The Cross River State Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Biase, has wrapped up a transformative 2-day capacity-building workshop, empowering 150 primary school teachers from the three senatorial districts of the state. This training is part of TCTI’s commitment to upgrading and equipping teachers with quality learning methodologies, further intensifying academic excellence in the state.
The workshop, titled ‘Application of Smart Skills to Teaching and Learning in Primary Schools,’ took place from November 14 to 15, 2024. The program featured a paper presentation on the first day, followed by practical teaching sessions on the second day, under the guidance of resource persons. This capacity-building initiative seeks to boost teachers’ proficiency and familiarize them with modern IT literacy strategies, ultimately improving teaching outcomes in primary schools.
In a welcome address on Thursday, Director-General of the Institute, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, reiterated the importance of continuous teacher training. He underscored the Institute’s dedication to equipping educators with advanced digital, data-driven, and pedagogical skills to elevate classroom teaching.
Professor Adedoja stated that the TCTI’s state-of-the-art facilities ensure that tutors stay abreast of the latest teaching innovations and best practices, solidifying its position as a leading teacher training hub in Nigeria.
“Today, an analogue teaching approach can’t keep pace with modern trends in education, especially during primary school’s formative years. We must catch these children young. That’s why TCTI is committed to transforming classroom methods, introducing smart skills and equipping teachers with innovative educational tools,” he asserted.
Reiterating this notion, Deputy Director-General of the TCTI, Mrs. Mary Umaji, emphasized the vitality of smart skills in modern education. She implored participants to share their newfound knowledge with colleagues in other schools, noting that the Institute will conduct post-workshop monitoring. Mrs. Umaji underlined the importance of comprehensive teacher retraining to education.
Mr. Ewa Edet Eteng from St. Mary’s Primary School, Ugep, testified to the transformative impact of the training thus; “This workshop has taught us how to effectively use the interactive smart board, a technology most of us had never experienced before. I’m impressed that TCTI students enjoy modern facilities, including computers and reliable internet connectivity powered by solar energy. I commend the past and present governors for sustaining the good legacies.
“Let me also extend my gratitude to the TCTI management, particularly the ICT staff for their dedication.”
Prince Ikweng John, another workshop participant, made a passionate plea to TCTI and the relevant government agencies to provide computer and ICT infrastructure in primary schools statewide. This move, according to him, would enable teachers to effectively apply the knowledge gained from the workshop.
Beneficiaries universally applauded the training, acknowledging its value and effectiveness to learning.
The workshop covered various sub-topics such as the designing, producing and supplying game kits to enhance teaching, and self-awareness among primary school learners. Others related to the taxonomy of learning outcomes to teaching writing skills in primary schools, and applying digital skills and problem-solving strategies for primary school learners.
This workshop, benefiting 150 primary school teachers is the latest in a series of successful professional development programs, building on the success of previous sessions on digital literacy, new trends in teaching English language skills, mathematics, science, and the application of smart skills to teaching and learning to over 2,000 primary and secondary schools teachers with essential skills. This represents the next phase in a sustained effort to elevate educational excellence in the state and country.
