Dr. Erwin Faller

Invited Speech: Dissecting Health and Wellness Education Using Coil as Pedagogical Approach

Biography:

Dr. Erwin Faller is a Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences of Holy Child Central Colleges Inc., Philippines. He was the former Director of Internationalization and Linkages and a Professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences-Pharmacy Department in San Pedro College, Davao City, Philippines. He is a Visiting Professor in Bournemouth University, United Kingdom and a fellow of the US-ASEAN University Connection Initiative in Washington DC, A White House Initiative of the United States Department.  A Technical Panel Member of the National Review Committee on Internationalization Program (iNRC) and coordinating the Innovation Laboratory for Global Education (iLAB) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). He is an active officer since 2022 of the National Research Council of the Philippines Pharmaceutical Division IV, Philippine Pharmacists Association Section Representative on Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, President of the Philippine Pharmacists Association-Davao City Chapter and Committee Officer of the Virtual Exchange Coalition. He earned his double PhD in Educational Leadership and PhD in Pharmacy in the University of the Immaculate Conception, Philippines and a Fellow in the Royal Institute of Pharmacists in Singapore. He was a recipient of different International academic scholarships including the Ludwig-Maximilian Universitat (LMU), Germany on Health Education funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the  University of Brescia, School of Medicine on Global Health, Italy and Prince of Songkla University Government Scholarship on Medicinal Plants. 

His exemplary leadership pioneered the establishment of COIL and Global Mobility programs in his former institution that led recognition in the 1st Philippine Higher Education Internationalization Award and Internationalization Champions of Nation-building and Sustainability (ICONS) Internationalization Awards by the Commission on Higher Education. He pioneered the International COIL Conferences in the Philippines that influences ASEAN Universities and beyond. He is instrumental in expanding the COIL pedagogy throughout the Philippines through the CHED Innovation Laboratory. 

He was a speaker and trainer of different local, national and international seminars and conferences. He is multi-awarded professor including the Bagong Bayani (National Hero) Award for Outstanding Employee 2018 given by the Philippine Government for his exemplary contribution in the international community, UIC Exemplary Alumni 2024, SPC Most Published Research 2024 and the Philippine Pharmacists Association-UNILAB Top Outstanding Pharmacist in Research 2022. A recipient of different research grants including the Toyota Foundation Japan Fund, Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, Higher Education and United Kingdom Global Challenge Research Fund and others. He is also an editorial board member of twenty (20) reputable index journals, reviewer of twenty-five (25) ISI- SCOPUS and Index Journals. He has published more than 200 articles with more than 600 citations in high impact journals, scientific peer-reviewed journals and abstracts in conferences, columnist in Online newspapers- Davao Today and Palawan Daily Newspaper and published thirteen (13) books. 

Abstract:

The integration of health and wellness education into contemporary pedagogical frameworks is vital for fostering holistic student development. Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) offers an innovative approach to enhancing health and wellness education through its digital, cross-cultural collaboration model. This session explores how COIL can be effectively utilized to enrich health and wellness education by providing a dynamic and inclusive pedagogical approach. COIL facilitates international collaboration by connecting students and educators from diverse backgrounds through online platforms. This global interaction allows for the sharing of diverse health perspectives, practices, and wellness strategies, enriching the educational experience. By engaging in collaborative projects, students gain exposure to various health paradigms and wellness approaches, which can enhance their understanding of global health issues and cultural differences.

Incorporating COIL into health and wellness education promotes a more comprehensive and interactive learning environment. It supports the development of key competencies such as critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication. Students are encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogue, work collaboratively on health-related projects, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, thereby improving their overall well-being and resilience. From a pedagogical standpoint, COIL offers significant benefits for educators as well. It reduces the isolation often felt in traditional teaching environments and fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. By participating in international collaborations, educators can also benefit from diverse teaching methods and perspectives, which can contribute to their professional growth and job satisfaction. Despite its advantages, the implementation of COIL in health and wellness education presents challenges, including technological barriers and the need for careful coordination across different time zones and cultural contexts. However, these challenges can be mitigated through strategic planning and the use of flexible digital tools.

Overall, COIL represents a transformative pedagogical approach that enhances health and wellness education by fostering global collaboration, broadening perspectives, and promoting a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This approach not only enriches student learning but also supports educator well-being, contributing to a more holistic educational experience.