The College of Numeracy and Applied Sciences (CNAS), through its extension office, conducted a three-day seminar-workshop titled “Enhancing Research Rigor: Mastering Action Research, Integrating Digital Tools, and Navigating Gender and Development in Research Practices” on March 12-14, 2025 at the BSU-ICT Hall. This activity aimed to equip Alternative Learning System (ALS) mobile teachers in crafting action research while integrating gender and development perspectives.

During the opening program, BSU president Kenneth A. Laruan delivered an inspirational message to the participants while Cheryll L. Launio, the director of the Office of Extension Services, lauded the college for organizing such an activity and convinced the participants of the importance of conducting rigorous research. Also, Gigy G. Banes, a faculty member of the College of Social Sciences, delivered a lecture on integrating gender perspectives in action research. Moreover, Jovalson T. Abiasen, the chairperson of the CNAS-Physics department, demonstrated how digital tools are integrated into research practices, while Ederson G. Bawang, the dean of CNAS, provided a thorough discussion of the principles and parts of action research. The first day of the training ended with a presentation of the different designs and methods of an action research by Freda Kate D. Samuel, a faculty of the CNAS-Statistics department.

The second day continued with an exploration of the different Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools through a presentation by Klanz G. Bawanan, a faculty member of the CNAS-Physics department. The remainder of the activity was devoted to workshops, mentoring, and presentations, which were facilitated by the extension workers of CNAS.

“I have to be more responsible in using AI since it is not always correct,” said one of the participants during the presentation of outputs. Another participant who mentioned of not having any research experience expressed his appreciation of the different presentations.
This activity is part of the CNAS extension program REACH, which focuses on offering services to clients in the areas of research, mathematics, statistics, and other sciences to clients.//Nick W. Sibaen (CNAS Information Coordinator)