Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 30, 2018 (SKNIS): Teachers from various learning institutions recently came together for a workshop to equip educators with the necessary knowledge, information, skills and tools needed to create a more conducive learning environment for their students.
Creating a print-rich environment was the main focus of the workshop, said Trained Teacher, Tamara Ponde, adding that this type of environment will result in one that is impactful, stimulating and also educational.
Ms. Ponde, who also attached to the learning support and social sciences department at the Basseterre High School, said that the information that she has garnered will be very beneficial not only to her as an individual, but also to her students.
“As educators, we are tasked with the job of ensuring that the Federation’s students have the necessary knowledge, skills and the attitudes that they need to become effective members of society,” she said.
The trained teacher noted that in the past teachers were not focused on equipping students with the necessary materials, manipulatives and information to create a print rich environment.
“So we are here today. We are all busy making different charts, manipulatives and graphs that we are going to need in our classrooms to help our students to realize that it is not only books and pens that are needed in the classroom, but also that providing an environment that is conducive to learning with all these materials in our classrooms we will help our students to realize their full potential.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher, Reshana Defreitas, who teaches at the Washington Archibald High School, Basseterre High School and Beach Allen Primary School, explained why the exercise was important for both teachers and students.
“The sky is the limit. There is always room for improvement for both teachers and students and as teachers are prepared the students will be better equipped,” she said. “If we pool our resources together then we will be able to have better ideas. So I believe that the different ideas from everyone today is a good idea and it is definitely going to serve the students positively.”
The teachers were able to design learning materials such as charts about Language, Science and Mathematics. Games were also designed to engage students and make learning more exciting. The games will also enable each student to get an opportunity to participate.
Ms. Defreitas said that the workshop was very informative and interactive. Each shared the common goal of imparting his or her ideas and designing at least one item.
