEY
WITH nervousness as a factor in competitions such as this, it never hurts to bring your utmost
confidence and desire to win.
In the Essay Does It Competition, despite not being the original choice of STI College-Lahug, Calvin
Lingot still won with the help of his coach Ms. Gemma Perez. “We were confident in Calvin. Win or
lose, we could use the experience in future competitions,” Ms. Perez said.
Mr. Gilbert Razoma’s ward of freshmen from STI Pagadian meanwhile took the top prize in the
Junior category of the INTO Programming Competition. Mr. Razoma stressed that they handpicked
qualified students for the competition and added that their confidence did not wane as they took
adversity not as roadblocks but as stepping stones.
Probably the most confident school was STI College-Olongapo led by Mr. Mario Morales. They had
the championship title for five times now since 2001 in the Senior category of the Into Programming
competition. (See related article.)
A GOOD CASE OF “HANG-OVER”
A LOSS normally leaves a sour taste in the mouth but a win leaves a lasting euphoria especially to
those who don’t expect it.
“The feeling (of winning) is still there,” professed Ms. Chara Tanya Sabanpan, coach of STI Mandaue’s
winning team from the Junior category of the Think Quest Competition. “We felt no pressure at all,
we just wanted to experience (the competition),” she quickly added.
Mr. Neoh Royo, on the other hand, coach of STI San Pablo’s winning team from the GIFs and TAGs
Website Development Competition, said that they really didn’t expect to win. They simply worked
hard and gave the competition everything they got. They researched and made their presentation
the best that they possibly can.
Competition was really high during the event proper as the participants showed that winning is not
only a fruit of talent but also of sheer determination and hard work.
Faculty
12
Stimuli
ACADEMIC HEADS’ TRAINING
EVENT scanner
NEW ACADEMIC HEADS’
ORIENTATION
NURSING SUMMIT
IN this first leg of a series of
trainings
specifically
designed
for Academic Heads, participants
were given lectures and seminars
on the following topics: Effective
Management, Elements of Personal
Effectiveness, Managing your Faculty,
Academic Heads as HR Practitioner,
Standard Procedures on Employment,
Practical Training Interventions, Importance
of Good Performance Review, and Principles
of Handling People Grievances to Help
in their Administrative Skills. The VisMin
training was held at STI College-Davao last
May 23-24, 2007, the South Luzon trainings
on May 29-30, 2007, and the Northern Luzon and Metro Manila trainings last
June 5-6, 2007 at the iAcademy Amphitheatre in Makati City.
EMPHASIZING its commitment
to excellence, the Faculty
Services has conducted a twoday orientation seminar at the iAcademy Amphitheatre
in Makati City last August 9-10, 2007. The objective is to
familiarize our newly appointed academic heads on their
duties and responsibilities particularly in recruitment,
screening and hiring of faculty applicants, classification, ranking, loading and
promotion, faculty evaluation and certification, and other academic related
policies and procedures. Other HQ departments who presented were Student
Services, Marketing, Curriculum and Courseware, Assessment, Education,
Training and Development, Career and Alumni Services, and Channel
Management.
BASIC ED TEACHERS’
MANUAL ORIENTATION
DETERMINED on making its
mark in the Nursing education,
STI’s Nursing Deans and CEOs/
COOs gathered at the Seven Suites Hotel
Observatory in Antipolo City last June 25-26,
2007 to strategize programs that will support
STI’s goal to achieve a 100% passing rate on
the 2008 Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam
(PNLE). Dr. Carmelita Divinagracia, ADCPN
President, graced the event as the keynote speaker.
PRINCIPALS, Directresses, and COOs/Administrators
from STI’s Basic Education institutions attended
a two-day orientation seminar on the Teacher’s
Manual, which was held last March 8-9, 2007 at
the iAcademy Amphitheatre in Makati City. Topics
discussed are the academic policies, procedures, and
guidelines for Prep School, Grade School and High
School Teachers.
STI College-Sta. Maria
Ends its Semester with Festivity
by: Ma. Cecilia C. Ycong
GE Instructor, STI College-Sta. Maria
STI College-Sta. Maria culminated their first semester with a colorful and grand festival competition that depicted the country’s four famous festivals
last October 19, 2007 together with the Faculty members and students from the Information Technology (IT) and Nursing Departments. The festivities
were in line with the celebration of Nurses’ Week.
