MAP Seminar reaches XU-Ateneo de Cagayan

 

By Rezza Mae B. Tolinero and Ma. Isabela C. Agawin
Cagayan-Philippines
February 26, 2016



How to become a super star A+ Student?
Scientific research has brought a new discovery to light. The difference between students who get A’s and students who get bad grades is not only IQ nor the amount of effort they put in. The research found that the difference was the way they studied. Superstar students have study tools and lifetime skills that allow them to excel above others.

This time: XU

 
The Maximizing Academic Performance Seminar (MAPs) finally had its touchdown at Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan. It was held at the University’s Nursing Amphitheater on February 2-4, 2016.   The seminar unveiled study skills strategies, techniques, and new learning resources.  And all the proceeds were donated to the Fr. Asandas Balchand SJ Medical Scholarship Fund. I

MAPs “has been especially designed to provide the study skills that will help students learn more in less time and with higher retention.” This seminar was made possible through the initiatives and efforts of Perri Cebedo.  He was also the speaker at the seminar.

In XU, the seminar had a total attendance of around 450 participants-- which raised more than a hundred thousand pesos for the medical scholarship program. Most of the sessions were graced by the students of University’s medical school and other undergrad students of XU.

Louren Aranas, one of the seminar’s attendees, testifies that “the MAP seminar helps students improve  learning because it shows different ways to study”  For her, the MAP seminar has shown that learning doesn't have to be seen as a grueling, much-dreaded chore, but as an activity that challenges and stimulates the mind, encourages students to explore methods of improving, and allows the student to experience  the sheer joy of learning.

More MAPs ahead

With so much enthusiastic and positive response to MAPs at XU, the MAP seminar is here to stay. Melton James Loanzon, Xavier University Scholars Guild (XUSG) vice-president, says “We will continue the legacy of MAPS not only to boost our academic standing but more importantly to retain the scholarships of our scholars.”

According to Loanzon, a student-led MAP Seminar will be offered in the next academic year. This would mean that all of the learning points from the discussion of Perri will be taught to interested students, especially those who were unable to attend the seminar. Moreover, all scholars are encouraged to request for a MAP Seminar at the beginning of their scholarship grant. They may signify their interest by contacting Ms Glenda Orlanes in the Office of Scholarships and Finance Office (OSFA) or approach their respective college representatives from the XUSG.

So, how to become a super star A+ student? Get a MAP to reach your goal!

The History of MAP Seminars

According to Perri, the idea of MAPs started way back in the 80s when he bought a video program on study skills called “Where There's a Will, There's an A.” More tips were then added to this program and Perri offered it to his client company, Grunenthal Peruana as a Relationship-Building Program for the families of doctors in Peru and Chile. “La Excelencia Academica” as it was then called was received with great enthusiasm and Perri started to offer MAP free seminars to high school and college students in Latin America.

In the Philippines MAP seminars started only about four years ago when Perri conducted the first MAPs to schools in Coron, Culion, Siargao Island as he and his wife Monina would go about photographing the  scenic spots in these areas. Then Perri had the good fortune of being introduced to Victor A. Consunji of  DMCI. He invited Perri to go to Semirara Island and then to Calaca, Batangas  to deliver the  first MAP seminars.

From then on it was a continuous learning of strategies in giving seminars. “We started giving MAPs to school teachers in the hope that they would teach it to their students but it didn't work. About two years ago, we started giving it to scholars of DMCI, upon the suggestion of Engr. Edgardo Lagman, AVP Facilities, Calaca Plant Complex, of the SEM-CALACA POWER CORPORATION. “The reception was very positive,” shares Perri.  Apparently, giving the seminar directly to students was a better strategy.

Fast forward to today. Perri has conducted several MAP seminars in Cebu: at the Go Thong Memorial School, the Cebu City National Science High School and the Ateneo de Cebu. About two weeks ago Perri delivered several MAP seminars to schools in Balayan, Batangas like St Pauls College, Immaculate Conception College, Our Lady of Caysasay Academy, St Raphael Archangel and Calaca Academy. He has also given MAP seminars at the Divine Word School in Semirara Island and at the St Lawrence Academy Foundation in Buenavista, Quezon, the farthest town of Quezon you probably never heard off.

What makes the MAP seminar unique is that it deals with the ten most important study skills and it is backed with a treasure cove of resources like ebooks, video tutorials, encyclopedias and vocabulary books appropriate to specific grade levels and areas of academic interest, e.g., law. medicine etc.

The ten study skill areas include:

1. The Learning Environment at Home and at school; Effective Classroom Participation
2. Attitudes and Characteristics of Champion Learners
3. Preparing for Tests, Taking Tests, How to Ace your Tests
4. The Weekly Study Plan, An Application of Time Management
5. How to Study Boring Textbooks: the SQ4R Method
6. How to Take Lecture Notes: Using the Cornell Method
7. How to Sharpen your Memory Skills, 8 Tools for remembering
8. How to Build a Powerful Vocabulary to reignite the Joy of Learning!
9. Using Video Tutorials/ Multimedia Repeatable Lectures to enhance Learning
10. Using eBooks and Illustrated Encyclopedias to expand and deepen your Learning

Typical Comments and Feedback on MAPs seminar:

Topics are focused on effective study techniques, strategic, very informative, comprehensive, useful, and easily applicable. The MAP seminar format is participant-centered, interactive, dynamic and the speaker is rated as very knowledgeable with a lively sense of humor, enthusiastic, and entertaining.