Vocational Training Development Institute
Issues, Reading & Research in Specialized Areas Course: ED509
Scrapbook
Date: March 9, 2022
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Creators: Mark Morgan Lavina Calvin Subrina Ferguson-Henry Nordia Morrant Nation
This is Portfolio of Articles and Related Reflections on Issues in the Jamaican Education Sector under four broad areas; Technological, Economical, Social and Cultural.
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Table of Contents Articles in Education Technological Issues
Pages 4 - 19
Economic Issues
20 - 35
Social Issues
36 - 51
Cultural Issues
53- 67
s e u s s I l a c i g o l o n h Tec s e l c Arti
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Technology in Education in Jamaica Article 1
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Education minister highlights partnership in tablets in schools programme
Description The article expresses that there has been increased participation by the public sector in regards to the tablets in school program since the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Fayval Williams, highlighted that the tablets would still be a critical tool post pandemic for learners. She thanked the organisations the has partnered with the government to get tablets in the hand of students. The article also pointed out the minister’s remarks that the program was well underway pre pandemic, but since, its even now more necessary to accelerate the program in light of the need for students to connect at home for online lessons during the pandemic.
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Education minister highlights partnership in tablets in schools programme
Interpretation The article highlights the government’s thrust in involving technology in the teaching and learning process. This is very important as technology can be use to enhance the learning experience of students. Tablets can be specifically configured for educational purposes and also being a portable computer is able to run applications, store and send files. Click here for article
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Education minister highlights partnership in tablets in schools programme
Evaluation When companies and government work together in the education sector much can be accomplished in a shorter time. The article is a testament to this. As through a private-public sector partnership many schools and students that are in need of tablet computers was able to have access due to donations from NGOs and others in partnership with the education ministry.
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Education minister highlights partnership in tablets in schools programme
Theories
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Several of the major educational theories can be express through the used of small tablet computers. For example constructivist may use tablet technology so that students can work from home collaboratively in groups in realtime to solve problems creating their own solutions. Constructivists accepts technology as a tool to aid in finding solutions and learn new things in the process (Yallsop, 2017). Reference: Yallsop. (2017, April 29). Does technology improve learning – the value of constructivist approaches to technology-based learning? ICT in Practice. Retrieved April 9, 2022, from http://ictinpractice.com/does-technology-improve-learning-the-value-of-constructivist-ap proaches-to-technology-based-learning/#:~:text=By%20using%20technology%20in%2 0the,solutions%20and%20acquire%20new%20information.
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Technology in Education in Jamaica Article 2
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Coding in Schools programme to be expanded
Description The article noted that the coding in
full article here
schools pilot programme that the Ministry of Education and partners embarked on since May 7 ended in June 2021 and is now in the evaluation stage. The initiative is to promote coding of computer applications in public schools. Objectives of the project includes building better logical and critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, teamwork and mathematics, while instilling confidence in students. The JTA was praise for supporting the initiative. 11
Coding in Schools programme to be expanded
Interpretation
full article here
In the article the education ministry is pushing for students to be coders of applications and not users only. In order to do so a pilot programme was initiated. It is the view of the government that this would be very beneficial to the development of our human capital and also help position the country for greater opportunities.
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Coding in Schools programme to be expanded
Evaluation
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The article is promoting coding as a tool for development. This is a good strategy as coding education will also develop other hard and soft skills that could be apart of the recommended curriculum. This would also have a bearing on the hidden curriculum as students engage in related but unplanned activities. 13
Coding in Schools programme to be expanded
Theories
full article here
The Education Ministry's Coding in Schools Programme fits well into the ambit of Experiential Learning Theory, since coding is hands on, and includes many trials and errors to test that an application is working as it’s intended. This is the process of learning by doing (Kent, n.d.). References: Kent. (n.d.). What is experiential learning and why is it important? Kent Campus. Retrieved April 9, 2022, from https://www.kent.edu/community/what-experiential-learning-and-wh y-it-important#:~:text=Experiential%20Learning%20is%20the%20pr ocess,classroom%20to%20real%2Dworld%20situations.
