As part of its commitment to improving teacher education in the Philippines, the Philippine Normal University (PNU), supported by the Teacher Education Council (TEC), is undertaking a major research project titled “Development of a Model of Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan in Teacher Education Programs”. The study aims to develop a comprehensive learning outcomes assessment model that can serve as a national benchmark for evaluating teacher education curricula across the country. The proposed model will encompass frameworks and tools to assess the three core components of teacher education programs: General Education, Professional Education, and Specialization.

To gather global perspectives and best practices, the research team, led by Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas, Vice President for Academics, conducted interviews with key representatives from various international institutions offering teacher education programs. The interview questions addressed the assessment practices from admission to and exit from various undergraduate teacher education programs. Additionally, the interviews explored how assessment tools are developed, implemented, and aligned with intended learning outcomes and professional standards.

The interviews revealed a shared commitment to high-quality, structured, and outcomes-based teacher preparation frameworks acrosss seven (7) international universities: (1) University of New South Wales (UNSW), (2) Ohio State University (OSU), (3) Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), (4) Sriwijaya University, (5) Addis Ababa University, (6) University of New England, and (7) Mount Saint Vincent University. Despite differing national contexts, these institutions collectively emphasize learning outcomes, assessment integrity, and alignment with professional teaching standards –  key insights that will inform the Philippine research effort.

The study is co-led by Dr. Gladys C. Nivera, Dean of the College of Teacher Development, and Dr. Ruth A. Alido, Director of the Curriculum Management and Instructional Materials Office. It forms part of a broader research initiative at PNU, which includes projects on Experiential Learning, the National Teacher Education Research Agenda, Curriculum Reframing, and the National Admission Examination, among others. This initiative strengthens PNU’s role in advancing teacher education reforms in the country.