…VC Says the Appearance of this Ground-breaking Work is a Reflection of UG’s continued Dedication to Research-based Teaching

-  Second book Launched by UG Academics in the Last 2 Weeks

A ground-breaking publication entitled “Post-secondary Chemistry Education in Developing Countries: Advancing Diversity in Pedagogy and Practice” was officially launched on Friday at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT), of the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus. The publication was co-authored by three senior academics led by award-winning chemist and Head of the University’s Chemistry Department, Dr Dawn Fox, Chemistry Lecturer and Former Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and Chemistry Educator Medeba Uzzi and Education Methodology Specialist and Director of UG’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE), Dr Jacqueline Murray. 

The two hundred and twenty page book, “Post-secondary Chemistry Education in Developing Countries: Advancing Diversity in Pedagogy and Practice” was published by the internationally renowned Routledge Press under its research in STEM education imprint.

The event was well supported by members of the academic community both in Guyana and abroad as well as relatives and friends of the authors.  The publishing of the book is viewed as a significant achievement in academic publishing as it advocates a multifaceted approach to holistically transform chemistry education within developing countries.

Co-authors (from L-R); Head of the UG’s Chemistry Department, Dr Dawn Fox, Director of UG’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE), Dr Jacqueline Murray and Chemistry Lecturer and Former Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Medeba Uzzi speaking about the book on Friday. 

In her welcoming remarks, UG’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, praised the collaborative efforts of the authors in bringing this important work to fruition. “This publication dispels the myth that the University of Guyana does not contribute to research. It is a testament to our commitment to advancing academic discourse. I cannot say how proud I am of your achievement. You are truly going to change lives and the face of teaching of subjects in STEM with this work.” said Prof. Mohamed Martin. 

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the book, which was published on March 25, 2024, “not only serves as an educational resource but also reflects our ongoing dedication to research-based teaching.” The VC further thanked the University of Guyana Press, which, though it did not publish the book, made all the arrangements in Guyana for the excellent launch of the book. 

Dr. Dawn Fox, one of the co-authors, shared that the inspiration for the book came from her experiences as both a student and a teacher, highlighting the importance of early engagement.  She shared that the central message of the book, named the “3P approach” advocated diversity in pedagogy, programming (strategic extra and intra curricular activities), and people: embracing and supporting diversity in the students and teachers engaged in the teaching/learning experiences. Dr Fox expressed gratitude to all the persons, including the authors’ immediate family, who have supported the project noting that without their contribution, publishing of the book would not have been a reality. 

A section of the audience at the Book Launch at UG’s Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) on Friday.

In her remarks, co-author Dr. Jacqueline Murray emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the project, noting that adaptability and constructive criticism among the authors were vital to its success. “This book encourages a rethinking of traditional chemistry curriculum and the activities used in the teaching and learning of chemistry. The book promotes collaboration across disciplines and the creation of teaching strategies and activities which align themselves with students’ learning preferences. For example, collaborative research projects between finance and engineering students can enhance interdisciplinary learning.” 

Dr. Murray explained that in the twenty-first century context, soft skills are desired traits sought after by employers and not just technical skills. “Our next step is to operationalize the contents of this book, ensuring that its principles are applied effectively in educational settings,” Dr Murray added.

Ms. Uzzi noted the book is not only important for persons who are teaching post-secondary chemistry but the pedagogical diversity outlined within the book could transform any post-secondary classroom. She referenced the “3P approach” likening it to a buffet where it is advisable to sample one or two items rather than everything at once. This analogy encapsulates the book's philosophy of gradual implementation of innovative pedagogical strategies. She further beckoned for education policy makers and administrators to recognise the importance of funding innovative STEM education for sustainable development.

The authors plan to publish results from the implementation of the “3P approach”, and invited education practitioners to collaborate.   

Many of the persons who spoke including world renowned alumnus of the University of Guyana’s Chemistry department, now senior researcher at Pfizer, Dr. Vidya Roopchand and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Engagement Prof. Emannuel Cummings, expressed the view that the publication marks a significant step forward in enhancing chemistry education and promoting diversity in teaching practices across the region. 

Dr. Roopchand pointed to the many renowned alumni who have emanated from the Chemistry department of the University of Guyana. Prof. Cummings lauded the appearance of the book and noted that “everything” is chemistry and as such the application of the work to not only the sciences but to general educational pedagogy should be noted. 

Copies of the book were presented to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, UG Library and the Government Technical Institute (GTI). Additionally, a copy will be gifted to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

The book is presently available at: Routledge, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Walmart. 

Other recent book publications by University of Guyana scholars include: 

1. Ethnic stratification and Cultural Pluralism in Guyana – by  Dr. Duane Edwards, Palgrave Macmillan
2. A Guide to the Principles and Practices of the Geography School-Based Assessment by Linda Johnson-Bhola, UG Press
3. The Archaeology of Guyana 2nd edition by Mark Plew and Louisa Daggers, UG Press

Upcoming books by UG Scholars include: 

1. A Ray of Hope: Reflections on the Development of Science and Technology in Guyana and the Caribbean by Ulric Trotz, UG Press
2. A re-issue of the publication:  My God-Inspired Journey by Gwendolin Tross, UG Press
3. Indenture Wreathed in Opium by Dr. Mark Tumbridge, Hansib Publications.

Books by University of Guyana authors may also be available at the University of Guyana’s Campus Store, please visit here for more details: https://www.store.uog.edu.gy/

To view the book launch and discussion of the launch of “Post-secondary Chemistry Education in Developing Countries: Advancing Diversity in Pedagogy and Practice” please click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GuVF26S5_9Ohhb9UxtEtcAJ-zjWhKQQS

The University of Guyana through its students, faculties and research institutes has consistently produced research some of which has been path-breaking and which continues to add to the existing body of knowledge in various areas of academic research particularly in the area of regional studies. Within the last four years alone, the world ranking of the University of Guyana has risen over 300 points and steadily climbing towards the upper quartile of academic institutions worldwide. To learn more about UG’s research, please visit: https://researchandinnovation.uog.edu.gy/

Members of the public are invited to the University of Guyana’s Third Graduate Research Symposium from October 2 to 4, 2024. Registration is free. Please click here to register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__u4s6um8S2-EHZxEEGnhTg#/registration

UG in Brief 

The University of Guyana, the national University of Guyana, now in its 61st year, was founded in October 1963, three years before Guyana became independent. “UG” as it is fondly referred to offers over 171 distinct programmes in over 70 disciplines from Certificates, Diplomas, Associate Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees to PhD’s. These programmes are offered online, face-to-face or in blended formats. UG delivers through a system of eight campuses. This includes its 37-year-old community-based Institute for Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) and the second major campus at Tain in Berbice celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. The University of Guyana’s student population is over 11,500.

Through its 8 academic divisions and 9 Research Institutes and Centers, including an accredited College of Medical Sciences, School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation and the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences which has been ranked # 5 globally. “UG” has provided education, training and research for over 64,000 alumni over its 61-year history with significant national and global impact. Key faculties include the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the College of Behavioural Sciences and Research, the Faculty of Education and Humanities and the Faculty of Social Sciences. The University is also home to 10 Research Institutes including the recently launched Institute for Marine and Riverine Ecologies and Economies (IMAREE), the internationally important Centre for Biodiversity, the Institute for Food and Nutrition Security, the Institute for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Institute for Energy Diplomacy, the Green Institute, the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future, and the International Centre for Excellence in Early Childhood Education. The mission of the University of Guyana is to discover, generate, disseminate and apply knowledge of the highest standard for the advancement of communities, the nation, and mankind within an atmosphere of academic freedom, transparent accountability, pragmatic innovation and universal respect.

UG’s forward-thinking Blueprint 2040 is currently setting the course for the University’s future design and   institutional response to the changing needs of Guyana, the region and the world. UG is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary with a renewed focus on becoming the leading teaching and research University in Guyana. Visit UG at www.uog.edu.gy.