Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Patrick Todd has highlighted the importance of the role of teacher training in student achievement.

Speaking at the Erdiston Teacher’s Training College’s 2008 Graduation Ceremony last Saturday, Minister Todd stressed that “it is not always remembered that teacher training is a fundamental component of student achievement.

“It is through rigorous application to the study of how students acquire knowledge, skills and desirable behaviours, that teachers develop the ability to become effective. Effective teachers are aware of the diverse learning needs of their students and attempt to employ a variety of methodologies to facilitate learning,” he outlined.

Mr. Todd pointed out that while the educational system generally sees persons assigned as teachers before they obtain teacher training, there are some benefits to this practice.

“Although this is not the ideal situation, it does allow persons to identify their aptitude for teaching and provides general awareness of classroom situations which may contribute to more informed discussions during actual training,” the former teacher noted.

The ceremony saw the graduation of 176 students, 42 of whom received distinctions. The College celebrated its 60th anniversary last year and continues to provide quality training in several areas including the Associate Degree at both primary and secondary levels, the Diploma in Education and the Certificate in Educational Management and Administration.

aalleyne@barbados.gov.bb

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