Video: Bermuda Union Of Teachers Interview
Teachers are appreciated and they are making a difference was one of the messages from Bermuda Union of Teachers President Shannon James and General Secretary Michael Charles, who sat down with Bernews yesterday for a live interview on our Facebook page.
Speaking with guest interviewer Jeremy Deacon, Mr James and Mr Charles discussed a wide range of education-related topics including the need for more technology in the classroom, lack of wi-fi in schools, the new Education Minister, their hopes for the new Education Commissioner, school reorganization, their ‘wish list’ for education and more. If you want to listen ‘on the go’, you can also access the audio only version of this interview, and all our past interviews, in the podcast section of the Bernews app.
The 49-minute live video replay is below:
check the bit where they say they have a textbook saying one day there will be solar panels ….
successive govts have failed – we have done nothing at all in 30 years to progress our system. that example is also a testament to how weak the community is for issue like education which is far more important than something like pathways or an airport
Why not discard and produce their own materials. It’s lazy teaching to rely on textbooks too often.
Is that sarcasm?
In my experience it is the basics that are lacking. Whilst technology can be an aid to teaching it is useless without the underpinning knowledge of maths, science and English to back it up.
It seems that discipline in classrooms is also lacking – teachers unable to control their classes resulting in examinations being postponed. Children who want to learn being denied by unruly behaviour of others. When I was at school the teachers commanded respect, and were given it.
Recognise that children progress at different rate. It seems that teachers must finish the curriculum at all costs – whether the students understand it or not. Teaching is not a one-size-fits-all approach – a tick box mentality. It should be a two-way interaction between students and teacher. A contract that both will do their best and reach their full potential – in whatever field and at whatever level that might be.
In summary, my advice is to address the basics. Face up to facts and don’t paper over the cracks. Employ the best educators and give them the support they deserve because our future lies with our children.