UK-based lecturer for Mico Research Day

Dr (Lady) Sue Dale Tunnicliffe, lecturer in education and research associate, Institute of Education, University of London, will be visiting Jamaica as special guest of The Mico University College, to participate in its Research Day, scheduled for Tuesday, at the college's Marescaux Road campus in Kingston.

A former primary- and secondary-education teacher, Tunnicliffe is a biologist and researcher with special interests in how children gain understanding of biological concepts, as well as what they learn from everyday things such as animals, plants, museums, zoos and gardens. Tunnicliffe will present on the topic: 'Investment in Preschool and Early years: The Future of Science, Technology and Engineering', with a view to addressing and identifying ways to develop scientifically literate citizens, beginning with children.

According to Tunnicliffe, in the past, science was restricted to a selected intellectual elite and this excluded many students. "The learning of science and engineering should start at an early age, beginning with the immediate environment of the child. This includes where they live, and where they witness everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning and washing and the use of materials such as textiles, wood and clay," Tunnicliffe pointed out.

Tunnicliffe will make her presentation in the afternoon session on Research Day. During her visit she will also meet with lecturers and students of Mico in special sessions on early-childhood education and will also use the opportunity to tour Early Childhood Centres in Kingston.

Productive and stimulating

The day-long event which will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. promises to be interesting, productive and educationally stimulating, with a number of other research experts presenting on topics such as: 'Foreign Language Training in Our Golden Belt of Foreign Investment: Some Considerations', by Martha Corbett-Baugh, PhD candidate from the Core Curriculum Unit of the Ministry of Education; 'Gender and Culture in Jamaica: The Implications for Leadership in Education and at the National Level', Dr Jacqueline Oram-Sterling, Graduate School of Education at The Mico University College; 'Alternative Assessment: Expanding Classroom Assessment in Higher Education for More Effective Instruction,' to be presented by Michael-Anthony C. Dobson-Lewis, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, University of Technology (UTECH); and 'Earth Expansion and Receding Seas', by Richard Guy, structural engineer.

The invitation by Mico for submission of research papers has attracted a wide range of thought-provoking topics by academic professionals, graduates and undergraduate students. Among them are: 'Facebook Fascination: Its Impact on Book Work'; 'An Investigation Into the Importance of and Attitudes Towards Breakfast in Primary-Age School Children'; 'The Information Needs of People with Diabetes in Rural Jamaica,' and 'The Impact of a Training Programme on Teachers' Attitude and Confidence Toward Technology'.

Keynote speakers for the event are Dr Owen James, dean of the All American Institute of Medical Sciences, and Sean Osner, supervisory programme officer with the United States Agency for International Development, who will, respectively, address the morning and evening sessions.

In keeping with Mico's tradition of developing best practices in the delivery of quality education in teacher training, Research Day was created to provide a forum where academic researchers, educators, educational administrators, and related practitioners can share their research experience.

For further information on Research Day 2011, log on to The Mico University College Facebook page or www.themicouniversitycollege.edu.jm, or contact The Mico University College, 1A Marescaux Road, Kingston 5, Tel: 929-5260-5; Email: researchday@themico.edu.jm.