To elevate the quality of written outputs, the Center for English Language (CEL) launched the utilization of the licensed anti-plagiarism software, Grammarly, in Pangasinan State University on February 15, 2018 at the Jose de Venecia e-Library, Lingayen Campus.

Ms. Ma. Angela Navoa-Concepcion, Training and Development Manager of Hopkins International Inc., discussing the know-hows of Grammarly, an anti-plagiarism software.

Grammarly, the world’s leading writing enhancement application, checks for more than 250 types of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, enhances vocabulary usage, and suggests citations with its anti-plagiarism feature as an automated grammar tutor and revision tool for academic writing.

“The use of [such] software would be the initial step to operationalize the center [CEL] because we don’t have the capacity to ascertain the plagiarized text so we need software that is licensed,” said Dr. Luzviminda Q. Ramos, CEL Director.

Dr. Ramos also added that the center is set to establish a standard policy in the University for undergraduate and graduate researches that “all theses and dissertations should pass through the CEL by making use of the software.”

The policy set is in response to the unit’s mandate to edit theses, dissertations, modules, and test items, among others; and to offer tutorial services, and short term training courses.

Ms. Ma. Angela Navoa-Concepcion, Training and Development Manager of Hopkins International Inc.- sole distributor of licensed Grammarly, oriented 40 PSU grammarians and editors on the know-hows of Grammarly.

Concepcion emphasized that the software which also points out degree of error in grammar, is a very helpful tool in the educational arena as it highlights features like anti-plagiarism / citation audit, revision tool, grammar dashboard, context optimized synonyms, and adaptive speller check which are highly useful in ensuring standard and quality written outputs.

Meanwhile, the CEL assured that they will be manned by competent campus editors and grammarians capable of serving the needs of PSU clientele.

As a matter of fact, the center is also set to conduct series of trainings with its partner organization, American TESOL Institute Philippines Inc. (International Branch) on April and August, this year.

TESOL which stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages aims to educate, certify and produce world-class English educators by providing programs at par with international standards.

Said training is a 120-hour course that includes research on the current trends on TESOL as well as teaching demonstration where participants will be able to practice their teaching skills in the classroom.

Dr. Ramos exclaimed her gratitude with the help and support extended by the University President, Dr. Dexter R. Buted, who institutionalized CEL in the University, manifesting his strong desire to provide quality service in the academic community and the adoption of the anti-plagiarism software.

“I’m so thankful that we are all experiencing these things because of him [Dr. Buted]. His vision brought us through our pursuit of improving language proficiency in the university,” she said.

/mmpd/