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Technology in Education in Jamaica Article 3
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Technology-based learning here to stay, says Williams
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Description The education minister noted while at a handing over of tablets ceremony donated by a stakeholder, that the jamaican government will continue to onboard technology based and online teaching and learning post the Covid 19 pandemic. This will lead to a blended classroom format for instruction. The minister highlighted the government’s move to make people creators of technology and not only users through the coding in schools programme. She also expressed optimism about vaccinating 65% of eligible students with a view of moving back to in-person educational activities. 16
Technology-based learning here to stay, says Williams
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Interpretation Based and what was reported in the article the education minister is setting the country on alert that the education system will, and is currently transitioning to a better integrated use of technology to enhance the teaching and learning process. The Covid 19 pandemic has help to point the sector to re-position due to the benefits of using technology to help teach and interact with learners. 17
Technology-based learning here to stay, says Williams
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Evaluation For many decades now technology has been used to make our lives efficient. Technology in educating learners should be no different and this is what the article is purporting. Technology base and online learning can give obvious benefits for example, a driving simulation for training drivers or a 3D simulation of a history lesson plotting a certain time in jamaican history in an interactive and visually appealing way among many other educational applications. 18
Technology-based learning here to stay, says Williams
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Theories According to Kimmons (2016) Technology Integration in learning is thoughtfully using technology in achieving learning goals. There is no doubting that the Covid 19 pandemic caused severe learning loss, but it all so opened up new possibilities due to discovery of useful technologies the can aid in the teaching and learning process. In the pandemic Many students the had the requisite tools could still be engaged using technology. This lessened the impact the pandemic had on the education system. Reference: YouTube. (2016). YouTube. Retrieved April 9, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfvuG620Bto&t=4s. 19
Economic Issues Newspaper Articles
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Economic Issues In Jamaica Article 1
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Article 1 Reflection Description The article outlines the reason behind the “Schools Energy Efficiency & Solar Project” pilot program in 30 secondary schools in Jamaica. The project is estimated to reduce electricity cost by 40 to 70 percent and increase energy efficiency. The article gave information on partners behind the project and how they are working inline with the government vision 2020 plan. Over 40,000 students will be educated on renewable energy. They believe that in a time of uncertainty during the pandemic, war and inflation this project will set a path for other Caribbean countries to follow. 22
Article 1 Reflection
Interpretation The article seems to be providing information on how the Ministry of Education and its partners plan on introducing the Energy Efficiency & Solar Project pilot program in 30 jamaican schools .The article outlines how they plan to implement strategies to educate students on how to reduce energy by providing the necessary equipment and information needed for the process. 23
Article 1 Reflection
Evaluation The article provide adequate information on the Energy Efficiency & Solar pilot Project. It gave the readers all the information that one would need to know what the goals & objectives of the project were. The article seems to be relevant as it gives educators, students and other stakeholders a chance to familiarize and educate themselves on the importance and expectations of the project before its inception. 24
Article 1 Reflection Theory The article looks at how students will be taught about energy saving. It is believed that through this program students will garner the information through observation and participation, helping them to make better decisions regarding energy saving and conversion. This could be linked to the behaviorism theory which focuses on constant observation in attaining knowledge. Also, it is important that students are given constant positive reinforcement to cement the information learnt by observing. 25
Economic Issues In Jamaica Article 2
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Article 2 Reflection Description The article looks at how the environment can influence our youth's behaviour. It highlights the fact that easily accessible education and skills training will more opportunity and employment that will init self reduce crime and violence in our society. The article also, provides data on how unemployed and uneducated people are the ones contributing to the crime in our society. It also looks at the fact the due to a large amount of students being absent from online classes, it may take some months or years before filling the learning gap. https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/educational-learning-theories.ht ml 27
Article 2 Reflection
Interpretation It is my opinion that the article is providing its readers with information on how our society is affected by one’s social upbringing and their household. It also provides statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force on the total number of murders that were committed by the uneducated, unemployed and socially distrubed. The article also examining the fact that education and training skills are needed to vaibly employment. It is believed that economic desperation is a result of crime.
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Article 2 Reflection
Evaluation
The article provided information on the key areas that contributes to crime and violence in jamaica. Data was provided for the number of crimes committed by unemployed but none reflected that of uneducated vs educated people. It is believed that there is relevance in the article yet more data would have made it more powerful.
