In keeping with its commitment towards ensuring that quality standards are maintained at the University of the West Indies, the Instructional Development Unit (IDU) conducted its annual Orientation to University Teaching Workshop from August 22–25, 2006. The four-day workshop featured presentations by a range of speakers on crucial issues pertinent to the development of effective teaching skills. It targeted over thirty new members of staff, both in the teaching and service units of the campus.

Campus Principal Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie opened the workshop by thanking the new members of staff for choosing the teaching profession. “In this age where knowledge is so important, teaching is a critical profession,” he reminded the assembly. He identified top quality teaching as a vital part of the mission of a good university, and pointed out the importance of creating an environment in which the bar of performance is constantly being lifted, because “excellence today cannot be measured by yesterday’s standards.”

He also raised insightful points on the attributes of an effective lecturer: “As an effective lecturer, you are aware of the responsibility faced inside and outside of the lecture theatres in developing the minds of the future professionals and leaders,” he declared. “Moreover, you must always remember that being a lecturer does not represent the end of the learning process for you as individuals…if you stop learning, then your students will hardly ever learn anything from you.”

Dr. Tewarie commended the IDU on their work, and especially on their latest initiative to launch a website. The website, which may be accessed at www.sta.uwi.edu/idu, is aimed at making teaching resources more available and allowing for a greater connection between the Unit and staff.

Other key speakers included Mrs. Linda Steele, Assistant Registrar, Human Resource; Mr. Phillip Maharaj, Deputy Bursar; Mr. Anthony Jackman, Head, Academic Disability Learning Unit; Mr. Jeremy Callaghan, Campus Registrar; Mr. Hollis Nicholas, Senior Assistant Registrar; and Prof. Margaret Rouse-Jones, University Librarian. The event was chaired by IDU Programme Coordinator, Dr. Anna-May Edwards-Henry, who also delivered some unforgettable presentations.

Dr. Henry described the IDU as the UWI’s centralised training unit that focuses on developing pedagogical skills to enhance the quality of teaching at the University. She stressed its importance by noting the need for the constant honing of teaching skills to deal with changing student requirements.

Over the course of the workshop, participants were introduced to invaluable teaching tools such as theories of learning, techniques of motivation, planning and presentation skills, and co-operative learning. (MB)