The festivals were presented as follow: Panagbenga of Baguio by the freshmen under the guidance of Ms. Ninfa Clemente, Masskara of Negros
Occidental by the sophomores under Ms. Arlene Buan, Dinagyang of Iloilo by the juniors under the combined efforts of Mr. Pelagio Perez, Ms. Claire
Alviar and Mr. Lawrence Manuel, and Aswang of Capiz by the seniors under Mr. Ronaldo Raymundo.
Floats from the four festivals paraded around the town as if it was also a fete for Film Festival. Local residents and other STI personnel were awed as
they witnessed the colorful costumes and awesome performances of the students.
STI College-Sta. Maria COO and Administrator Ms. Mary Grace Buenaventura and Nursing Dean Ms. Socorro Zalamea awarded the prizes to the
winners. First place went to Panagbenga Festival of the First Year Level, 2nd place was awarded to Aswang Festival of the Fourth Year Level, 3rd place
was given to the Third Level which presented the Dinagyang festival, and 4th place went to the Masskara festival of the Second Year Level.
The Nurses’ Week celebration is observed annually during the month of October by STI College-Sta. Maria in line with Proclamation No. 539 stating
that the last week of October is Nurses’ Week in honor of all the nurses in the country.
Faculty
13
Stimuli
let’s get
LITERARY
AT IT AGAIN
by: Patria L. Garcia
GE Instructor, STI College-Balagtas
I first became a mother last year.
As I watch my baby grow each day, my mind
is filled with endless worries. I was already
a worrywart even before I gave birth. Now, it
seems that just watching the evening news is
enough to turn me into a nervous wreck. Every
little thing that happens in our world becomes
a cause for concern – for I know directly or
indirectly that it will affect the quality of life
my baby would lead. How I wish I could always
protect my baby from the world.
So I began to ask myself. How do I shake off this
feeling of hopelessness whenever something
bad happens in our world? What do I do about
the more than one million Filipinos who are
living on less than $1 a day? I cannot just sigh,
shudder, and resign myself to days of anxiety as
I bow my head in shame.
I decided that I have to do something about it.
NOT TODAY
…MAYBE NOT EVER
I was walking in a place filled with blossoming
flowers and cedar trees, a place where the
birds were singing lively and freely, where you
could hear the wind hum and feel the cool
spring breeze.
I saw people live in harmony, where there were
no discriminations of race, color, sex or religion.
People treated each other with respect.
I saw a land dominated by peace, unity, and
harmony – war and chaos were words no one
knew of, hunger was a word unheard of, and
famine was just a figment of the imagination.
In the world before me, perfect would be an
understatement – it was a world drew by the
gods, an oasis to escape to, and a habitat mere
mortals could only dream of – until I woke up
from my sleep.
QUOD ET SEMPER
(Now and Forever)
I would go back and teach. Why?
When I look at my healthy and happy child, I
think of the countless other children who are
hungry, hopeless, and helpless.
There must surely be a way. And then it dawned
on me.
I can teach.
It is one thing that I know that can really reach
out to more people. It is the only way I know
how to share what I have aside from just doing
out extras. It is the only way I know of where I
can ensure that my daughter will have a better
future.
For starters, I always implore my students. I
ask them, on behalf of my child, to ensure that
our world will become safer, greener, cleaner,
and more peaceful. I tell everyday that this
responsibility rests on their shoulders.
I pray that in doing my part I help my students
rise above their current circumstances. I hope I
inculcate in them the hope, idealism, and belief
in the good, the true, and the beautiful.
I hope they dream bigger and believe more.
And pray that lives become the culmination of
their perseverance and positivism. Most of all,
I hope they live by the credo, “be the change
that you want to see the world.”
I hope they are listening.
“Forever” seems to be a daunting word to
digest simply because it means perpetuity,
eternity, and infinity; unlike the word “Now”
which means today, at the moment, and
present time.
Do we really have to worry on what the future
holds for us? Shouldn’t we worry about “Now”
because what we do today will be our legacy
forever? Besides, forever is such a long time so
we might as well just focus on “Now”.
If “Now” was meant to dictate our “Forever”
then why do people commit to “Now and
Forever” during matrimony? Shouldn’t it be
“Now and Tomorrow and the days after that”?
Has anyone seen “Forever”? I doubt it. But
everyone has been to the present which is
“Now”. Is “Forever” really a reality or is it just a
lingering version of “Now”?
To those truly in love and doesn’t want to let
go of that love, “Now and Forever” is more
than just a phrase or a commitment – it is a
binding soul tattoo that is very hard to remove.
