By Mike Vincent A. Cubita

The BECEd Gems gain firsthand insights into Montessori education through classroom observation and their educational visit to Iloilo Montessori School.

On September 1, 2026, the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) second- and third-year Gems visited Iloilo Montessori School for their student exposure activity.

Through classroom observation, they acquired insights about the Montessori prepared environment. The visit also offered them the opportunity to witness the methods implemented and practices undertaken by the class directresses in a child-centered learning environment.

During their educational visit, the Gems had the chance to relate the theories and principles they have learned in the classroom to real classroom situations. They also learned more about the importance of the role of early childhood educators in guiding and caring for young learners.

Moreover, the Gems were allowed to see how the learning environment should be organized as well as the significance of giving children purposeful learning activities that promote independence, creativity, and engagement. The school visit has been a yearly initiative conducted since 2023 by Asst. Prof. Maristel Decio, aligned with the course Play and Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in Early Childhood Education.

The BECEd Gems remain committed to providing enriching educational experiences to future teachers of the young. The school visit to the Iloilo Montessori School aligns with the UN SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals.