NCERD Hosts Three-Day Social Studies Expo

NCERD to Host Three-Day Social Studies Expo: ‘Igniting Minds, Transforming Societies’

In a landmark event aimed at reshaping the landscape of Social Studies education in Guyana, the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), under the Ministry of Education’s Social Studies Unit, is set to host a three-day Social Studies Expo from Monday, November 11th to Wednesday, November 13th. Taking place at NCERD’s main office, the expo is open daily from 10AM under the transformative theme, ‘Igniting Minds, Transforming Societies’.

The primary objective of this expo is to inspire and engage teachers with modern and innovative teaching strategies that can enhance students’ grasp of Social Studies, geography, and Caribbean history. By using interactive, hands-on approaches, the initiative aims to improve student performance at both the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) levels. This gathering of educators, thought leaders, and students will highlight Social Studies’ role in shaping critical thinking and civic responsibility among youth.

One of the key goals of the Social Studies Expo is to help educators reimagine teaching methods to make Social Studies more engaging and relevant. Assistant Chief Education Officer for Secondary Education, Sherwyn Blackman, expressed that the expo will provide a vital platform for students to develop essential critical thinking skills.

“We need to return to a place where students can look at a situation, critically analyze it, and make informed decisions,” Mr. Blackman stated. “Social Studies provides the foundation where young people can collectively make decisions that not only help them individually but also contribute positively to society.”

As Social Studies is a pivotal subject in helping students navigate their environments and understand their social responsibilities, the expo will showcase various resources and teaching aids to better equip educators to communicate these vital lessons. Through these updated approaches, Mr. Blackman hopes students will be empowered to extract quality ideas and insights from any situation, enabling them to build a pathway to success.

Senior Education Officer within the Social Studies Unit, Shemlyn Batson-Andrews, shared the educational benefits awaiting attendees.

CERD Director, Omwattie Ramdin, emphasized that the expo’s vision goes beyond merely helping students pass examinations. Instead, the event underscores the role of Social Studies in developing responsible citizens.

In her remarks, the Director stressed that achieving a high grade in Social Studies is only part of the goal. “It would be futile if students pass an exam but lack civic responsibility, if they litter, or lack a sense of unity,” she continued. The expo’s focus on developing well-rounded, socially aware young citizens reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to education that serves both individual and societal growth.

The expo will feature sessions on incorporating critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning to enhance lesson plans, spaces where students will engage in activities like historical reenactments, mapping exercises, and collaborative projects, displays featuring the latest teaching aids and digital resources available for Social Studies educators, aiming to modernize classroom experiences.

The three-day expo promises an invaluable experience for educators and students alike, blending academic learning with the development of life skills that go beyond the classroom. With the combined efforts of teachers, students, and the Ministry of Education, the Social Studies Expo will foster a generation of youth who are knowledgeable, socially responsible, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and country.

The National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) is committed to enhancing education standards across Guyana. By providing training, resources, and support to teachers and students, NCERD aims to promote inclusive, high-quality education for all, empowering students to reach their fullest potential in academic and life pursuits.