An international synergy took place between the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program (PGSD) of Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) and Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), Philippines, through a Guest Lecture activity held at Campus 2 on Friday (17/4).

The event was attended by the Head of the PGSD Program, Dr. Endang Sri Maruti, S.Pd., M.Pd., the Head of the Bureau of Cooperation and Public Relations (BKH), Dr. Sri Lestari, S.Pd., M.Pd., as well as PGSD UNIPMA students. The activity raised the topic of STEAM learning, delivered by Assistant Professor Herbert M. De Jesus from BASC Philippines as the speaker.

Meanwhile, three BASC students—Miya Andrea R. Gonzales, Rica Alyanna R. Pelagio, and Lei Raporada—served as resource persons in the cultural sharing session. They shared experiences about culture, the education system, and learning perspectives in the Philippines, enriching participants’ cross-cultural insights.

In the material discussion, the concept of STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) was presented as an approach that can be integrated with real-world contexts, including the agricultural sector, for elementary school students. This approach is considered capable of developing 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.

The activity ran interactively with active discussions between Indonesian and Filipino students. The cultural sharing session from BASC students also added a global dimension to the learning process, not only academically but also in terms of cross-cultural understanding.

This forum became a space for reflection for students to understand the importance of integrating technology, contextual approaches, and global awareness in the educational process, without neglecting academic ethical values.

This activity is part of the ongoing efforts of the PGSD UNIPMA program to provide open, contextual, and globally oriented learning experiences. Beyond merely transferring knowledge, this guest lecture also encourages students to be more adaptive in responding to the development of science and technology.

Through this international collaboration, PGSD UNIPMA once again emphasizes its role in producing future educators who are globally competitive, innovative, and ready to face the challenges of the digital era. Learning is no longer confined to the classroom but evolves into real, relevant experiences that impact the future of education.

For more information about campus activities, you can visit UNIPMA’s official Instagram account at @official_unipma. UNIPMA has also opened new student admissions for the 2025/2026 academic year. Registration for Regular and RPL programs for the 2025/2026 academic year is now open.