(DNO) Education Minister Peter St Jean says recent data for CXC mathematics results has highlighted an urgent need for greater attention in tutoring in Dominica.
St. Jean told the official opening of the National Association of Mathematics Educators at the Public Service Training Center last week that the 2009 CXC results indicated that out of 671 students who sat the exams in Dominica, only 37.75 obtained 1, 2 and 3 in general proficiencies in mathematics.
“Records of national assessment and CXC results feels that the majority of or students writing the exams experience difficulties and the lack of mathematics skills and knowledge needed. Simultaneously, the 2009 national assessment found that only 34 percent of students have been found to be working at or about the school level,” he said.
St. Jean also noted that less than 35 percent of primary school teachers in Dominica have certification in mathematics.
“Our numeracy results are particularly disturbing. A significant number of our students are being pushed through the system without being able to master numerously in the appropriate grade and form in the primary and secondary school,” he added.
He said an effective education system is indispensable to the development of the education sector.
Meantime Senior Education Officer Nicholas Goldberg says teacher motivation is essential to improving the problems surrounding mathematics on the island.
In an effort to improve mathematics education in Dominica the heads of math department of secondary schools decided to create a national organization for mathematics educators.
In April 2009, a steering committee was elected and the National Association of Mathematics Educators (N.A.M.E.) was formed. The mission of N.A.M.E. is to foster a profound understanding and appreciation of mathematics and to enable our students at all levels to succeed in mathematics.
In October 2009, five district meetings were held with primary and secondary mathematics teachers across the island. At these meetings, delegates were selected from each district.
The idea of a mathematics organization was met with great enthusiasm by teachers who are dedicated to improving math education.
Money needs to be put in place to train secondary school teachers. Increase the salary and make teaching more attractive so that intelligent people will want to become teachers. Currently at the State College those students doing the education program are not the cream of the crop- these do Chemistry, Mathematics, Accounting and so on.
Besides the training of the teachers our schools and communities need learning resources and after school learning programs for those students who may not have the support at home. These are things the Village/Town councils can look into together with the Minister.
I think they should bring back that dual education system( J.S.P)
Late learners did well in learning a skills while others passed their JSP exams and made it to the Secondary Schools and getting their CXC subjects.
Since after some one came up with U.S ideas, they just killed the Education system in Dominica.
Things just turn out from bad to worse.
The National Association of Mathematics Educators (NAME) have outlined a plan of action to try to better that alarming situation. Peter St. Jean, Minister of Education has yet to tell the people of Dominica about his or GOVT plans to make things better so that the students could improve their skills in those areas mentioned. Nowhere in his address to the workshop, according to the article, that St. Jean mentioned any short term, medium or long term plans that his Ministry proposes to implement. He lacks the competence and wherewithal so to do. We must compliment NAME for their pro-active actions.
I understand what Fortune Teller has to say. Students have to work for what they deserve. Education is for everyone but all students have the mental toughness to achieve. One has to be disciplined in order to study. Are the students even taught how to study for exams?
If the saying is true that there aeteachers who do not have certification in mathematics then how can the students perform and what shoulod we expect when they write the CXC or Common Entrance exams? how are we to compete in the world when our numbers are so low?
I agree also with Dubiqois that students whould be separated according to their performance but are we also showing prejudice as a result? I believe that those who are already achievers should be given extra work once they have completed their assignments but they should be an inspiration to those who are trying.
There will never be all achievers in a classroom. Those who need help should be tutored.
If our teachers are not performing they should be trained before they enter the the cl;assroom.
Out of South City, you made a very valid point. I neglected to take into account how fellow classmates can motivate and serve as catalyst to each.
To:: TRAINED TEACHER….
