| – UWI LecturerContinuous dialogue between scientists and science educators is a crucial factor which could lend to mutual benefits and effect greater understanding in the interest of students and the development of a nation, the region and the world.This assertion was made by Dr Julianna Alexander of the University of the West Indies, on Wednesday, as she presented a review of the just concluded Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) workshop which was held at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).Dr Alexander, one of the facilitators of the three-day science forum, disclosed that one of the many things that were highlighted was the different perspectives of the scientist and the science educator. She explained that scientists are very content-driven and exist in a circle of their peers with whom they constantly interface about experimentation and related technology.Teachers of science on the other hand, she expounded, are tasked with preparing students for life, and therefore must know more than mere content.“When a teacher is in a classroom the main objective is not transmission of content, but rather to transform that individual in such a way that when they leave the classroom they would have taken with them not only knowledge, but skills and attitudes to help them in their lifelong journey,” Dr Alexander pointed out.Moreover, she noted that the collaboration between the two levels of individuals will cater to the development of the world, since “we are no longer preparing students only for our nation as most of them are global residents. They are found over the world and it is those very skills that you help to develop in them that they apply in their respective spaces”.Dr Julianna AlexanderIt was for this reason, Dr Alexander said,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys Outlet, that the stated objectives of the workshop were to orient participants to the basic principles of inquiry-based learning as a method and methodology for implementing national and regional secondary school curricula in both Science and Mathematics.The workshop was attended by 25 local science teachers, three from Trinidad and two from St Lucia.“It is hoped that coming out of this workshop participants will use the inquiry-based methodology to create students’ interest and learning in Mathematics and the Sciences. It is also hoped that participants would prepare students who can contribute to human progress through science, maths and technology.”“I am satisfied, given that heated discussion at the end (of the workshop) that our objectives have been achieved, but I must warn you that it is an ongoing process,” said Dr Alexander.She underscored that in order to sharpen their skills and craft in the classroom, teachers need to be continuously trained and engaged in professional development. She encouraged them to pursue further development in whichever area they see themselves as being deficient.“This (workshop) was something to whet your appetites and to motivate you to go back to your classrooms and your schools energized to achieve the mandate of your respective countries.”According to Dr Alexander, “our focus is our students and when you talk to our teachers they always speak fondly of their charges because they have a special place for them, but they just have to be guided in the technical aspects of teaching for them to be effective and efficient”.She noted that despite the time constraints and the very high expectations, the CAS workshop still managed to do fairly well, even as she alluded to curriculum development as a very time consuming process.“It is not something that can be covered in one or two days…This is because it requires deep thinking and skilful conceptualisation. Apart from knowledge of the content, teachers have to ensure that their students acquire certain skills and attitudes, and this is where unit and lesson planning comes in. It is not a spontaneous process it is something that requires very deep thought,” she asserted.As such, Dr Alexander urged the workshop participants to return to their classrooms and various organisations as leaders. She pointed out that leaders who can make things happen seek to generate discussion, gain consensus and move forward with their strategic plans. |
