The Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) in Lagos, Mrs Victoria Peregrino, urged teachers to continually seek knowledge to stay relevant and succeed in their profession.
Peregrino made the call on Tuesday at a two-day capacity-building workshop for 300 teachers on GLs 13-14, held at the Teaching Service Staff Development Centre (TSSDC) in Owutu, Ikorodu.
She highlighted the paradigm shift in teaching techniques and stressed that teachers must stay informed to adapt to the evolving demands of the 21st century world.
The workshop focused on the theme: ‘Assessment and Evaluation: Designing Assessments That Promote Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving’ for experienced teachers on GLs 13-14.
Peregrino reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to continually train and retrain teachers to address the ever-evolving challenges in the education sector.
She urged participants to develop a passion for learning to keep pace with the demands of modern teaching. The government recognises the importance of ongoing teacher training.
Experts have warned that many classrooms today lack the critical thinking skills needed for 21st-century teaching. Teachers must be adequately prepared to meet these global demands.
The TESCOM Chairman explained that the training aims to promote creative critical thinking skills, aligning with the Education and Technology pillar of the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ agenda.
She also noted that the state government through TESCOM, encourages teachers in public secondary schools to incorporate critical thinking and problem-solving skills into their teaching methods.
Peregrino thanked Sanwo-Olu for his dedication to transforming education in Lagos State, particularly through capacity-building programmes that empower teachers and enhance their integration at all levels.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila Adebopo, said the workshop aims to equip teachers with skills to design assessments that foster critical thinking and problem-solving in students.
She emphasised that critical thinking and problem-solving are vital in education, as they help navigate complex situations and make informed decisions, both personally and professionally.
As educators, the development of critical thinking skills is essential for inspiring the next generation of leaders. This will positively impact society and future generations.
Adebopo urged teachers to pay attention to details and pass on the knowledge gained to benefit students, ultimately giving back to the state and society.
Board members of TESCOM, Mr Abiodun Gbamgboye, Mrs Kafayat Ajenifuja, and Mrs Abimbola Idowu, encouraged participants to embrace the new creative critical thinking approach.