– over 600 mathematics teachers to receive enhancement training
THE Ministry of Education has deployed several “master trainers” to train mathematics teachers across the country.
As part of the Guyana Education Sector Improvement Project (GESIP), 29 master trainers were tasked with training over 600 mathematics teachers within the 10 administrative regions.
According to a press statement from the Education Ministry, trainers signed their contracts to begin work to improve the delivery of math and ultimately the mathematics performance of students at the secondary level.
Master trainers will be required to go into schools, work with teachers in schools and guide them using material from the mathematics kit that has already been distributed to schools across Guyana.
GSEIP Project Coordinator, Jimmy Bhojdat said following the period of training, the teachers will undergo a period of mentoring and coaching.
Senior Education Officer (mathematics), Ameer Ali said that the master trainers comprise of some of the “best and brightest” mathematics teachers who teach at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and grade six levels.
He explained that some of the master trainers are lecturers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), the University of Guyana (UG) or have attained over 10 years of experience teaching the subject.
He said based on observations from the master trainers, they (trainers) can host developmental sessions with teachers or it can be done regionally. This, he said, will occur for the next two years.
Education Minister, Nicolette Henry congratulated the trainers for taking up the leadership role to move the education sector forward, particularly as it relates to students’ performance in mathematics.
According to Henry, it is important that teachers understand delivery and content, noting that this will enable students to leave school with a good understanding of the principles that govern mathematics.
With the work to be done by the master trainers, Minister Henry said she trusts that there will be improvement in student outcomes, not only in test scores but in behavioural patterns towards mathematics.
Minister Henry said she is pleased that there are male master trainers involved in the project since their presence would have a greater impact along the gender spectrum, as it relates to male underperformance, particularly at the secondary level.
