Though the Caribbean Examinations Council’s (CXC) long-standing relationship in the region cannot be underestimated, there is room for a greater use of technology to facilitate learning on demand.
Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (MTVET), Kay McConney, stated this last night, as she addressed those gathered at the Council’s 50th Anniversary Joint Staff, Dinner and Awards Gala at Hilton Barbados Resort, and via a live link up with AC Marriott Jamaica.
Ms. McConney said as the year comes to a close, there were some things which did not always work right but the workers and the institution must be saluted for the achievements.
“For five decades, you have stood as a pillar, guiding our educational system, shaping young minds and contributing to the human capital in the region.
“Your commitment to quality assessment has been instrumental in ensuring that generations of learners have been prepared for academic success and also for fulfilling lives as responsible citizens,” she said.
Ms. McConney stressed that with newer technologies on the horizon, CXC could pursue learning on demand on any device. She also spoke about the importance of exploring modern options for invigilating examinations.
“Gathering at examination centres is still something we do in 2023. However, flexibility through online options is trending upward as technology will now enable remote invigilation and it is good to see CXC stepping in a flexible direction,” she noted.
The Minister added that CXC started in 1979 with testing in five subject areas and credited the organisation for adding new subject areas as it continued to evolve its operations.
Ms. McConney suggested that the examinations’ body should “do your best to keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of education”.
“CXC is pioneering digital transformation in regional education, incorporating new assessment methodologies and you are expanding your product suite to reach learners of varying abilities across our region. Some of the member states in our region…Dr. Wesley…want your evolution to move faster, where we can stay ahead of our transformation in education becoming our beacon and attracting us to you as you lead the way, as opposed to us having to push you,” she insisted.
The Minister also called for better relations between the institution and the students across the region, who in some instances are seeing more of the “institutional issues than of their personal future”.
“Over the years, including recently, you’ve had some unfortunate incidents and some are becoming concerned with the reliability and the reputation of this institution. But I say and I strongly believe that we, together, can rise above all. The past does not have to define the future.
“Now more than ever, I believe that CXC has the opportunity to renovate its relationships with the people it serves and to reposition itself as an integral part of every student’s personal journey, Ms. McConney underlined.
The Education Minister proffered the view that the regional examinations body’s thrust to align its assessment practices to match the 21st century needs of students was “an integral step in the right direction”.
“Transparency in the inner workings of marking is a step in their (students) direction. Improved communication with partners and students is a step in their direction. Assessments that go beyond the ability for rote and memorisation and that focus on critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and life skills…are the types of skills that will guide and support the development of our ideal Caribbean person. These are steps in the right direction and I’m happy to say CXC, you are going in the right direction,” she emphasised.
During the event, some staff members were presented with five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35-year awards. The other awards presented included the Employee of the Year, the ResPECT Award, and the Registrar’s Innovation Award.