“Now and Forever” by all means is cherished
and treasured by those who truly mean and
deserve it.
But to those whose promise of “Now and
Forever” was vetoed, trashed, and smothered,
it is nothing more than just an excuse not to take
chances again. If ever, they will probably take a
shot again at “Now” but not at “Forever”.
Does Now lead to Forever? Does Forever lead
to happiness now? – to that we will never know
– Now and Forever.
Faculty
14
Stimuli
A TEACHERS’ SONNET
Here I am again
Ready to face the world on my own
But I remain steadfast
My faith and dedication will not waiver
For I know my purpose
My reason for being
Even though sometimes it doesn’t seem
Deep inside I know it is.
Long hours and tons of work for a meager pay
To some it’s not worth it
To me it’s just a small amount of sacrifice I have
to endure for my calling.
So long and so far
Have I reached the twilight of my vocation
The mind is willing, the body is not
Haven’t received a lot
But leave my students, I shall not.
Here I am again
Facing the world on my own
Helping my students prepare to face reality on
their own
The mind is willing, but the body is not
I’m already 70 but not willing to move on.
WHAT MAKES A TEACHER
GREAT?
What makes a teacher great?
Is it the way she walks, talks or holds her chalk?
Is it the way she makes us dread in fear?
Or is it everything about her that we just can’t
comprehend?
Is a teacher great when her students pass?
Is a teacher futile when her students fail?
Is a teacher great when she makes us smile?
Is a teacher futile when we cry in despair?
A teacher is no different from you and me.
They also have dreams and ask themselves, “why
can’t it be?”
They taught us what we hear, speak, and see.
A teacher, we all know, helped mold me and
you.
A second parent to us they are;
Ready to be called and relied upon even from
afar.
Sometimes when we feel like the world’s falling
apart;
They’re just there, standing next to us – away but
not too far.
What makes a teacher great?
Is it a question too hard to take?
That’s an answer we could not make
Even if we were to make something made up and
fake?
Intelligence,
Prudence,
Whole-heartedness,
We have all witnessed their greatness.
GLOBAL
ENGLISH savvy
news
How to Write Faster
and Get Results
P
eople who attend our business writing classes often
have this goal: to write faster. They want to be more
productive by cutting the time it takes to write. It’s an
admirable goal. But more than speed, effective writing
is the key to increased productivity. When our writing
is effective, it gets results: our readers respond the
way we intend. Fortunately, certain writing techniques
increase both speed and effectiveness. Here are seven
ways to write more productively.
1. Think before you type.
Before you begin to write, think through the answers to
these questions:
Why are you writing?
Who are your readers?
What do you want your readers to do?
What questions do your readers need answered?
Answering these questions will take a few minutes, but
it can save you hours of writing and rewriting. When
you know up front what you want to accomplish, you
can write faster and more effectively. And when you list
the questions your readers need answered, your job
is easier – you simply answer those questions in your
document. When you answer reader questions such
as “Why do you recommend this?” and “What are the
next steps?” you readers, in turn, can respond to your
document quickly and appropriately. You get results.
2. Use bullet points, lists, and short chunks of text.
It takes time to construct long, beautifully balanced
passages that begin with “first of all,” move through
“secondly” and “thirdly,” and end “in conclusion.” Such
paragraphs require perfectly structured thoughts that
are packaged in just the right punctuation.
To write faster, use short paragraphs, bullet points, and
numbered lists instead of dense paragraphs. These
short chunks require less punctuation and are easier
to write and read. Your readers will be able to skim
your document quickly to retrieve the information they
need.
3. Write shorter documents.
It’s time-consuming to write-and read-long documents.
To increase everyone’s productivity, create shorter
documents. Try these methods:
• Use hyperlinks for extra information rather than
including it in your document.
• Render information in words or graphics–not
both. Use pie charts, bar graphs, tables, etc., to
communicate complex information. When possible,
find out which format best meets your readers’
needs.
• Omit background information if your readers are
familiar with it or have easy access to it.
• Summarize rather than including raw data that is
difficult to format and read.
• Use shorter sentences. Although shorter sentences
may not reduce the length of the document, they will
make it feel shorter. And they are easier to read.
by: Lynn Gaertner-Johnston,
Founder of Syntax Training
Contributed by: Djhoanna E. Camero
STI Headquarters
4. Use descriptive subjects and headings
Subjects such as Announcement and Update
communicate nothing. Likewise, standard headings
such as Background, Objective, and Results provide no
useful information. Quickly focus your thoughts–and
your readers’–with descriptive subjects and headings:
Sample subject”
Welcome Vera West to Quality Assurance
Sample heading:
Auction goal: $65,000
When you know your readers’ questions (see number
1), you can use some of them as headings:
Which Pricing Plan Is Better?