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Article 2 Reflection
Theories The article gives readers an understanding of how and why people behave particularly criminals. They are said to be products of their environment. The behaviourist believes that we learn based on what we do over a period of time. The article outlines that factors in the environment are the contributors of one’s behaviour. If we create an environment conducive to learning and positivity the humanist believe that our actions will reflect such. https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/educational-learning-theories. html 30
Economic Issues In Jamaica Article 3
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Article 3 Reflection Description The HEART NSTA Trust was merged with other government organizations including NYS in 2017. Fast forward to 2021, the merger has cause some of the companies under the HEART NSTA Trust umbrella particularly the VTDI to be in a place of uncertainty. The article outlined many issues that employees at the VTDI/NCTVET were facing including that of lower salaries compared to their HEART Trust counterparts who are in the same position. It was outlined that the employees were also in dialog with the ministry of education regarding their transition, as they are now contracted by HEART and now receive a salary from them but should be from the Ministry of Education instead.The article went on to say that employees of NCTVET were planning on taking industrial actions. 32
Article 3 Reflection Interpretation It is my interpretation that the article is providing information on the wages for the VTDI & NCTVET employees who were merged under the HEART NSTA Trust umbrella. Employees are in dialog with the ministry of Education regarding their transition however, there is yet to be a decision as to when they will be under the ministry of education umbrella. Until there has been a decision the employees continue to work on a contractual bases and receive less salaries for the same job done as an HEART employees. Employees seem not to receive educational and other benefits due to their unstable positions that permanent workers would receive. The workers appear to be frustrated but are still trying to do their jobs until their wages and benefits have been settled by the MOE. 33
Article 3 Reflection
Evaluation The article gives readers a small look into what has been happening with the Ministry of Education and the employees at VTDI & NCTVET. As a student at the institution in 2022 I can say that it is very much evident that there are issues as classes are sometimes canceled due to “industrial actions.” I strongly believe that the information provided is relevant as it gives readers particularly those that are being affected by this, a chance to try and understand the position of the institution as they are fighting to get better wages, educational benefits and stability. https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/educational-learning-t heories.html 34
Article 3 Reflection
Theory
The pluralistic theories looks at how workers and employees go through peaceful negotiations in order to reach better wages, increased benefits and better working conditions. The article clearly focused on what the workers have been trying to accomplish by peacefully negotiating with the Ministry of Education. This article is a clear example of what the theory represents. Connotes. https://www.theclassroom.com/what-are-the-differ ent-theories-of-industrial-relations-13638534.html 35
S O C I SSUES A L
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ica a m a J n i ation c u d E n i s e ocial Issu
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Article 1
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Tashana Brown plans to break the cycle of poverty through education Read Article
Description This article speaks of the challenges that were experienced by a Jamaican student who is determined to break the backbone of poverty with education. The author shared that amidst challenges of no textbooks and sometimes no lunch money this determined grade six student of York Town Primary School was not deterred. The Covid -19 pandemic brought with it added share of additional hurdles with no Wifi to access online classes; this determined child would venture to neighboring communities to gain access for online classes. The author shared that this student was rewarded for her tenacity by being awarded a 94 percentile average and a place at the prestigious Glenmuir High school. 38
Tashana Brown plans to break the cycle of poverty through education Read Article
Interpretation The lack of Educational resources (textbooks, lunch money, uniforms,parental support) are all deterrents that affect children today in many Jamaican schools. The pandemic has resulted in many homes losing their only source of income or working on reduced hours. This impact on the physiology well being of many students and such upheaval can either be used positively as in the case of this student or negatively as in so many others seen in the nightly news.
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Tashana Brown plans to break the cycle of poverty through education Read Article
Evaluation
Poverty is a very real challenge in many households in Jamaica. In an article titled “ Tackling Urban Vulnerability and Public Safety Challenges in Jamaica’s Inner-City Communities (2021), we are told that approximately 17% of Jamaicans live below the poverty line. Therefore, this story is commended for sharing some of the changes that have been experienced by the most vulnerable in society, the poor. The question then is how can learning be effective if students are not provided with the necessary tools to learn ? Can a child that is hungry learn effectively?
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Tashana Brown plans to break the cycle of poverty through education Read Article
Theory The functionalist theory advocates that “education is an essential social institution that helps meet the needs of society and maintain stability” UKEssays (2018). The determination of this grade six student to bring about change in her life through education aims to meet the need for both her survival and stability in society. Thus proposing to fulfill both the manifest and latent functions in her educational aspirations. References UKEssays. (November 2018). Functionalist Perspective on Education. Retrieved from https://www.ukessays.com/essays/sociology/functionalist-perspective-on-educat ion-sociology-essay.php?vref=1
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ica a m a J n i ation c u d E n i s ue Social Iss Article 2
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NCE Supports all-out vaccination efforts….. Description The National Council on Education (NCE) in this article is commending the Government of Jamaica and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information( MOEY) on its bold step to vaccinate children 12 years and over to facilitate the return of face to face teaching and learning. The writer also indicated that returning to face to face classes is imperative especially for the early childhood and primary level of education as up to 50 % of students in schools have not participated in online learning which has resulted in a loss of learning in the education sector. The writer indicated that any further delays in returning to face to face learning can result in detrimental losses to learners and will be hard to undo. Approximately 60 percent of teachers represented by the JTA have received at least one dose of the Astrazeneca vaccine and is deemed as commendable , noted the writer, as the leadership wants a safe face to face return to learning. The NEC in this article is commending the government on prioritizing vaccination of students and encouraging all categories of staff in school to be vaccinated. 43
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NCE Supports all-out vaccination efforts…..
