The University of Guyana (UG) has announced the official launch of a ground-breaking publication entitled, “Post-secondary Chemistry Education in Developing Countries: Advancing Diversity in Pedagogy and Practice,” at the Education Lecture Theatre on the Turkeyen campus, marking a significant step forward in enhancing chemistry education and promoting diversity in teaching practices across the region.
According to a press release from UG, the publication was co-authored by three senior academics, led by award-winning chemist and head of the university’s chemistry department Dr Dawn Fox. The two other writers were chemistry lecturer and former assistant dean of the Facul-ty of Natural Sciences Medeba Uzzi, and Edu-cation Methodology Spe-cialist and Director of UG’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) Dr Jacqueline Murray. It was published by Routledge Press under its research in STEM education imprint.
The release noted that the publishing of the book is viewed as a significant achievement in academic publishing as it advocates a multifaceted approach to holistically transform chemistry education within developing countries.
UG’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, who gave opening remarks, praised the collaborative efforts of the authors in bringing this important work to fruition. “This publication dispels the myth that the University of Guyana does not contribute to research. It is a testament to our commitment to advancing academic discourse. I cannot say how proud I am of your achievement. You are truly going to change lives and the face of teaching of subjects in STEM with this work,” she was quoted as saying.
She said that the book, which was published on March 25, “not only serves as an educational resource but also reflects our ongoing dedication to research-based teaching.” She thanked the University of Guyana Press, which, though it did not publish the book, made all the arrangements in Guyana for the excellent launch of the book, the release added.
Dr Fox related that the inspiration for the book came from her experiences as both a student and a teacher, highlighting the importance of early engagement. She pointed out that the central message of the book, the “3P approach”, advocated diversity in pedagogy, programming (strategic extra and intra curricular activities), and people: embracing and supporting diversity in the students and teachers engaged in the teaching/learning experiences, the release said. Dr Fox expressed her gratitude to everyone, including the authors’ immediate families, who have supported the project, noting that without their contribution, the publishing of the book would not have been a reality.
The release said that Dr Murray emphasised the interdisciplinary nature of the project, noting that adaptability and constructive criticism among the authors were vital to its success. “This book encourages a rethinking of traditional chemistry curriculum and the activities used in the teaching and learning of chemistry. The book promotes collaboration across disciplines and the creation of teaching strategies and activities which align themselves with students’ learning preferences. For example, collaborative research projects between finance and engineering students can enhance interdisciplinary learning,” she was quoted as saying.
She explained that in the 21st century context, soft skills are desired traits sought after by employers and not just technical skills. “Our next step is to operationalise the contents of this book, ensuring that its principles are applied effectively in educational settings,” the release quoted her as saying.
Uzzi noted that the book was not only important for those teaching post-secondary chemistry, but the pedagogical diversity outlined within the book could transform any post-secondary classroom. She referenced the “3P approach” likening it to a buffet where it is advisable to sample one or two items rather than everything at once. This analogy encapsulates the book’s philosophy of gradual implementation of innovative pedagogical strategies. She further encouraged education policy makers and administrators to recognise the importance of funding innovative STEM education for sustainable development, the release said.
It added that the authors plan to publish results from the implementation of the “3P approach”, and invited education practitioners to collaborate.
The release noted that many of the speakers, including world-renowned alumnus of UG’s Chemis-try department, now senior researcher at Pfizer Dr Vidya Roopchand, and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Engagement Professor Emannuel Cummings, expressed the view that the publication marked a significant step forward in enhancing chemistry education and promoting diversity in teaching practices across the region.
Dr Roopchand referenced the many renowned alumni who have come out of the Chemistry Depart-ment of UG, while Profes-sor Cummings lauded the appearance of the book and noted that “everything” is chemistry and as such the application of the work to not only the sciences but to general educational pedagogy should be noted, the release said.
Copies of the book were presented to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, UG Library, and the Government Technical Institute. Additionally, a copy will be gifted to the Cyril Potter College of Education. The book is presently available at Routledge, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, the release added.
