Over 800 teachers engage Ministry to create new learning mediums

Teachers of the Grades Five and Six classes at the primary level were given a chance to share their concerns with Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Friday, as it pertains to examinations and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Via a virtual platform, over 800 educators and senior officials joined in addressing the situations facing the different regions, and how they can be solved to continue class sessions, specifically for children who will be sitting the National Grade Six Examination.
Minister Manickchand recognised that there was no central direction during the initial months of the pandemic but teachers ensured they mobilised students to continue the curriculum. Since mid-March, schools were closed as a measure to ease the spread of the coronavirus. Online platforms were enabled as the new tool to reach students but there have been some setbacks.
Minister Manickchand noted that a massive training programme will soon be launched to enable teachers to get the training required.
“We’re looking at making sure that teachers can be trained… So, very shortly you will see us rolling out mass teacher training, where we hope to ensure every single teacher in the system is trained presently. First, with an appreciation and understanding why these new forums provide so much opportunity and then how to apply and use the actual forum,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, Director of the National Centre for Educational Research Development, Jennifer Cumberbatch said the new plan should be relevant and inclusive to fit all geographic areas and teachers.
She posited that every child in Guyana is important and the COVID-19 pandemic brought out a range of weaknesses in the system. Notwithstanding, she said they are resting assured that teachers are capable of fixing it.
Discussions circled changing the format of the exam, reviewing the age criteria, or having an extension to later in the area. Issues were raised that some children might not have access to online learning, and it was suggested to review the NGSA age criteria temporarily to accommodate such persons.
Some teachers in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) asked for a rotation system for key subject areas, such as Mathematics and English, and the use of the online mode for other subjects.
Calls in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) urged the Ministry to make textbooks available on their website, to ensure that children have access to such resources and have physical interactions some days per week. One teacher said interaction is necessary and can be facilitated with a reduced classroom size.
Some teachers were very passionate about the vulnerable children, especially in Region One (Barima-Waini) where no Wi-Fi is equipped at primary schools. Others said they do not have gadgets and were asked if it could be provided at a subsidised cost. With unstable electricity and radio signals made in the hinterland, suggestions were placed to see if the modules can be made available on DVDs.
There were scenarios raised about rural areas, where parents might want to assist their children but cannot facilitate such. Some might be challenged whereby they are working away from home while the other parent is tasked with taking care of the household.
These recommendations will be analysed by the Ministry to devise a workable plan. For now, schools remain closed. (G12)