GOOD DAY FELLOW DOMINICANS….GOD KNOWS HOW PROUD I AM TO BE A DOMINICAN,,,, BUT GOD ALSO KNOW HOW ASHAMED I AM OF SOME OF OUR FELLOW COUNTRY -MEN…
APPARANTLY YOU HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO… TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS,, KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET…AND TO THE POINT…””” TRAINED TEACHER”” WHEN ARE WE GONNA STOP POINTING FINGERS,, INSTEAD OF BLASPHEMING THE EDUCATION MINISTER, HELP PUT IN PERSPECTIVE THE UNFORTUNATE PROBLEM AT HAND.. IF MINISTER ST.JEAN IS NOT QUALIFIED THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE RAN FOR ELECTION…OH AND BY THE WAY WHEN RON GREEN WAS IN HIS SHOES((( TELL ME WHAT HE DID FOR OUR COUNTRY AND THE EDUCATION SYSTEM))) OH I CAN ANSWER THAT… NOT A THING!!!! WE HAVE A MINISTER WHO HAS BEEN IN THE EDUCATION FIELD FOR HIS ENTIRE LIFE…. AND DID A GREAT JOB PREPARING HIS STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE,, BUT “”TRAINED TEACHER'”” HE IS DOING HIS BEST THUS FAR,, FINDING OUR KIDS WEEK POINT AND EVEN THE TEACHERS.. HE IS LOOKING TO STRENGHTEN AND CREATE A MORE SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THE KIDS AND THE FUTURE…
LOL….AND BY THE WAY LETS FACE IT…. IF MINISTER ST.JEAN ISNT QUALIFIED TO BE EDUCATION MINISTER, THEN I DONT KNOW WHO IS…. RON GREEN WAS DEFINITELY NEVER QUALIFIED..AS A MATTER OF FACT ,,, HE WOULD STILL BE A DREAD LOCKS RASTA!!!!.. IF THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ANY KIND OF CRITIERIA TO BE MET LIKE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
BUT WE GOT HIM OUT AND WE ARE LOOKING TOWARDS A BRIGHTER FUTURE.
ONE LOVE…GOD BLESS DOMINICA
We are just beginning to feel the effects of a universal education system that may have been poorly implemented. Many cities in the U.S. have been grappling with this problem for many years. That is why the U.S. is ranked 10th among the top performing countries in Math and Science. You cannot fit a square peg into a round hole. Students have different strengths and competences. You cannot put a below average student in a class with super achievers If you do, there is bound to be a grinding halt to academic growth, and a classroom will become a baby sitting chamber where teachers spend time with the less academically inclined in order to bring them up to standards.
We should place students where their weaknesses will be nourished with the right resources.
Well said.
Amen
Peter St. Jean and his Govt has failed since coming into office to put the proper mechanisms in place to ensure our numeracy results are not continuously disturbing. The Govt and the Ministry have been aware of the problems long ago People of all walks of life in Dominica, Education Officials, parents, schools, and the general public have expressed concerns regarding dismal exam results, over the years, both at the Universal Secondary Education and CXC levels.
The problems have gotten worse during the last decade or so. Not only mathematical skills, but reading and comprehension are at an all time low. Dominicans have been dismayed that after five years of attending primary school and going through the courses, that students cannot read on entering the secondary school, neither are they able to solve simple maths problems. Obviously more problems arise in coping with the subjects at the secondary level. .
Only 34 percent of students have been found to be working at or about the school level,” he said. What kind of Education Policy is being adopted.
SHAME, SHAME, SHAME. St. Jean also noted that less than 35 percent of primary school teachers in Dominica have certification in mathematics. How, therefore, do you St. Jean expect better results or an improvement in students mathematical/numeracy skills? My people do you realize how much or students are being short-changed? After all so many parents are making numerous sacrifices and have put their trust in the Govt and officials to remedy that long existing headaches. The situation is getting worse.
ONLY 3 TEACHERS OUT OF EVERY 10 ARE TRAINED IN MATHS AT CERTIFICATE LEVEL.? What will make it worse , St. Jean is also not trained as an Education Minister. One should at least have done training at the degree level to be Minister, to be Head of our National Education Institution.
Students being pushed through the system without being able to master numeracy in the appropriate grade and form in the primary and secondary school is being done under the watch of St. Jean’s Party in GOVT.
The people need to be informed of the remedies and what necessary action GOVT and the Ministry are embarking on now and in the future to make things better for the sake of the innocent students.
Mediocrity in Dominica seem to be an accepted thing. The opportunities for top students to sit A-level exams is also a major struggle and talking point. Our students can do better. LET’S WALK THE WALK. St. Jean has been fighting jealously to oust Ron as Education Minister. But every Dominican knows it is chalk and cheese as far as capabilities, intellectual capacities, honesty and integrity are concerned. A POLICY OF, ‘EDUCATION FOR LIVING,’ IS URGENTLY NEEDED.
Excellent points!!
To:: TRAINED TEACHER….