Why did Cedar Sales Decrease?
Such headings are effective because they are tied to
key information. They move you and your readers
forward.
5. Start work on the project long before the deadline
Sometimes it isn’t possible to work on a writing task far
in advance. But whenever you can, do. Starting early
saves time by allowing you to:
Gather ideas from others. Keep a file of ideas and
information, and you will have content available when
you are ready to write. The blank screen will be much
less intimidating.
Write a draft and get comments on it. When the
document isn’t due immediately, use the time to get
helpful input. Let others contribute.
“Sleep on it.” Taking a break gives you a fresh critical
eye. When you return to your draft a day later, you
can recognize muddy sentences and holes in content.
By catching your own errors and filling content gaps,
you can prevent reader confusion. If your information
inspires their confidence, your readers are likely to
respond as you intend.
6. Know when not to write.
Sometimes talking on the telephone or meeting in
person is a much more productive way to communicate.
Avoid writing when either of those methods is faster or
more effective, in situations like these:
Giving and receiving feedback
Sharing sensitive information
Introducing a controversial idea
Resolving a conflict
Establishing rapport in new relationships
It’s simply too hard to accomplish the above tasks
through email, memos, or letters–even for expert
writers. You can instantly increase productivity if you
handle such situations by phone or in person.
7. Stop when you are finished.
Don’t waste time summarizing the obvious or trying to
write the perfect conclusion. Besides eating your time,
it can distract your readers and delay their responses.
I will accept my own advice and end here!
Faculty
15
Stimuli
• N I N E T Y- F I V E
percent of the world’s
internet audience conducted a
cumulative 61 Billion searches
last August according to data
collected by the US Internet
research firm comScore. The
study indicated that the AsianPacific region including China,
Japan and India accounted for
20.3 Billion searches by a total
of 258 Million people. MiddleEast Africa had the fewest,
with 2 Billion searches by 30
Million people.
Source: worldnews.com
• SOME 100,000 school-children
from the South American
country of Uruguay have
received laptops from their
national government each
worth only $100 (est. 4565
Php). The program is to boost
the One Laptop per Child
(OLPC) organization. 300,000
more laptops for children aged
to 6-12 are to be distributed in
2009. “We commend Uruguay
for being the first country
to take concrete actions to
provide laptops to its students
and
teachers”
Nicholas
Negeroponte, founder of
the organization said, adding
“(we) look forward to other
countries
following
this
example”.
Source : news.bbc.co.uk
• BEING active will not only make
a kid’s body healthier but also
even smarter. A recent study
done by the Medical College
of Augusta in Georgia, found
that kids who actively play for
20-40 minutes a day may be
able to do better at organized
schoolwork, do class projects
and learn mathematics. The
study also showed that it
also reduced the percentage
of body fat among kids.
“Today there is so much
more competition for their
time with all the attractive
options to be sedentary, from
hundreds of cable channels,
video and computer games”
Howell Wechsler, Director of
the Division Adolescent and
School Health for the Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention said, “This makes it
even more important to have
physical education programs
and other opportunities for
physical activities at school.”
Source : usatoday.com
VANTAGE point
Lifelong learning for me is very important to
the lives of every man as for we should not
stop learning, we should not stop exploring,
experimenting, knowing new things, because
through learning we become better persons.
Marcelo Regalado Jr.
IT Instructor, STI Angeles
Learning is not just inside the walls of the
classroom, but also with the people we
encounter in our professional and social circle.
We learn though the experiences life brings
us and also through challenges we deal with.
It is indeed a lifelong endeavor and somehow
eternally a work in progress.
We shouldn’t stop taking information because
we will never know if it might be useful in the
future. In the academic community, just as
important as sharing knowledge to the class, is
the instructor’s acceptance that he or she still
has a lot to learn.
Gabriel Guevarra
COMARTS Instructor, STI Balanga
If education is your calling, then lifelong learning
is a MUST. You can’t give out what you don’t
Learning is a simple gift that we can share
for those who wants to learn. Learning is
a multiplication process; an exponential
progression leading the way to the rough road.
