Teachers upgrade skills at workshops

Vincentian parents can expect better academic performances from their children in the New Year, thanks to an initiative of the Ministry of Education.{{more}}

Deputy Chief Education Officer, Luis deShong, explained to the primary school teachers who participated in two workshops, one on literacy and the other on numeracy, that the Ministry of Education is hoping to provide all the support that is necessary to improve teachers’ delivery of instruction and to raise the level of achievement of students.

“We are working vigorously to ensure that every child leaves the school system with some form of certification. They must know how to read. They must know how to do some mathematics. They must know how to exercise tremendous self control and good judgement,” said deShong, as he explained that the workshops held from December 3-5, 2007, were designed to help teachers develop professionally.

Fourteen teachers participated in the Literacy Workshop held at the VINSAVE auditorium, while 22 teachers took part in the Numeracy Workshop held at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce conference room.

Giving a synopsis of the Literacy Workshop, Education Officer, Karen Thomas, one of the facilitators, said that the programme is geared towards helping teachers formulate strategies for the classroom, as well as emphasizing areas of literacy that need assistance. It also focused on comprehension strategies and different ways in which teachers can develop phonological awareness among the students.

Marilyn France, a teacher at the Greggs Primary School, said she mainly participated in the workshop to upgrade her skills in literacy. France promised to return to her school and disseminate the information to her fellow teachers, which can help correct deficiencies in the children.

Rosslyn Anthony of the Fitz Hughes Primary School explained that the workshop was timely, because although teachers were already aware of some of the strategies, there comes a time when they need to be refreshed.

Mathematics teacher Vibert Pierre told SEARCHLIGHT the workshop was beneficial because on several occasions, teachers teach in an abstract way, but the discussions provided opportunities for teachers to teach mathematics in a more meaningful way. Twenty-five teachers participated in basic counselling training from Dec 10 – 12 at the VINSAVE auditorium.

The World Bank funded Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Education Development Project (OEDP) was facilitated by Education Officers: Kenneth Holder, Karen Thomas, Kay Martin-Jack, Jasmine Francois Creese, and Orde Ballantyne. The facilitators were assisted by Chellise McPherson, Hannah Browne, and Carol Ross, curriculum support officers. (HN)