On September 24, 2025, excitement filled the PCC Covered Court as the freshmen students gathered for an academic seminar, themed “Cultivate EQ and SQ3R Method to Boost Academic Performance.” The event, held on Wednesday, brought together different programs in two sessions — BSN, BSRT, and BSPT in the morning, followed by DDM, BSP, and BMLS in the afternoon.
Mr. Jayson Belino, Head of Student Affairs Services, officially opened the program with warm welcome remarks, urging students to embrace the skills they were about to learn.
The spotlight then shifted to resource speaker Ms. Consuelo Pagaduan, Guidance Counselor, who delivered a dynamic lecture on effective study habits and emotional intelligence. She emphasized that success in college does not depend on intelligence alone but on a balance of habits, health, and heart.
Her talk covered practical College Pro-tips to be smart — namely mastering time management and avoiding procrastination to using mnemonics and relate studying to life goals . She reminded students that even the most advanced techniques will not work without a strong foundation of health: “You cannot study well if your body is tired and weak. Sleep, hydrate, eat healthier, exercise, and meditate (SHEEM).”
A highlight of the seminar was the introduction of the SQ3R method — Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review — originally developed in 1946 by educational psychologist Francis P. Robinson. Ms. Pagaduan explained how this structured approach helps students focus on key ideas, retain more information, and connect lessons to real-life experiences. The method, she added, can be expanded into SQ4R with “Relate” and SQ5R with “Reflect,” encouraging students to go beyond memorization toward deeper understanding.
The seminar wasn’t just about learning methods — it also included engaging activities to help students connect with the topic with each other. One activity led students to singing motivational songs, fostering a sense of community and self-expression. Another exercise encouraged self-assessment, prompting students to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth.
The message struck a chord with many students. One freshman shared: “The seminar serves as my framework. It opened my eyes to different study methods that are scientifically proven to be effective. With this new knowledge, I believe it will help me improve my academic performance.”
Another student mentioned that the SQ3R discussion stood out the most: “Personally, it was quite interesting because the topics discussed were new to me — unlike time management, which is somehow cliche.”
Beyond study tips, the seminar also touched on the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EI) — recognizing and managing emotions, showing empathy, and staying motivated even when challenges arise. According to Ms. Pagaduan, EQ is just as crucial as IQ in ensuring students to thrive, not just survive, in college life.
By the end of the day, PCC freshmen left the Covered Court carrying more than just notebooks of tips. They gained a renewed confidence that their academic journey could be shaped by healthy routines, smart strategies, and emotional strength.
The seminar showed them that performance is not just a reflection of intelligence, but of consistent habits, the willingness to grow, and, most importantly, a belief in themselves. #Ivy Jean Jose
