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The Language Arts Syllabus 1975: Comment and Counter Comment
(Faculty of Education, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, 1978-11) Carrington, L.D.; Borely, C.B.
Very soon after the appearance of the New Primary School Syllabus in Trinidad and Tobago, a number of letters appeared in the press commenting adversely on the section dealing with the teaching of Language Arts. Because so much of the commentary was considered ill-informed and misguided, the authors wrote a series of eight letters in the Sunday Guardian newspaper, in which they sought to correct the wrong impression apparent in the letters. This document contains the complete set of relevant items with some modifications and expansion of the original articles to answer queries raised by several persons.
Some Teachers Perceptions of Teaching and Learning Mathematics at the Primary Level in Trinidad and Tobago
(Faculty of Education, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, 1984) Byron, Marla; Ram, Viveka; Ram, Mohan
Urban students' ideas about the "heated" body: Implications for science education
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 1999) Herbert, Susan M.
This paper presents the results of an investigation into lower secondary urban students' traditional beliefs about, and practices in, health related matters. The students were between the ages of 11-15 years and attended a seven-year, single-sex school located in Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago. The data were obtained through a written questionnaire, which was distributed to a class of 36 students, and semi-structured, focused interviews. The latter were conducted with a sample of 10 students, who gave at least 70 percent of the responses on the questionnaire in accordance with traditional practices and beliefs, and their parents. Grounded theory methodology was used to analyse the data, and the dominant traditional category that emerged was the concept of the "heated" body. The students and their parents gave consequences of inappropriate management of the heated body, and strategies that are recommended for the management of the heated body. The implications of this prior knowledge for the development of lower secondary science curricula in Trinidad and Tobago are discussed
A baseline study of the teacher education system in Trinidad and Tobago
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2001) Quamina-Aiyejina, Lynda; Mohammed, Jeniffer; Rampaul, Balchan Deodat; George, June M.; Kallon, Michael; Keller, Carol; Lochan, Samuel
This monograph provides the following: 1) an historical overview of the development of the teacher education system in Trinidad and Tobago; 2) overviews of both the education system and the teacher education system; 3) a preliminary analysis of teacher education curricula; 4) a discussion of the quality and effectiveness of teacher education, 5) an analysis of teacher identities, attitudes, and roles; 6) an examination of resources for teacher education; and 7) a discussion of emerging issues
Becoming a primary school teacher in Trinidad and Tobago: Part 1: The curriculum in the teachers' college
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2001) George, June M.; Worrell, Patricia; Rampersad, Joycelyn; Rampaul, Balchan Deodat; Mohammed, Jeniffer
This monograph reports on a study that sought to assess the philosophical orientation and content of specific aspects of the documented teachers' college curriculum in Trinidad and Tobago. The study also sought to describe how the lecturers at the two colleges articulate their understandings of what the documented curriculum demands, and how they try to implement it, that is, the espoused curriculum. In addition, the curriculum as enacted within the teachers' colleges was explored through an examination of teaching/learning episodes in specific subject areas in the college. Data on the documented curriculum were gathered through content analysis of the curriculum document. Ideas about the espoused curriculum were obtained through in-depth interviews with 14 lecturers from the two colleges. It was found that there is no stated philosophy underpinning the teachers' college curriculum in Trinidad and Tobago. The curriculum is differentiated into academic studies and teaching practice. There was a reasonable level of congruence between the documented curriculum and the curriculum as espoused by the lecturers. However, there were some areas of unease for the lecturers. The stated intentions of the lecturers did articulate, to a large extent, with the enacted curriculum
Becoming a primary school teacher in Trinidad and Tobago: Part 2: Teaching practice experience of trainees
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2001) George, June M.; Worrell, Patricia; Rampersad, Joycelyn; Rampaul, Balchan Deodat
This monograph reports on a study that sought to gain insights into the process of learning to teach by obtaining information on the teaching practice process, observing teaching practice sessions, and documenting and analysing the views of the major stakeholders involved in this process, namely, the trainees, the teachers' college lecturers who supervise the teaching practice, and principals and cooperating teachers in the primary schools to which trainees are attached for fieldwork. The study focused on the preparation of trainees at the two government teachers colleges--Valsayn Teachers' College and Corinth Teachers' College--in Trinidad and Tobago. Data were collected through document analysis; observation of trainees as they taught classes in the schools; observation of post-teaching conferences between trainees and supervisors; and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with trainees, supervisors, cooperating teachers, and principals of cooperating schools. It was found that there were differences in provisions for teaching practice as well as in the structure of the programme between the colleges. The provisions for practice also varied significantly among the cooperating schools, and determined the type of opportunities offered to trainees for applying the strategies taught. Teacher educators generally viewed the provisions for teaching practice as less than ideal. Trainees were generally of the view that they were overburdened with work in preparing units and lessons for teaching practice sessions. Most trainees were conscientious about making use of what they had learnt at college during the teaching practice