GOOD DAY FELLOW DOMINICANS….GOD KNOWS HOW PROUD I AM TO BE A DOMINICAN,,,, BUT GOD ALSO KNOW HOW ASHAMED I AM OF SOME OF OUR FELLOW COUNTRY -MEN…
APPARANTLY YOU HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO… TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS,, KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET…AND TO THE POINT…””” TRAINED TEACHER”” WHEN ARE WE GONNA STOP POINTING FINGERS,, INSTEAD OF BLASPHEMING THE EDUCATION MINISTER, HELP PUT IN PERSPECTIVE THE UNFORTUNATE PROBLEM AT HAND.. IF MINISTER ST.JEAN IS NOT QUALIFIED THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE RAN FOR ELECTION…OH AND BY THE WAY WHEN RON GREEN WAS IN HIS SHOES((( TELL ME WHAT HE DID FOR OUR COUNTRY AND THE EDUCATION SYSTEM))) OH I CAN ANSWER THAT… NOT A THING!!!! WE HAVE A MINISTER WHO HAS BEEN IN THE EDUCATION FIELD FOR HIS ENTIRE LIFE…. AND DID A GREAT JOB PREPARING HIS STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE,, BUT “”TRAINED TEACHER’”” HE IS DOING HIS BEST THUS FAR,, FINDING OUR KIDS WEEK POINT AND EVEN THE TEACHERS.. HE IS LOOKING TO STRENGHTEN AND CREATE A MORE SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THE KIDS AND THE FUTURE…
LOL….AND BY THE WAY LETS FACE IT…. IF MINISTER ST.JEAN ISNT QUALIFIED TO BE EDUCATION MINISTER, THEN I DONT KNOW WHO IS…. RON GREEN WAS DEFINITELY NEVER QUALIFIED..AS A MATTER OF FACT ,,, HE WOULD STILL BE A DREAD LOCKS RASTA!!!!.. IF THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ANY KIND OF CRITIERIA TO BE MET LIKE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
BUT WE GOT HIM OUT AND WE ARE LOOKING TOWARDS A BRIGHTER FUTURE.
ONE LOVE…GOD BLESS DOMINICA
We always miss the message because we are so busy attacking the messenger. Ministers come and come. Parties come and go. Your education is there to stay. We need good educators and we need it now. Any move to improve our math scores is a good move.
People need to appreciate maths from an early age. The problem is, many math teachers do not deliver the subject with confidence and enthusiasm. Children pick up on that and develop the attitude that math is hard and not needed in the real world. We need teachers to erase that mindset and generate an excitement for solving problems using math skills.
@ Reasoning: I could shake your big toe! Ministers come & go for real; but our education is here to stay. We need more teachers like Mr. Bertrand who taught Maths at SMA for many years…..that was a boss Maths teacher!
See if those politicians children falling in that bracket of low grades!! Whether their children get A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s or Z’s THEIR BREAD WELL BUTTER!
I will inform you that Mr. St. Jean’s children all worked to gain the positions that they now hold. They are and were A+ students who worked for their grades to be able to butter their own bread.
Proactive and responsible parents have a lot to do with a child’s education!
I cannot speak for the other ministers children but i can for Mr. St.Jean.
Well High School education is now UNIVERSAL education, so why should the students care about exams on a whole whether it’s CXC or Common Entrance.
People without qualification or CXC subjects are getting jobs to teach our children all in exchange for an X next their favourite color.
Now children don’t even give a d**n about Common Entrance cause they know they MUST go to High School. When they get to High School, many of them are not ready because they have not developed the discipline (both mentally and physically) that the Common Entrance Preparation would have otherwise given them; so they take on a laissez-faire attitude and their CXC results suffer the consequence.
Let’s not shed those Crocodile tears because that’s what we wanted.
The minister educational observation is not designed to keep the status quo, but to highlight the idea that your education is critical in the economy that you serve, a higher educational goal should be the desire of all students in order to make your selves more competitive, however, not getting a job is not the end of the world either, although that is frustrating, the minister’s observation is also about generating the idea that all students should attempt to exell in math.
Where you are in Texas, are you the minister’s MOUTH PIECE???
But why is A+ being so ignorant. Of course Texas is very right, and obviously you fail to see that. I wonder how much of a math student you are/were in school. Math should teach you reasoning which you seem to be lacking
is true we..you work hard you cannot get a job so y put effort.. nowadays teachers doh care all some of them care about is d pay check at d end of d month..ministry must look into that
LABOUR POWER!
@Asley, why should teachers care when they are asking for a little pay raise since in Christopher Columbus time?
DUHHHH—
ppl w/o cxc’s gettin job in bank/ ministry/ port….ppl with cxc’s cant even get jobs cuz they OVER QUALIFIED!!! lol…lmao…
chilldren in school seein wat happening ang they dont care….half of them probably didnt even past the tes tto get into high school…
back wen i was in school it was embarassing to get less than 70% in a math test…that was considered LOW @ CHS….i guess times HAVE changed….LOLOL