By Herman M. Lagon Life is full of curveballs, and balancing ambition and grounding is difficult. We can navigate this path better by adopting a few big ideas. The first big idea is to accept struggle. Challenges are inevitable, but seeing them as growth opportunities can change everything, turning challenges into learning opportunities. This mindset …
Impulses
Not just a video
By Herman M. Lagon The security guard-garland girl fight has sparked public outrage. A viral video shows a mall guard forcibly removing a young flower vendor and destroying her sampaguita garlands. Many defended the girl and criticized the guard. We must pause before concluding. In the heat of the moment, emotions cloud context. Viral videos …
Unfiltered truth matters
By Herman M. Lagon There’s a peculiar art in wielding words with intention — especially words that cut deep, provoke thought or expose hypocrisy. Lately, however, the steady rise of politically correct (PC) language in satire, academia and comedy seems to make even the sharpest critique feel as if it is wrapped in bubble wrap. …
The power of grounding
By Herman M. Lagon In a world where success often comes wrapped in medals and titles, we tend to assume we are somehow immune to frailty when things are going well. But if there is one truth that the humbler among us knows, no amount of success, intelligence or acclaim erases our faults. In fact, …
Rethinking the leveler
By Dr. Herman M. Lagon Dr. Liz Oligario, a dear colleague from my days with the TechFactors National TekGuru program, recently shared a study entitled “On the ‘income advantage’ in course choices and admissions: Evidence from the University of the Philippines,” which struck a nerve. Published in the International Journal of Educational Development, it lays …
Minds without chains
By Herman M. Lagon Critical thinking and academic freedom are vital to a thriving, open society — they’re not just perks but essentials for authentic learning and progress. True critical thinking means more than asking questions; it’s about digging deeper, questioning what we take for granted, weighing evidence and drawing thoughtful conclusions. At the same …
Having crushes knows no age
By Herman M. Lagon Everyone has a crush story, that little blush-worthy narrative of unspoken admiration. Having a crush is as natural as it is timeless, transcending age and proving that attraction is not a young person’s exclusive territory. Crushes are refreshing reminders that, despite our adult lives crammed with responsibilities, we are still capable …
Dunning-Kruger’s cognitive bias
By Herman M. Lagon In educational settings, the Dunning-Kruger effect manifests with particular intensity and consequence, impacting not only the relationship between teachers and students but also among faculty and administrators. This cognitive bias, where individuals with limited knowledge overestimate their competence, can significantly disrupt learning environments and collaborative efforts among educators. Consider a typical …
Teaching that transforms
By Herman M. Lagon Asking about one’s educational philosophy is more than a homework — it is a chance to consider education’s value, possibilities and influence in a changing world. For me, education goes beyond teaching skills and knowledge. I have spent over 20 years in the Atenean system and two years in the state …
SHS immersion magic
By Herman M. Lagon When SHS work immersion launched in 2017, it was a leap into uncharted territory — students leaving the classroom to face real-world challenges. Daunting yet exhilarating, it promised transformation like never before. I vividly recall my pre-pandemic days at Ateneo de Iloilo, coordinating the deployment of hundreds of students across Iloilo, …