About Us
What we do
Our mission is to create the optimal learning experience for our students and teachers. This means evaluating our teaching practices, finding what works & ways to improve, and implementing pedagogically-sound, technology-assisted, and data-driven ways to optimize teaching.
We also work directly with students (through our CTL Production Team and other student organizations) to help them with their learning journey and to achieve the learning outcomes of their programs of study. Together, we improve instructional materials, make sense of feedback, facilitate teaching and learning cases, and more.
How we do it
LXD
The Learning Experience Design Section crafts innovative, learner-centered and faculty-friendly educational experiences that enhance engagement, accessibility, and academic success across diverse learning environments. This is done through Student Learning Support (e.g., improving learning environments, eliminating learning barriers) and Academic Technologies (e.g., providing teacher training for pedagogy and technology, facilitating technology-assisted ways of teaching).
TRD
The Teaching Research and Development Section conducts research on the best teaching practices and provides programs and resources (such as research assistance and grants) to help the faculty improve their teaching practices. This section also collaborates with other units in the University to study data related to retention, attrition, passing and failing rates, and more. As such, this section provides teaching and learning reports and feedback.
Meet the Team
Jason de Villa
[email protected]
Managing Director
What I do
I manage the Center for Teaching and Learning, and guide the CTL team in planning and implementing activities and projects that improve the learning experience in UA&P.
My Background
My degrees are in science (undergrad) and communication (Master’s), and have worked in both administrative (15 years) and teaching (12 years) posts in UA&P for more than 25 years.
Best Way to Reach Me
Via email or Google Chat, but please note that I check them only at specified periods within the day so expect a response in about 24 hours (or less).
Where You'll Find Me
Onsite on most days of the week.
Working Together
If you want to schedule a meeting, I would appreciate advance notice (a week would usually be ok), and an idea of what will be discussed, so I can prepare for it.
Celerino Tiongco
[email protected]
Associate Director for Research
What I do
I teach undergraduate and graduate courses in SED and have been designated Associate Director for Research (essentially “Institutional Research”) at CTL.
My Background
At least multidisciplinary and doing my best to make my work interdisciplinary. Someone who skims and scans my curriculum vitae will likely (and maybe rightly) conclude that here is someone who could not seem to make up his mind about what he would like to be. I have an undergraduate degree in science (Geology, UP Diliman) and a graduate degree in business management (AIM) and earned three degrees at Teachers College, Columbia University (Master of Arts, Master of Education, and Doctor of Education). As regards work experience, I began as a Geology instructor in UP and after getting my business management degree got employed as a manager and executive in a mining company. Then I joined CRC and spent many years doing editing work and overseeing CRC publications. I later took on various managerial and executive positions in CRC and in UA&P. Then I was sent to the US for doctoral studies in higher education. When I came back, I was asked to head SED until I retired. Since then, UA&P has retained me as a consultant.
Best Way to Reach Me
By e-mail. I usually respond within a day or two.
Where You'll Find Me
Since I now live close by, I have a more flexible schedule. Meeting on campus can be easily arranged.
Working Together
I appreciate advance notice of meetings, including the agenda. I prefer meeting between 10:00 and 12:00 in the morning and between 2:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon.
Bing Urgel
[email protected]
Executive Assistant
What I do
I attend to the team’s needs and coordinate with other units to ensure that deliverables are met.
My Background
I have a background in Interior Design and have worked in BPO industry for several years and currently into administrative tasks.
Best Way to Reach Me
Via email or chat. I typically get back to you within the day.
Where You'll Find Me
My fixed onsite day is Thursday and my other onsite usual days are Monday and Wednesday.
Working Together
I appreciate a heads-up especially on requests which involve other units.
Za Elises
[email protected]
EdTech Specialist
What I do
As the EdTech Specialist, I focus on technology for teaching-and-learning — yes, I am Ms. Canvas! Being the LMS administrator, I work closely with ICT, REG, and the academic programs. EdTech is my work specialization but I’m generally involved in everything related to the learning experience. As a whole, my role in CTL is highly adaptable, and I contribute to various projects or tasks even outside of the LXD team, especially when I have the experience and/or skillset for it.
My Background
Before coming to UA&P, I was an online teacher, an early childhood teacher, a site manager, a school principal, a support associate for home-based teaching operations, and a brand officer for a review center. All these experiences contributed to my adeptness at navigating my current work. I have an undergraduate degree in the Humanities, with MA units in Literature (UA&P), and I also earned units in Professional Teaching (UP). At present, I’m taking my Master’s in Educational Leadership (UA&P).
