​The Ministry of Education is working towards updating science teaching methods in primary schools via the use of ICT,  to improve the delivery of information and pique students' interest in learning.

To this end, the ministry has several ongoing initiatives, said Motielall Singh, Curriculum Specialist for Science and Technology at the Ministry of Education.

"One of the initiatives is to have school visits where we monitor and assist  teachers in the execution of the curriculum. For example, last October, we held a series of professional development days during which we assisted the teachers in planning and using new methods of teaching science.

"We have also been able to place science kits in most of our primary schools. The kits include microscopes, test tubes and cylinders.

"Additionally, we have established a science coordinator at each school, as well as district science coordinators, to act as  the point of contact to assist other teachers with activities planned within the science curriculum."

Mr. Singh also made mention of a new nine-module system that stemmed from the OECS' plan for curriculum harmonization in science and technology.

According to a report from the Curriculum and Materials Development Unit (CAMDU), the curriculum harmonization process commenced in 2001 with discussions between the OECS Education Reform Unit (OERU) and educational personnel in all member countries.

The new curriculum "redefined science and technology, mainly because the primary curriculum concentrated on science only." Instructional modules to serve as teachers’ guides were also developed with a purpose to ensure that all children in OECS primary schools attain acceptable levels of knowledge and skills associated with science and technology.

Mr. Singh said this new approach of ICT in science serves to enhance the delivery of the curriculum.

"ICT is very important because it is what the world is using," he said. "For example, one of the instruments the students now use is a digiscope, and to use it you must have access to a laptop. The digiscope enhances learning because, instead of the teacher describing a cell, students get to see for themselves. Another use for ICT in education are recorded lectures. There may be a teacher who is very versed on a topic or concept; so another teacher who may not be as used to the topic can use a recording of a lecture to aid his/her students' understanding of the concept."

There are challenges, however, like the lack of technology in schools and the lack of a reliable broadband internet connection.

"These are issues we have to address," Mr. Singh said, "but it is a start and we should not give up because ICT helps enhance teaching and also makes learning exciting so that students want to learn. ICT is a wonder for the teaching of science."

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