Newly qualified teachers in Trinidad and Tobago: Impact on/interaction with the system
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2001) Morris, Jeanette; Joseph, Arthur
This monograph reports on a study that investigated the following: 1) experienced teachers' perceptions of the value of the present teachers' college programme, 2) how newly trained teachers are socialized into the school working culture, and 3) what happens to the knowledge and skills acquired at teachers' college. Interviews were conducted with eight newly qualified teachers (six females and two males) from five schools, and three principals. Classroom observation was also carried out with seven teachers. It was found that, on the whole, experienced teachers view their newly qualified counterparts as having positive attitudes to their work and displaying caring relationships with their students. However, they point out that where teaching methods are concerned, newly qualified teachers display some shortcomings. The experienced teachers admitted that there is little time and virtually no structured programme for inducting these teachers into the ways of life of the schools. In general, newly qualified teachers felt that the teachers' college programme did not prepare them adequately for work in the school setting. Despite this perception, the evidence, both from the interviews and the classroom observations, seemed to indicate that through professional training received by the newly qualified teachers, overwhelming benefits flowed to the schools
A portfolio training manual: Using the portfolio as a model for training
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2001) Cain, Margaret; Edwards-Henry, Anna-May; Rampersad, Joycelyn
This manual is structured on a framework of samples of materials produced for, or at, each stage of planning for and implementing a portfolio workshop. These samples of material are presented in a manner that illustrates essential portfolio characteristics such as a stated purpose, reflections, and captions. Much emphasis is laid on the captions that can be used to teach portfolio developers reflective skills, as well as to facilitate reflection on the items selected for the portfolio. Although the main focus of the manual is on the essential features of the portfolio, teaching notes and suggestions for activities are included
On-the-job training: Pre-service teacher training in Trinidad and Tobago
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2001) George, June M.; Fournillier, Janice B.; Brown, Marie-Louise
This monograph reports on a study that investigated the On-the-Job (OJT) Pre-Service Teacher Training Programme in Trinidad and Tobago in order to understand its origin, goals, programme design, curriculum, and organization. Data were gathered from in-depth interviews with personnel from the Ministry of Education, eight trainees, and three graduates of the programme; documentary analysis; and limited field observations. Although all indications are that the OJT Programme is making an impact on the preparedness of young, untrained teachers for the classroom, there are structural problems that have plagued the programme. These include: 1) the insufficiency of funds needed to implement the programme, 2) the lack of necessary staff, and 3) the lack of coordination among the various components of the programme and also with the teachers' colleges that receive OJT graduates
Primary teacher trainees in Trinidad and Tobago: Characteristics, images, experiences, and expectations
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2001) George, June M.; Mohammed, Jeniffer; Quamina-Aiyejina, Lynda; Fournillier, Janice B.; Otway-Charles, Susan
This monograph reports on a study that was undertaken to provide some insights into the characteristics, images, experiences, and expectations of student teachers in Trinidad and Tobago, so that educators can provide programmes that take cognizance of these qualities in the attempt to adequately prepare these trainees for their work in primary school classrooms. Three different techniques were employed to collect data: 1) examination of the personal files of trainees to determine their entry characteristics; 2) administration of a questionnaire to obtain survey data; and 3) small-group work with 16 volunteers utilizing autobiographies, focus group interviews, and one-on-one interviews. It was found that, on the whole, trainees have an image of the good teacher as caring and nurturing, as technically proficient in the classroom, and as performing in difficult contexts where intrinsic rewards can enhance their self-image, but where poor working conditions and the low status accorded the profession may militate against a feeling of satisfaction on the job. The trainees not only had images of the teacher as expert, but they also expected to become experts as a result of their teachers' college experiences. Their experience, though, was that the route to becoming an expert at the teachers' colleges was not as facilitating as they had expected. Their expectations of how lecturers should treat them were sometimes not met