Best Way to Reach Me
I am best reached via email, and mostly respond within the hour if not within the day. I rarely go online on Google Chat, therefore it’s not a “quick” way to reach me. I stop responding to emails by 5 PM (M/Tue/F) to regroup at the last hour of the workday, and by 3 PM (Wed/Thu) because I am commuting home by then. Kindly expect delayed to no replies on Saturdays because I am in class. However, I do my best to respond in real-time when it concerns disruptive Canvas issues.
Where You'll Find Me
Onsite Wednesdays and Thursdays; Remote Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
Working Together
I appreciate a week’s notice for meetings. While I’m mostly WFH, I may be able to accommodate onsite preference if it is the best modality for the agenda. Meetings don’t have to be formal! I welcome invitations to brainstorming, check-ins, or “Share ko lang, this happened in my class” chats.
Van Mendoza-Llanos
[email protected]
Learning Support Coordinator
What I do
As the Student Learning Support Coordinator, I oversee initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall learning experience for both students and teachers. I’m also a part-time faculty member, currently on a teaching break, with plans to return in 2025. Overall, I’m passionate about fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment.
My Background
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology, specializing in Human Settlements Planning, from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. My initial focus was on the intersection of human behavior and the built environment, but my true calling as well as my advocacy for lifelong learning led me to education. In 2019, I earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Asia & the Pacific, where I honed my skills in educational management. Most recently, in March 2024, I completed my Doctorate in Educational Management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Best Way to Reach Me
For the remainder of 2024, the quickest way to get in touch with me is via email or Google Chat. I do my best to respond within 24 hours or less. Feel free to reach out with any questions or requests!
Where You'll Find Me
While I’m also currently taking a break from on-campus work, I can make ways to accommodate virtual meetings. Please let me know in advance if you’d like to schedule an online discussion.
Working Together
I’m committed to collaborating with students, faculty, and staff to create a thriving learning community. Don’t hesitate to send me a message anytime within office hours if you’d like to explore innovative approaches to education and support student success together.
Cathy Lee
[email protected]
Learning Experience Designer
What I do
As learning experience designer, I focus on finding ways to help faculty elevate the teaching and learning experiences in both their online and physical classrooms. I provide technical support for Canvas, but can also help faculty further design and develop their course content and methodologies. I also oversee the CTL Production Team along with Maita!
My Background
I have a background in Human Capital Development, and have some experience in both corporate and consulting worlds, mainly in the areas of adult education & organizational development.
Best Way to Reach Me
You can reach me via email and I reply within a day or two – please feel free to nudge me if I do not! I also recommend emailing [email protected] for Canvas concerns, especially for urgent ones, just in case I am unavailable or occupied.
Where You'll Find Me
I’m onsite Tuesdays to Thursdays, remote Mondays and Fridays.
Working Together
I prefer morning meetings, especially when onsite. I also appreciate if meetings can be scheduled at least 2-3 days beforehand so I can plan around my commitments. While I enjoy onsite meetings, I have quite a bit on my plate – so I appreciate wrapping up quickly once the meeting ends, so I can jump straight back into my work!
Maita Pelea
[email protected]
Learning Experience Designer
What I do
I’m here to support our amazing teachers mainly through teacher training such as our Teacher Development Program and other learning sessions like CTL’s Learning Lounges and Learning Labs. I also help moderate the CTL Production Team (alongside Cathy!) and am happy to assist with any Canvas-related questions you might have.
My Background
I graduated from UA&P with a degree in Education and have a background in teaching, instructional design, and learning & development. I’m currently taking my graduate studies in Human Capital and Organizational Development, always eager to learn and grow!
Best Way to Reach Me
The best way to get in touch is by email. I usually reply within 24-48 hours. If you’d like to meet in person, just shoot me an email to set it up! For Canvas-specific concerns, best to reach out to [email protected] first.
Where You'll Find Me
I’m onsite Tuesday through Thursday and work remotely on Monday and Friday.
Working Together
For meetings and events, sending a Google Calendar invite helps us both stay on the same page. I’d also love it if you could include an agenda so we can make the most of our time together and ensure our meeting is as productive as possible.
Zoe Mauleon
[email protected]
Research Assistant
What I do
I work on research initiatives designed to improve educational practices, guiding the CTL team’s decisions and recommendations. I also support faculty in developing their innovative research projects that aim to enhance the teaching and learning experience.
My Background
I have a background in Secondary Education, English studies, and teaching, including at UA&P’s Junior College. I’m driven to explore opportunities related to both data management and Family Life.
Best Way to Reach Me
You can email or Google Chat me and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Where You'll Find Me
My fixed onsite day is Monday. The rest of my onsite days are flexible but are usually Wednesday and Thursday.
Working Together
I enjoy taking quiet moments in the office to focus and recharge, but I also love collaborating with others who are just as excited about meaningful projects!