Interpretation The NEC, the government and the MOEY agrees prioritizing vaccination for children 12 years and older to enable the resumption of face to face learning since many students have not attended online classes. The education sector has suffered learning loss which can be detrimental if continued. The early childhood and primary school children are more affected in the pandemic. NEC agreed with the Prime Minister’s recommendation to provide incentives to educators and those who are hesitant in taking the vaccine and stoutly resist those who oppose.
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NCE Supports all-out vaccination efforts…..
Evaluation The article aims to add support to the government’s thrust to have persons vaccinated and a return to face-to-face teaching and learning even if it means to provide incentives. Here we see the Ministry Of Education Youth and Information and the government are only mandating return to face to face learning on the premise that children are vaccinated. Resistance to vaccination should be stoutly resisted as this would further jeopardize the education product.
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NCE Supports all-out vaccination efforts…..
Theories According to Hayes (2022), social order is maintained by domination and power, rather than consensus and conformity. The government has not provided an option to the reopening of face to face learning for learners if they want to attend school they must be vaccinated. Teachers are offered incentives\bribes to be vaccinated.If this vaccination is so essential why then is the need for persons to get incentives into taking the jab?
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Reference Hayes, A. (2022). Conflict Theory. In Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/conflict-theory.asp#:~:text=Conflict %20theory%2C%20first%20developed%20by,than%20by%20consensus %20and%20conformity.
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ica a m a J n i ation c u d E n i s e ocial Issu Article 3
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New dates for 2021 PEP exams Description
This article shares this message from Dr. Kesan Troupe for the new dates for the PEP grade six grade, five and grade four students for . This after face to face classes were disrupted and learners were forced into online learning. She offered reassurance from the MOE that despite the challenges brought on by the COVID 19 parents can know that children will be able to complete their exams. Commenting on the difficulty faced by some parents in accessing technology for their children for online learning, she shared the MOE intervention plan of the televised programme noting it as beneficial for students.
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New dates for 2021 PEP exams
Interpretation
Due to the ongoing pandemic the upcoming PEP examination has been given new dates. The ministry is aware of the challenges faced by parents in accessing internet connectivity for classes online. The MOE has made arrangements with the televised programme to help students not able to access online learning. 49
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New dates for 2021 PEP exams
Interpretation Due to the ongoing pandemic the upcoming PEP examination has been given new dates. The ministry is aware of the challenges faced by parents in accessing internet connectivity for classes online. The MOE has made arrangements with the televised programme to help students not able to access online learning.
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New dates for 2021 PEP exams
Theories Bandura’s social learning theory advocates that learning can occur by observational methods such as listening to a podcast, watching a film etc. Cherry (2021). As such the measures implemented by the MOE in having televised programming during the pandemic was an acceptable means of transferring learning . This as students were stimulated with classroom content on the evening school network which was accessible on 22 cable channels. References Cherry, K. (2021, July). How Social Learning Theory Works. In Very Well Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/social-learning-theory-2795074
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Cultural Issues in Education
Recovery of education post COVID-19
Newspaper Article 1
Link to Article
53 Campbell, Wayne. (2021). Recovery of Education Post COVID-19.
Description In the article the author expressed that due to the pandemic the education system was affected tremendously and many persons have lost loved ones. As a result, the children have suffered massively due to schools being closed for almost two years. Online learning was the main platform for many schools that had the resources, however there were students who were unable to learn and comprehend the information in this method. The author outlined that online learning is not effective for the various learning styles and so boys were not on the same levels as girls. The article also alludes to the revisitation of the National Standards Curriculum to cater to the learning styles of boys.
