The Caribbean region has made considerable progress in terms of access to education, achieving virtually universal primary school enrollment and similar levels of educational attainment relative to comparable countries. However, there are persistent learning inequalities throughout students’ life cycles as they progress from primary to secondary and tertiary education. … [Read more...] about Gender gaps in education in the Caribbean: are girls doing better than boys?
Cynthia Hobbs
Cynthia Hobbs is a Lead Education Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank. She has a deep interest in improving teaching quality, and she has taught in primary schools, universities and in courses for adults. She also has conducted research on teaching practices, including intercultural bilingual math education. Prior to joining the IDB, she worked for 15 years at the World Bank where she also oversaw the preparation and execution of education projects in several areas, including early and pre-primary education, primary and secondary education, youth, and transitions from school to work. Cynthia holds a degree in Psychology from Bates College (USA) and a master's degree in International Education from Harvard University.
Making Mathematics Fun: Learning for the 21st Century
Why math? Algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry. These words have the power to evoke fear in the hearts of some. But educators, mathematicians and scientists agree that a solid foundation in mathematics is necessary for complex problem solving and logical thinking, skills needed to work in the 21st century. So how do we teach math, demystify it and replace fear with … [Read more...] about Making Mathematics Fun: Learning for the 21st Century
Battle of the Sexes – Who is Underachieving?
Yes, it’s true. A higher percentage of girls than boys obtain passes in the regional Caribbean Secondary Education Council/CSEC Examinations (used as a secondary school leaving exam) in most subject areas. However, in key subjects such as mathematics, more than half of all Jamaican candidates failed in 2013, regardless of sex. Though boys underperform in relation to … [Read more...] about Battle of the Sexes – Who is Underachieving?
Jamaica – Motivating and Empowering their youth
It was a joyful moment on Friday, May 16, 2014 when the IDB Representative, Therese Turner-Jones and the Minister of Youth and Culture, Honourable Lisa Hanna, cut the ribbon and unveiled the plaque for the Clarendon Youth Information Centre/National Youth Service Centre. Youth sang, children drummed, politicians spoke, and the crowd applauded loudly to the testimonials of … [Read more...] about Jamaica – Motivating and Empowering their youth
The First 1,000 Days of Life Really Matter!
Children from St. John’s Basic School, Kingston, Jamaica – taken by Cynthia Hobbs. We know it’s critically important to give our children the right ingredients during the first five years of life – good nutrition, education and language stimulation, vaccinations and other health interventions. But now experts are narrowing it down further to the first 1,000 days – 270 … [Read more...] about The First 1,000 Days of Life Really Matter!