Browsing by Author "Lewis, Theodore"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
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    An analysis of the effects of senior comprehensive schooling on the labour market performance of a sample of vocational and non-vocational graduates in Trinidad and Tobago
    (1983) Lewis, Theodore;
    This study sought to determine whether there were perceptible differences between vocational and non-vocational graduates when measured against selected labour market criteria. A mailed questionnaire was sent to a sample of 901 graduates of senior comprehensive schools in Trinidad and Tobago, of which 609 (67.5 percent) were returned. Stepwise regression was used to control for the influence of extraneous variables such as gender, geography, ethnicity, and participation in on-the-job training. It was found that curriculum or stream did not prove to be a significant variable when the criteria job mobility, initial salary, and degree of satisfaction with subject choice were considered. It was also revealed that 62.5 percent of female and 46.3 percent of male vocational graduates found little or no relationship with their in-school training and first jobs. Overall, the background variable "sex" accounted for most of the variability observed, followed by stream and on-the-job training. While vocational graduates generally outperformed other graduates, the weight of the residuals made it difficult to offer more than guarded support for the efficacy of vocational training
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    Exploring the global/local boundary in education in developing countries: The case of the Caribbean
    (British Association for International and Comparative Education, 2011-05-18) George, June M.; Lewis, Theodore
    This article focuses on education in developing countries in the context of globalization and with specific reference to the Caribbean. It examines the concept of globalization and related concepts, and positions developing countries within this context. It explores the possibility of the creation of a third space where the local and the global can co-mingle and new understandings can emerge. The article argues that although the global/local interface constitutes a zone of tension; it can, in the realm of education, become an area of creative opportunity. It outlines some parameters that can guide the way in which the third space can be shaped when Caribbean and other developing countries are faced with the challenge of accommodating external ideas into local education
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    Measuring and certifying skill and competence in the Caribbean: Some conceptual and practical issues
    (School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2013) Lewis, Theodore
    This article tries to look deeply at skill and competence, hoping to unearth pitfalls that might obstruct the way of those who are striving towards the development of a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) system of skills classification in the region. Aspects of the skills debate that attend the discourse on the global economy are highlighted. The problematic nature of competence is examined, especially where there is contention regarding whether or not competence can be measured. Differences between expert and novice conceptions of tasks are explored, as are differences between techné and phronesis. Whether the ideal of phronesis is attainable across traditional crafts is considered
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    Project Concern: More Evidence from the Trinidad and Tobago Labour Market
    (National Training Board, 1984) Lewis, Theodore; Richardson, Rosanna
    This is a report of the first follow-up of the baseline tracer study on senior comprehensive school graduates (September 1982 – July 1983) in Trinidad and Tobago, which was conducted during the period November 1983 – March 1984. The study primarily sought to determine whether there was a significant difference between the most recent salaries of vocational and non-vocational graduates, which could be attributed to stream. Results of the data analysis, among other things, showed that streaming makes a difference in the labour market when the criterion is mean monthly income, in favour of the specialized crafts, but that sex is much more significant than stream.
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    Reconceptualizing vocational education and training (VET) in Caribbean schooling
    (School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2008) Lewis, Theodore
    Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has had an uneven history in secondary education in the Caribbean, which is no different from the experiences of many developing and emergent countries. Many problems tend to beset the introduction of such subjects in the schools, including (a) high cost, (b) low status, (c) poor integration with the academic curriculum, (d) indifferent attention to teacher preparation, (e) tendency to be offered to low academic performers, (f) assessment and certification difficulties (low pass rates), and (g) programme maintenance issues. Over the decades, there has been a strong message from the World Bank that investment in TVET is a low funding priority, on the premise that such investment does not yield suitable returns. This paper contends that TVET has a vital role to play in Caribbean education, and in the development of the region. But the approach cannot be business as usual. There is need for new paradigms. The paper reflects on the record of TVET offerings in Caribbean schools, and offers some likely futures-alternative models-that might be considered in moving forward. A rationale for the models is provided, and strengths and weaknesses of each offered. Implications issuing from the proposal are set forth, in realms such as educational policy, teacher preparation, and curriculum development
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    Summary Report of Project Concern
    (National Training Board, 1984) Lewis, Theodore; Martin, Keith; Boddie, Ruby
    This document summarizes Project Concern which consisted of the following elements: (1) a follow-up study of senior comprehensive graduates; (2) a survey of on-the-job training (OJT) completers, dropouts, and no-shows; (3) A survey of OJT cooperating employers. For each element of the project, it details the findings and makes recommendations.
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    Transforming education in the Caribbean: Are we ready for change?: Keynote presentation
    (School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2008) Lewis, Theodore
    This paper examines the readiness of the Caribbean region for the transformation of education under the following headings: 1) Global context of transformation, 2) Education and economic growth revisited, 3) Caribbean education, and 4) The prospect of change. It argues that education in the region has to be set against the backdrop of a theory of Caribbean society, and sets out two kinds of ideas relating to transformation--one evolutionary and one revolutionary
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    Vocational education in the Commonwealth Caribbean and the United States
    (1985) Lewis, Theodore;
    This article reviews the historical context and recent research on vocational education in 15 Caribbean countries and the United States. It identifies supportive American vocational legislation. It derives synthesis based on juxtaposition of vocational education in both regions and draws inferences regarding the larger question of vocationalization
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    When Bobby Mohammed and Cavaliers Came to Town
    (Daily Express, 11-Feb-13) Lewis, Theodore; The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
    Theodore Lewis comments on the Guinness Cavaliers and the legend of Lennox "Bobby" Mohammed from San Fernando that claimed victory in the 1965 Panorama with Lord Melody's "Mas". Lewis states this performance was the highest expressions of creativity on the Panorama stage and called for the proper archive of great Panorama and Music Festival performances.