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Interpretation The article title Recovery of education post-COVID-19 outlined extremely important points in regards to the future of the nation’s children and their education after the effects of the pandemic. According to the article some views have been stated that a repeat of students in the education system for one year will allow students the ability to increase their growth. It also indicated that the Jamaican education system is not equipped to facilitate a repeat of students in such a massive state. The article is basically outlining the way forward for the education system after the pandemic and how to ensure that students are able to garner the education required for their step into the future. The pandemic is uncertain and there is no guarantee when the virus will become completely eradicated. 55
Evaluation The article has allowed me to understand how important it is for students to be exposed to the various platforms involved in learning and not just the classroom. Although there may have been various challenges encountered by the online learning, and most students were affected due to one issue or the next. This is the 21st century and online learning offers many advantages for students, additionally it is the way of the world which allows for flexibility. 56
Theory The newspaper article highlighted how the education system has been affected due to the pandemic and strategies that can be implemented to move forward. However, the children’s lives have been tattered and so many have not been attending school frequently. As a result, their behavioural and cognitive development many have been affected. In light of this, the Albert Bandura and Jean Piaget theories can be used to assess this article. The information presented can be used to argue that many student’s learning ability is not at the capacity it was before the COVID-19 closure of schools
Watterston, Jim. & Zhao, Yong. (2021). The changes we need: Education post COVID-19. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10833-021-09417-3
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The poor kids were lost
Newspaper Article 2
Link to Article
58 Brown, Olivia. (2021). The poor kids were lost.
Description The article indicated that there was a decline in the number of students registering for school since the new academic year. One school principal outlines the fact that prior to the pandemic over 52 students enrolled for grade one, however only 24 have enrolled fir the academic year. It also emphasized that the lack of electronic devices is the main contribution to the deterioration in the education system and the performance of the students. According to the article many children were affected, however the poor in areas without internet and access to computers were a challenge and so many were unable to perform at full capacity. Additionally, the principal of Beulah All-Age stated that the institution is prepared to facilitate students for face to face and measures have been implemented to stimulate the students and foster learning. 59
Interpretation Based on the article the government have implemented strategies for the resumption of face-to-face classes to facilitate learning for students who are in areas inaccessible to internet. The author has incorporated data and feedback from various school principals at different levels of education to provide an accurate outcome. 60
Evaluation The article presented accurate information to support the evidence by the sources. It highlighted the contributions to the reduced registration amongst children for the new academic year. The article was well written and it stated reasons and strategies to be implemented to increase students’ attendance now that classes have resumed face to face.
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Theory Based on the article, the Albert Bandura theory would apply because it refers to the behavioural aspect of an individual. Bandura theory focus on the influences of learning and the mental state is one important entity, it is vital to the learning abilities and so works as a motivation to align oneself. The article alludes to the poor children being tremendously affected educationally throughout the pandemic, due to the lack of access to computers and internet. However, it can be argued that being poor is mindset and anyone can rise above the obstacles and achieve greatness through hard work and determination. Reference: Cherry, Kerry. (2021). How Social Learning Theory Works. https://www.verywellmind.com/social-learning-theory-2795074
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Don’t bar schoolkids for hairstyles
Newspaper Article 3
Link to Article
63 Thomas, Christopher. (2021). Williams: Don’t bar schoolkids for hairstyles.
Description In the article the author highlighted how the issue of hairstyles have resurfaced since the resumption of face-to-face classes. The Education Minister Fayval Williams indicated that schools should not determine whether a student must be in attendance due the style of their hair. Also, education is a vital sector in the development of the youth as such as they are not to be shun from attending school to improve their lives. The article outlines arguments supporting the decision by the Minister to not reject students in schools solely based on their deportment, although it is just as important. However, it should not be used as a form of punishment and be dealt with in amicable manner. 64
Interpretation It is my understanding from the article that the Ministry had sought to implement policies in regard to grooming at school, resulting from a previous incident in 2016 at a Preparatory school in St Andrew for refusing a child from attending the institution due to his hair. Also, other schools have been refusing students from attending classes due to the hairstyles they decide to utilize for self-expression and awareness to culture. It can be argued that the school administrators are focusing deeper on the students appearance than trying to ensure that schools guide them in the correct manner on their education and the information garnered throughout their duration at the institution. 65
Evaluation Based on the article, grooming is important and students should not be refused from attending because of their hairstyle. It is imperative for the students to have access to meaningful education and steps should be implemented to foster expression instead of closing doors on the future generation.
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Theory According to Jean Piaget's theory, cognitive development occurs through the interaction of various es essential entities and environment events, and children pass through a series of stages. The article can relate to this theory because children need to be exposed to various events to be self-sufficient and aware in order to grow. As such, it can be stated that hairstyles allow children the ability to build confidence and display appreciation for their culture, some hairstyles like dreadlocks and bantu knots is apart of our Jamaican history and students should not be refused education due to their awareness.
Reference: McLeod, Saul. Dr. (2020). Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development. https://www.simplypsychology.org/piaget.html
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