The status of literature in six types of Trinidad secondary schools: Issues, implications, and recommendations
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2003) James, Cynthia
A survey of teachers' perspectives on the status of literature in Trinidadian secondary schools suggested that the subject is dying. Teachers cited problems with reading, critical thinking, and students' lack of interest, singling out poetry as an area of little competence. Current deficiencies in teaching strategies suggest that teachers need to approach the language arts, on the whole, as a field of knowledge, amenable to and requiring scientific methods of approach, which teachers must perfect. A comparative survey of students suggested that teachers need to take into consideration the allure that technology holds for young people in planning their lessons. They also need to be aware that the secondary school population of Trinidad and Tobago is not homogenous, and requires varied strategies and teaching approaches to woo its varied cultures. Further recommendations of this paper include: (a) the training of secondary school teachers of English in the teaching of reading and remedial reading strategies; and (b) a focus on literature in all its genres, including non-fiction, especially for the upper levels of public secondary schools, and particularly to attract boys. It is felt that these policies, together, will promote a culture that will offset the literacy problems that affect schools, as well as enhance the preparation for adulthood that schooling offers
Examining the conceptual framework, perceptions, and practices of teachers in the Eastern Caribbean
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2003) Griffith, Anthony D.
This article examines the conceptual framework of social studies as held by a sample of primary school teachers, as well as their perceptions and classroom practices. A modified Social Studies Perception Scale (SSPS) was employed with a sample of 98 primary school teachers in seven islands of the Eastern Caribbean. Using percentages, means, and t-tests, it was found that: 1) while the majority of the teachers indicated a clear preference for the reflective inquiry approach to the teaching of social studies, their actual classroom practices appear to be at odds with their perceptions of the subject; 2) while younger teachers are initially reflective in their approach and practice, over time they increasingly become didactic knowledge transmitters; and 3) male teachers are far more likely to exhibit a reflective approach and practices than female teachers. The t-tests also revealed some significant differences between male and female teachers, and between younger and older teachers. These findings may have implications both for the selection of social studies teachers and for teacher preparation programmes in the Caribbean
Differences between elementary and secondary school teachers in Trinidad and Tobago on teacher self-efficacy
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2003) Pierre, Phaedra N.; Worrell, Frank C.
This study examined self-efficacy in 77 primary and secondary school teachers, most of whom were taking an educational psychology course at The University of the West Indies (UWI). Participants completed Gibson and Dembo's (1984) Teacher Efficacy Scale (TES), Bandura's (n.d.) Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale (TSES), and two single items developed by researchers at the Rand Corporation. Primary school teachers reported higher levels of self-efficacy than did secondary school teachers on all variables. TES and TSES subscale scores resulted in moderate to high internal consistency estimates, with the TSES scores having higher scores on average. TSES scores also had stronger intercorrelations than did TES scores or RAND items. Number of Years of Teaching (NYT) was not related to self-efficacy, but a single global self-rating of teaching ability had moderate correlations with some efficacy variables. It is suggested that future research should examine the factor structure of TSES scores and the potential of increasing the self-efficacy of secondary teachers through teacher training
The principal as instructional leader; An annotated bibliography
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2003) Fullerton-Rawlins, Janet
This bibliography brings together a selection of works on the principal as instructional leader. It does not attempt to be comprehensive in coverage, but attempts to provide a basic research tool for researchers on this subject. The bibliography is divided into three sections. The first section deals with the literature of the Caribbean. Because of the paucity of literature on the region, it was decided to include most of the relevant literature for which annotations could be provided, regardless of the date of publication. Although the second section is international in scope, the majority of the entries relate to the United States (USA). This section is very selective and only includes literature from 1990, with emphasis on the more recent literature. It is organized by the following areas in which the principal exhibits his influence as an instructional leader: 1) general leadership, 2) staff development, 3) student achievement, and 4) community involvement. The final section identifies some websites that should be useful for Internet research on this topic
Teacher participation in English curriculum development
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2003) Steele, Godfrey A.
