Science teachers as innovators using indigenous resources

Abstract

This paper explores the use of Caribbean indigenous resources in the teaching of science. It describes a piece of action research aimed at: (a) sensitizing teachers to the possible uses of Caribbean indigenous resources in the teaching of science, and (b) developing a preliminary model for the cooperation of indigenous resources in science curricula. The research was conducted with two small groups of science teachers in Trinidad and Tobago—a group of practitioners and a group of teacher-trainees. These teachers were exposed to a prototype in the form of slide-tape presentation. The teachers’ assessment of instructional possibilities of the prototype, and reflections on subsequent efforts to incorporate indigenous resources in their teaching, indicate that this innovation is a viable one with potential benefits for students. However, support systems need to be put in place, especially for inexperienced teachers. A preliminary model for this enterprise is suggested.