Dr. Adrian Rodgers, Visiting Professor from Ohio State University, Columbus, USA, delivered a professional lecture on backward design as a support for an empowered classroom at Philippine Normal University North Luzon, June 7, 2025.

The event, held at the university’s Innovation Hub Building and attended by members of the faculty, students, and staff, focused on how backward design can enhance teaching effectiveness.

Dr. Rodgers explained that the approach begins with defining learning outcomes before developing assessments and instructional activities.

“Backward design ensures alignment between what we teach, how we assess, and what students truly need to learn,” Dr. Rodgers stated during his presentation, emphasizing its benefits for creating more focused and efficient lesson planning.

He also provided a briefer on the importance of research in education, particularly focusing on action research design, and how this design helps teachers improve their craft.

Furthermore, the talk was followed by an open forum moderated by Prof. Charissa Calinggangan where faculty members, and students engaged with the speaker on practical applications of the design, sharing their insights and personal experiences.

Dr. Rodgers has over 40 years of experience in teacher education and has worked with institutions worldwide.

His visit to PNU-NL was coordinated through the university’s international partnerships program led by Prof. Bryan Dayuta, Director of Linkages and International Office of PNU.

He will be visiting other PNU campuses for his professional lectures.