Training in information technology added to teachers’ training workshop

The 2011 edition of the In-service training workshop put on by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union, in collaboration with the Canadian Teachers Federation and the Ministry of Education, got underway yesterday, Monday, July 11.{{more}}

This year’s workshop will, for the first time, include aspects of information and technology training.

This is to coincide with the changing teaching methods currently taking place, with the recent introduction of the one laptop per child initiative, organizers of the two week workshop said.

Sessions will be facilitated by a combination of Canadian and local teachers, where participants will be trained in a number of areas including reading, mathematics and early childhood education.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Ronald Clarke, President of the SVGTU (Ag), encouraged participants to take advantage of the training that was being offered.

He made the comment in light of the recent developments at the CARICOM level, where a task force had been set up to deal with the professionalizing of standards in teaching.

“The first document is already out and in that document, it calls for the continued training and improving of professional standards,” Clarke explained.

It was for this reason why he said the SVGTU was calling for such workshops to become accredited.

“This will make it more worthwhile and to be a part of your portfolio,” he said.

Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel, during her remarks, spoke of the collaborative effort between the various partners to provide the training opportunity.

She further explained that during a recent summit of teaching professionals, it was suggested that opportunities be created through collaborative efforts.

Coming out the same summit Miguel said, was the fact that the Canadian education system has emerged as one of the more efficient systems in the world.

“You have much to learn,” Miguel told participants, adding that as educators, they should not lose sight of their goal.

“Everything we do must be geared towards making our children’s educational experience a better one,” the Minister of Education said.

With the instructions having an ICT focus, Miguel cited the importance of teachers possessing ICT skills.

“The use of ICT in the curriculum has potential to open many doors; teachers, it means you have to be a step or two ahead.”

Miguel added that teaching methods needed changing and that teachers needed to ensure that students exit schools with the adequate skills.

“The professional development of teachers must be seen as an important strategy,” she said.

Miguel also called for participants to take the material seriously and to take the opportunity to attend other workshops as they become available. (DD)