PR - A programme to upgrade science teachers in Samoa will be launched by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, at the University of the South Pacific’s (U.S.P) Alafua campus, today.
Called the Science Teachers Accelerated Programme (S.T.A.P), the programme is a partnership between the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture and the U.S.P.
A group of some 60 teachers have been selected for the programme.
The government is providing 60 scholarships to support the teachers. The scholarship includes teachers from the state schools and mission schools.
The programme will upgrade skills of existing teachers and aims to build capacity especially in the pure sciences and mathematics.
That is, students will receive some credits towards their individual programmes based on their academic records as well as teaching experience (in science and science related subjects).
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Delivery of the programme will be through online, face-to-face and blended learning/teaching modes.
Two preparatory workshops have been conducted already, to prepare teachers for studying using the university’s IT systems includingthe satellite network that will provide tutorials in real time and the course management MOODLE platform.
To assist teachers further, each will be issued with a tablet that will contain study materials to be used on an individual basis.
These delivery methods will mean that teachers will be studying from wherever they are located around Samoa during term time.
However, it is also planned that they will be taking some courses by flexible schools whereby they will be able to learn face-to-face during school holidays. Other face-to-face components include practical work.
In the week following the launch, students will start the first course of the programme - the compulsory course UU100 Communications and Information Literacy, which aims to “ensure that all incoming students develop knowledge and competence in the use of computers and information resources."
The course covers fundamental concepts of computers and their applications and addresses the broader imperative for students to develop capacity to effectively locate, access, evaluate and use information effectively.” USP Calendar and Handbook 2014 p.420
The programme is planned to be completed in 2016 when students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree.
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