Birth Stories of Trinidad and Tobago: Ingrid Sylvester

Ingrid Sylvester is a pupil midwife with the School of Midwifrey in San Fernando, Trinidad. She talks about being scared about taking charge of her first home delivery. This experience helped to boost her confidence to continue

The Changing Role of Teachers and Teaching Styles in The Classroom of High Schools in Guyana Amidst the Pandemic

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic growth has garnered attention in recent literature (Blainey & Hannay, 2021). While initial reports by Johnson et al. (2021) suggested significant negative effects, subsequent research has indicated a nuanced perspective, with a diminishing impact over time. This study investigates evolving teacher roles during the pandemic in Guyana's schools and their influence on student performance in the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) Examinations held annually in May/June. A comprehensive literature review contextualizes the study by highlighting pandemic-induced changes in the learning process and associated factors. This research integrates qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis by employing an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018). Initial findings underscore a pedagogical shift among teachers due to the pandemic. Outcomes vary based on available resources, particularly in the context of Guyana's schools. Notably, this research holds value for the Ministry of Education in formulating teacher and student development strategies, addressing competence and professionalism. Moreover, implications extend to the Cyril Potter College of Education, allowing the design of programs enhancing prospective teachers' preparedness for the evolving educational landscape

Unearthing how Jamaican secondary students have made sense of the traditional meanings of academic performance and academic success

The Caribbean Examinations Council data from 2011 to 2021 for the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) Council (2011–2021) shows many Jamaican secondary students failing to pass the Mathematics and English examinations. Discussions on the failings have focused on adults’ views, excluding student’s voices. This study sampled twelve 15–16-year-old rural Jamaican secondary students to hear their understanding and interpretation of academic performance and success and how these terms should be defined. A convenience sample and an interpretivist paradigm within a social constructionism framework were applied. Data was collected using photovoice, audio journaling, one-on-one interviews, and focus group discussion; a focus coding technique was used to find themes and present the findings. The data showed participants understood the definitions of the terms but interpreted them as stereotyping labels that adversely impacted many students’ performance and post-secondary success. The findings underscore the importance of hearing students’ voices to better understand academic outcomes

Bathsheba, Barbados. Plimmers Stores.

Landscape; Coloured; 3 ½” x 5 ½”A view of the Bathsheba landscape with boulders at the water's edge. This is a divided back postcard. In the back of the postcard AL I £3 (Handwritten in pencil). With lots of loves wishes for Feb 27th from M & J – I have posted a letter to you. Hope you are all well _ ? yrs B. Feb: 27th 1911. Mrs. J. M. Bellamy, 1767. 6. 14th Street, Brooklyn, New York. At the bottom in the center there is a post office stamp BROOKLYN, N.Y. Feb 23, 1911. 12:30PM. At the bottom right-hand corner 10 51380. Made in German