This article explores the nature, achievement, and implications of teachers' participation in English curriculum development by focusing on teachers' functions, defined as what teachers do. Responses to a questionnaire (n=79) and data from a subsample (n=12) collected from classroom observations, interviews, teacher self-ratings, and student ratings of teachers and their teaching were obtained from teachers in 14 secondary schools in North Trinidad. The study found that teachers have a mainly consultative role in curriculum development. The discussion of the data on teacher functions addresses three issues involved in teacher participation in English curriculum development: its nature, teachers' contribution, and the implications of such teacher contribution for individuals and institutions
Caribbean Curriculum, vol. 10
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2003)
Lower secondary science teaching and learning: An inventory of science apparatus and materials
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2003-12) Rampersad, Joycelyn; Herbert, Susan M.
This is a survey of the apparatus and materials to support lower secondary science in 54 of the 115 schools that existed at the time the research was undertaken. The sample reflects approximately equal percentages of the various school types. The study sought to obtain an overall picture of the availability and adequacy of resources to support practical work, and to obtain some information about the challenges or problems faced by lower secondary science teachers in their attempts to use or access resources for practical work
Lower secondary science teaching and learning: A glimpse into the science classroom
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2003-12) Herbert, Susan M.; Rampersad, Joycelyn; Akinmade, Christopher; Maharaj-Sharma, Rawatee
This is an exploratory study of a sample of 31 lower secondary science classrooms, representing the range of school types within the educational system in Trinidad and Tobago. It sought to answer the following questions: 1) What are teachers' intentions when they plan and implement science lessons? 2) Do teachers encounter any problems as they enact the curriculum? and 3) What strategies are being used to implement the lower secondary science curriculum? Specifically, the study sought to investigate the processes and activities that teachers engage in as they plan for and implement the lower secondary science curriculum, in order to document what was happening and to offer suggestions for improving practice in lower secondary science education
Lower secondary science teaching and learning: Teachers' characteristics and perspectives
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2003-12) George, June M.
This study sought to gain a fuller understanding of the characteristics of the teachers engaged in teaching science at the lower secondary level in schools in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as some of the perspectives of these teachers with respect to the teaching of lower secondary science. It also sought to determine what gains, if any, had been made in the eight-year period since a study with somewhat similar aims had been undertaken, with respect to the quality of the provision for the teaching and learning of science at this level
The social studies for a postmodern age
(School of Education, UWI, St. Augustine, 2004) Mohammed, Jeniffer; Keller, Carol
The social studies has remained an enigma for most of its existence. In rhetoric it is highly regarded; in the lived reality of schools it is perceived as a "soft option." This article traces its origins and development in different contexts, and the epistemological debates and conundrums that still obscure what a study of the social is. The politics of knowledge illuminates its low status in organizational settings such as schools. A case is made for a return to the foundational principles espoused by social theorists, who see a study of the social as essentially that of being human. This knowledge is vitally important in a postmodern age where contradiction and fragmentation are increasingly the norm. Finally, it is shown that the Human Development Paradigm rests squarely on a deeper appreciation of the social, which can come from a reformulated social study

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