UNQUESTIONABLY, the teaching profession is a tough one. It involves imparting skills, knowledge and values to students systematically and in a structured way. Teachers are invaluable to nation-building.

Teachers have many duties apart from simply showing up in a classroom. In their daily work they must plan lessons, design activities and projects, provide instruction, as well as facilitate learning. It involves assessment, monitoring of students’ progress, and providing feedback to parents and administrators.

The big question is: In a country such as ours, are our teachers dedicated and are they provided with the necessary infrastructure, resources and rewards to accomplish the many tasks to which they are assigned?

One must also question the teaching methods and styles of our educators. Particularly, I am concerned about the appraisal and monitoring of teachers by administrators as well as policymakers. I have observed that some teachers stop teaching new material three or four weeks before the end of a term and, rather than revise, some teachers will just use these class periods as ‘free time’.

I am particularly concerned about the students sitting external exams next year who are typically way behind schedule in their syllabus completion. Why is so much free time being allowed? And who is responsible? Could this possibly be a reason for low performance in CSEC and CAPE examinations?

Completing a syllabus requires careful planning and effective time management in order for students to have a comprehensive understanding of their course material. Characteristically, teachers struggle to complete the syllabus for our fifth and sixth formers. In fact, many simply do not complete the syllabus.

Teachers must be supportive, must employ efficient time management, and must use a variety of assessment tools and teaching methods in order to successfully complete syllabi.

Varying teaching methods will help in reaching the variety of students present in one class. It is unfortunate that, generally, our typical class size exceeds 30 students. Ideally, our classrooms should not exceed 25 students. Nonetheless, teachers must endeavour to deliver quality education despite the numerous challenges. There are many different effective teaching methods such as:

1) Lecture-based teaching – With this method the teacher delivers information through lectures and students take notes. This is best used for introducing new concepts or information to students.

2) Inquiry-based learning – Using this approach, students explore topics through their own individual research. This method, however, can be abused as it is not meant for the student to do the work without monitoring or discussion with the teacher.

3) Cooperative learning – This involves group work but again, students should not be left totally on their own. There must be discussion and assessment by the teacher.

4) Project-based learning – Particularly useful in skill-based subjects, it should involve the application of knowledge and skills to finding solutions for real world problems. It develops critical thinking and creativity.

Techniques employed by teachers are also essential. These could include:

• Clear communication – Teachers ought to use simple language to convey complex topics. Examples and analogies will help students understand concepts.

• Positive learning environment – No teacher should be making disparaging comments about students. The teacher should at all times try to uplift and motivate students.

• Feedback – It’s not just about assessment. There is no point in marking work wrong and not explaining why answers are incorrect and then explaining the correct answers. Students learn by making mistakes and receiving feedback.

• Passion – Teachers should be enthusiastic about their subject matter in order to inspire and encourage their students.

I believe there needs to be greater emphasis placed on teacher performance. There must be accountability as we must put our students first.

Dr Karla Hylton is the founder and CEO of Your Empowerment Solutions (YES) Institute, offering mathematics and science tutoring as well as a host of workshops for parents, teachers, and students. She is the author of Yes! You Can Help Your Child Achieve Academic Success, and Complete Chemistry for Caribbean High Schools. Contact her at (876) 564-1347; e-mail: ceo@yes-institute.com; or visit www.yes-institute.com, or www.khylton.com.