Dear Editor,
A situation exists at the University of Guyana where dozens of graduate students pursuing a Master of Education degree at the School of Education and Humanities have been in limbo, without completing their second degrees. This is due to the fact that they have completed all requisite courses and coursework but are left to present a proposal for a thesis in an education- related field.
This is most unfortunate since students usually complete their course but spend many additional years at the university (it is a two-year degree) in additional time with registration fees every academic year. This letter is not about placing blame on any particular individual. However, it is believed that there should be closer supervision of students at the end of their studies. Each student is allocated a supervisor to assist with the completion of the proposal— which, by the way, has to first be presented before an academic panel at UG before it is ‘passed’ after which the student may proceed with the research— which is the final submission before graduation.
This letter is also not placing blame on any supervisor. I am fully aware that students face the brunt of the work if they desire to graduate, however, because the standards are set so high for education students to first present a proposal that has to be vetted and passed by the panel, much work and preparation are required by both the student and his or her supervisor (UG staff). I am recommending that the administration look urgently into the many, many students who started their Master of Education programmes, some many, many years ago while others have dropped out. It’s so sad to have worked so hard for two years and then to feel discouraged and less motivated at the very end.
Classes should be held for the proposal where students are supervised more closely. At the moment, there is no class for these preparations as students meet with their supervisors in Georgetown in planned and unplanned sessions. This is working out for some, but for many others, the entire system and process is failing our senior educators. Dozens get enrolled for the MEd programme each year, but only one or two are graduating. The university as well as the government and Ministry of Education should urgently address this problem.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
