ALIAC made a significant impact at the 2024 National Conference on Educational Measurement and Evaluation (NCEME2024), hosted by the Philippine Educational Measurement and Evaluation Association (PMEA) at De La Salle University, Manila, from August 29 to 31, 2024. Themed “Assessment Innovations: Initiatives for Education Reform in the Philippines,” this year’s conference focused on how cutting-edge assessment practices can drive meaningful education reform across the country.

Leading ALIAC’s participation, Dr. Ethel Reyes-Chua, Head of Research, presented a research paper titled “Proposed Portfolio Assessment in an Aviation Institution: A Qualitative Study,” conducted in collaboration with Dr. Lina Constante, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Assistant Professor Juncen Gardoce, MEAM, Dean of the Undergraduate Studies. The study aimed to explore how portfolio assessments can be integrated into aviation education to offer a more comprehensive evaluation of students’ progress, skills, and competencies beyond traditional testing methods. Given the specialized and technical nature of aviation training, the research highlighted the value of portfolio assessments in capturing a more detailed picture of students’ practical and cognitive skills, which are critical in aviation careers.

The research presentation addressed the need for innovative assessment approaches in technical and vocational education sectors. With the aviation industry demanding high standards of competency from its graduates, the proposed portfolio assessment offers a more dynamic way of tracking and showcasing student development over time, focusing on both their learning journey and the mastery of essential skills.

In addition to presenting her research, Dr. Chua also served as a moderator, overseeing discussions on educational assessment innovations and fostering an exchange of ideas among educators and researchers from various institutions. Reflecting on her participation, Dr. Chua shared the following key insight: “Research is the foundation of all current developments. To become acculturated to research, it is essential to be open-minded and willing to share your research findings.” This statement underscored the importance of collaboration in academia and the role of research in advancing educational practices.

Dr. Chua’s involvement in NCEME2024 highlighted ALIAC’s commitment to not only staying at the forefront of education reform but also actively contributing to academic research that has the potential to reshape the future of aviation education. By presenting their findings on portfolio assessments, ALIAC demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to student evaluation, one that aligns with the growing trend of personalized, competency-based learning.

The conference offered a rich platform for networking and knowledge exchange, as participants delved into various topics related to assessment reform in Philippine education. The focus on innovative assessment techniques resonated with the broader goals of educational institutions nationwide to enhance student learning experiences and outcomes.

As ALIAC continues to grow as a leader in aviation education, the insights gained from NCEME2024 will play a vital role in shaping the institution’s future assessment strategies. Through its participation in national conferences like this, ALIAC reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence, research, and the ongoing improvement of its programs, ensuring that its students are well-prepared for the demanding careers that lie ahead in the aviation industry.