A TOTAL of 65 teachers from across the country recently participated in a two-day workshop organised by the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) Secondary Sector.

The workshop was designed to enhance the teaching of Caribbean History in secondary schools.

The MoE, in a statement, said the workshop was carefully planned to address the challenges educators face in teaching Caribbean History effectively.

The statement said that the comprehensive initiative was aimed at boosting teachers’ confidence and effectiveness in the classroom, an effort that aligns with the ministry’s broader objective to improve national performance in Caribbean History, a subject that is integral to understanding regional identity and development.

Over the two days, teachers engaged in a detailed review of the syllabus, with a focus on identifying and addressing topics that students often find difficult.

They examined the national schemes of work, ensuring alignment with curricular goals, and the development of creative and practical lesson plans to make complex historical concepts more accessible.

The ministry noted that significant emphasis was placed on the integration of technology into history teaching, encouraging teachers to use digital tools to create more engaging and interactive lessons.

Additionally, it said the workshop provided in-depth training on managing School-Based Assessments (SBAs), a critical component of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) curriculum.

The teachers explored strategies for improving the quality of student submissions, standardising marking procedures, and providing constructive feedback.

Group presentations allowed participants to collaborate and share innovative approaches to teaching challenging topics, fostering a supportive and creative professional environment.

The workshop’s outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on the teaching and learning of Caribbean History in Guyana, the ministry said, before pointing out that equipping teachers with the skills, resources, and confidence to deliver high-quality instruction will inspire a deeper appreciation of the subject among students, ultimately leading to improved academic performance at the national level.

This initiative reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the education system and nurturing a generation of learners well-versed in the history and heritage of the Caribbean.

Furthermore, the ministry highlighted that participants came from regions across Guyana, representing a diverse range of schools including: North West Secondary in Region One; the Charity, Anna Regina, and Abram Zuil Secondary Schools in Region Two; Essequibo Islands, Leguan, Zeeburg, Leonora, Stewartville, West Demerara, Patentia, and Westminster Secondary Schools in Region Three and for Region Four, teachers from Annandale, Covent Garden, Bladen Hall Multilateral, Diamond, Hope, Golden Grove, and President’s College were in attendance.

For Region Five, Number 8, Bush Lot, Mahaicony, and Bygeval Secondary Schools were represented and so was Berbice Educational Institute, Skeldon Line Path, Winifred Gaskin Memorial, J.C. Chandisingh, Berbice High School, and New Amsterdam Secondary Schools in Region Six.

Region Nine’s St. Ignatius Secondary joined the mix, and for Region 10, Christianburg Wismar Secondary, New Silvercity Secondary, Linden Foundation, Wisburg Secondary, and Mackenzie High School were represented.

Meanwhile, Georgetown was represented well with participants coming from The Bishops’ High, Tutorial High, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High, St. Joseph’s High, St. John’s College, Richard Ishmael Secondary, North Ruimveldt, North Georgetown Secondary, Queen’s College, New Campbellville Secondary, Cummings Lodge Secondary, Christ Church Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, The New Central High School, and Brickdam Secondary, the statement said.