Oliver Noriega
COE Chairperson, STI Balayan
No one can claim he has the whole truth or
knowledge; he has to engage himself with
others to get a fragment of knowledge from
them, and, in return, give back fragments of his
own.
Venerando Talento
GE Instructor, STI Balayan
Education really is a lifelong necessity. If you
want to impart new and up-to-date ideas to
your students and would be students, you need
to go back to school and equip again yourself
with bright ideas.
Josephine Anne Daffon
GE Coordinator, STI Caloocan
To the academic community, competitiveness
in terms of acquired knowledge is the center
of all issues. If the entire academic community
unforgettable experiences which taught me a
lot about life. It has guided my way as I continue
with my journey through life, and when again
I will be faced with crucial decisions, I will just
look back to things I’ve learned and with God’s
grace, I am confident that I will never go astray.
Gezelle Gregoria Segundera
IT Instructor, STI Marbel
A lifelong learning, founded on a good balance
of truths and essentials, is always the catalyst
towards self-actualization, happiness, and
success. And a truthful, happy, and successful
individual or professional creates a positive
stimulus in the academe or workplace.
Jose Arnold Sagun
Academic Head, STI Muñoz
Learning is lifelong. We are learning as we go
on living. Our learning serves as our guide as
we go on living. It develops a well rounded
personality and a refined behavior and these
lead into self-actualization and fulfillment.
Ma. Theresa Vicente
Academic Head, STI Santiago
“What do you think is the value of lifelong
learning to you, personally and professionally,
and to the academic community?”
have, and neither can you teach when you have
nothing to teach. Lifelong learning with the
proper temperance and maturity is the key to
imparting wisdom that matters. If you want to
make a difference then you need to continue to
learn and update yourself, you continually need
to re-invent yourself.
We should continue to pursue knowledge at
every turn of our lives. If not, we will commit
a grave injustice to the students who have
trusted us with their future, their dreams, their
ambitions and their lives. Let’s always look at
lifelong learning in a different light, not as a
requirement or a burden, but a vehicle that
can change us all, the people whose lives we’ve
touched and (maybe) one day the world.
Paolo Dimaano
COO / GE Instructor, STI Balayan
One of the reasons why lifelong education has
become so important is the acceleration of
scientific and technological progress. Despite
the increased duration of primary, secondary
and university education (14-18 years
depending on the country), the knowledge and
skills acquired there are usually not sufficient
for a professional career spanning three or four
decades.
Michelle Guinitaran
GE Instructor, STI Caloocan
continues to learn and improve its culture of
teaching, we can be sure that we will produce
the best students.
Emil Guevarra
IT Instructor, STI Guagua
I believe that I will be “learned” as I live my life
because I get to learn and educate myself from
the learnings I am experiencing everyday.
Jessie Gayosa
IT Instructor, STI Tacurong
I agree with the dictum that “Experience is
the best teacher.” It gives us the tests first
then the lesson afterwards. In my opinion,
the ultimate form of learning is the ability to
discern the wisdom behind one’s trials and
eventually identify the divine plan for us. Once
achieved, this becomes the cornerstone of selfactualization, the highest level in Maslow’s
hierarchy of needs. Through learning, an
individual can then achieve his maximum
potential.
Jocelyn Dionisio
Academic Head, STI Malolos
Lifelong learning affects one’s life personally
and professionally. It is a continuous process
wherein man learns from his experiences. Man
needs to learn his lessons from all the challenges
he encounters. A person becomes stronger in
facing all those realities in life. On the other
hand, man learns and becomes educated.
Lessons could not just be learned within the
four corners of the school but life experiences
also teach us a lot. Professionally, man grows
through lifelong learning because he can
apply those lessons he acquired from his daily
undertakings. For the community, man needs
to be open for development. Learning is not
just for the enrichment of one’s knowledge but
instead it should be for the good of everybody.
Grace Joy Millendez
IT Instructor, STI Tacurong
It is through lifelong learning that I become
wiser and mature in facing everyday challenge
that comes my way. When I look back to the past
I can’t help but smile and be amused with the
way I felt, acted and see life when I was younger.
Every year added to my life comes with wisdom
and understandings that made me a better
person, which, in turn, made me more attuned
to the needs of my students and recognize that
a fraction of their future depends on me. The
academic community had enriched me with
Nobody will benefit from lifelong learning if it is
simply contained in the mind of the person as
great ideas and knowledge, and has not been
shared or put to action.
Terranya Tiamson
IT Instructor, STI Balayan