By Deslyn A Joseph
In an era where “one-size-fits-all” instruction is increasingly becoming a relic of the past, local educators and parents gathered for a transformative day of professional exchange. The Early Years, led by founder and CEO Priscilla Joseph, successfully hosted its fifth annual seminar titled “Supporting Diverse Learners: Practical Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms,” over the weekend.
Despite a delayed start at the Ebenezer Methodist Church Hall, the venue for seminar, the atmosphere remained light and calm, quickly turning into a dynamic and interactive environment. From the opening presentation, a modest but highly dedicated group of attendees engaged in vocal dialogue, diligent note-taking, and the sharing of personal experiences. The event was strategically scheduled for the Saturday following the Easter vacation to ensure that participants could return to their classrooms and homes with fresh information and knowledge.
Joseph said she initiated this to address critical topics often omitted from standard teacher training. Speaking with Observer Media, Joseph emphasized that the seminar was born out of a necessity to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and varied learning requirements. She said that children today learn in myriad ways and many require specific support to reach their full potential.
“Whether a child has a formal diagnosis like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, or simply processes information better through visual or hands-on demonstration, the system must adapt to them. By using Howard Gardner’s theory framework, the seminar intended to show participants how to design lesson plans that resonate with how a child naturally processes information, rather than forcing the child to conform to a rigid teaching style, “she explained.
Utica Christian, a Senior Counsellor at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advance Studies (ABCAS) and a veteran presenter with nearly 25 years of experience, provided a candid look at the challenges facing the current education system. She described learning difficulties not as inherent flaws, but as roadblocks that require a partnership to remove. Christian expressed a desire to see a broader cross-section of society involved, noting a need for more parents and teachers from government, secondary, and tertiary schools to attend such sessions.
She remarked that support should not just come from school, but should extend to the home, the church, the supermarket, and even the school bus driver. Christian also cautioned parents against the “letter-grade” trap, noting that a percentage on a report card rarely tells the full story of a child’s capability or the obstacles they are navigating. She emphasized moving from a labeling situation to one of active support, highlighting that these children are the future workforce of the nation.
For participant Evodia Cassius-Noel, Regional Director at St John’s Lutheran Children’s School, the seminar provided actionable resources for institutional growth. Attending alongside four of her teachers, Cassius-Noel highlighted that the prevalence of diverse learners is much larger than many realize. She explained that while people often think of diagnosable disabilities, any student facing challenges is a diverse learner requiring accommodations.
Cassius-Noel noted that her staff left the seminar eager to implement specific strategies such as scaffolding, differentiation, and the use of different sensory inputs for teaching. There was also a strong interest in developing Individual Learning Plans to assist students more effectively. She lauded the seminar for revealing the wealth of professional resources available locally, stating that the connections made would serve as a vital network for her school moving forward.
At the close of the seminar, a call was issued for a seamless environment of encouragement that follows a child from the school gate to the home. This would be bolstered by empowering the entire support system around a student, since the initiative seeks to create a collective effort between teachers, administration, and families. Joseph has given additional commitment to ensure that every child in Antigua and Barbuda is provided the platform to succeed as the educational landscape continues to evolve.