Case Studies Strengthen Academe–Industry Cooperation

Despite being recognized as one of the top universities in the Philippines in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields, the institution's graduates often lack the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen careers. Employers rarely engage with TIP to provide input or suggestions to improve the work readiness of graduates. Research has shown that Philippine businesses value academic competencies, as well as "soft skills" including experience in research, leadership, communication, and computer skills. If universities and faculty can adjust curricula to train students in these areas, and if industry partners can contribute to this process, students will have more opportunities and be better prepared to contribute to the rapidly growing Philippine economy. To address this issue, the USAID STRIDE Program has been working to bridge the gaps between academia and industry through engagement with companies and with university leadership and educators. One key activity of the program is the use of case study workshops, which aim to help participants research and write their own teaching case studies and prepare them for publication. Dr. Christianne Nabua, a Professor of Science Education and the Outcomes-Based Teaching and Learning Director at TIP, attended a case study workshop organized by the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan (WDI) in April 2015. The workshop, which was supported by the USAID STRIDE Program, taught participants to research and write their own teaching case studies and prepare them for publication. Dr. Nabua also learned about the importance of teaching cases in the classroom and how this tool can prepare students to think critically and solve problems. Following the workshop, Dr. Nabua held three echo workshops for more than 100 faculty at TIP on how to teach using the STRIDE case studies. These workshops aimed to equip faculty members with the necessary skills to integrate case studies into their teaching practices, thereby enhancing the work readiness of TIP graduates. By leveraging the case study approach, TIP hopes to bridge the gap between academia and industry and produce graduates who are better equipped to succeed in their chosen careers.