College instructors are being trained to better teach technical subjects in English, targeting a long-standing gap in Philippine classrooms where students struggle to understand complex lessons delivered in a second language.
The program, organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines through its Regional English Language Office, gathered 50 instructors in Baguio City for a two-day workshop focused on improving how science, technology, engineering and mathematics and social science subjects are taught in English.
Held on April 28 and 29 and hosted by Saint Louis University, the training used hands-on methods such as mini laboratory activities and solving complex math problems in English. The sessions were designed to let teachers experience the same challenges their students face when technical content is delivered in a language they are still learning.
“By empowering Filipino faculty with tools to strengthen their English instruction, we are also helping them shape the next generation of subject matter experts who can effectively communicate complex ideas in English,” said U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna.
Educators said the training addresses a practical issue in classrooms, where comprehension of technical subjects is often linked to language ability.
“This training has benefited the whole region through these professors and instructors to learn more ways of using English as a power and a tool in facilitating content courses. From here, we will always share and pay it forward,” said Dr. Stephanie Busbus, director of global relations at Saint Louis University.
Participants also used the American English Toolkit, a set of teaching materials developed by the U.S. Department of State that includes interactive exercises, recorded workshops, and classroom resources.
Organizers said the program aims to help instructors improve how lessons are delivered so students can better understand and explain complex ideas in English.
