Spreading its wings
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OVER TIME, the College has seen the need to engage in curriculum revision to meet the emerging needs of the education system. In this regard, in 1996 the College developed the Vocational Teacher’s Training Programme in Adult Education for instructors at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute, the Barbados Training Board, and Secondary Schools. The College also saw the need to develop a Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership for appointed and aspiring administrators at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. This programme helps teachers to improve their skills and competencies in leadership and educational management.
The most recent programme developed by the College is the Bachelor of Education Primary Programme for untrained teachers in the system and prospective teachers who do not have a degree. The response to this programme, which started in 2016, has also been tremendous with 252 students currently enrolled. The College also has plans to offer in-service certificate programmes in Art and Music for teachers who have Associate Degrees in these areas but are not teacher-trained. A similar programme is currently being offered for teachers of Physical Education.
Keeping teachers current in their field
Along with these initial teacher training programmes which have been developed, Erdiston College views itself as a major contributor to the professional development of all teachers in the system. Consequently, the College has developed a selection of professional development programmes, designed to keep teachers on the cutting edge of educational theory and practice. The majority of these professional development courses are delivered during the Easter vacation, or on a one-day-release basis.
However, with the establishment of the Lloyd Wood Centre for Professional Development, the College has signalled its intention to deliver professional development courses all year round. These courses will also assist the Ministry of Education in its efforts to support teacher evaluation and remediation across the system and will be an essential feature when the teacher licensing structure is brought to fruition by the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training.
Reaching out to the community
The Continuing Education Programme, launched in 1987, with a view to providing continuing education for Barbadians interested in furthering their personal and professional skills and competencies, continues to grow by leaps and bounds. In fact, it has become a significant revenue earner for the College. Currently, this programme is being expanded and the courses aligned with established programmes so that credits can be transferred.
These enrichment courses are being provided to assist the Government of Barbados with its retooling and retraining efforts. Erdiston College has initiated plans to have some of its programmes delivered online so that they can be accessible to students worldwide. This can be an important revenue earner for the College and would assist very greatly in securing the sustainability of the institution.
TUTOR DWAYNE BEST, instructing students in the third year Bachelor of Education programme. (CSG)
