UTech, Jamaica 2015-16 Annual Report

The Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies is respected throughout the region for the high quality of the teachers and trainers in technical specializations it has produced over the years, through its School of Technical and Vocational Education (SOTAVE). The Faculty’s School of Humanities & Social Sciences (SHSS) provides training in the ‘softer’ skills – critical and creative thinking, ethics, effective communication and social learning. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers the B.A. in Communication Arts and Technology- the most comprehensive communication and media training programme locally. Both schools have been the subject of a continuing revisioning exercise whose ultimate goal is to streamline and restructure the faculty for greater efficiency and sustainability. The aim is to build on the faculty’s strengths in technological and humanistic education and training, and to develop curricula in key areas of growth that will benefit the university and the wider community. Revisioning The revisioning exercise was driven by challenges in the national and institutional environment and a revisioning team was put in place for each school. In the case of SOTAVE, faced with high operating costs, low income and declining competitiveness in course offerings and student enrolment, a number of measures have been put in place to address the immediate challenges including redeployment of staff and placement of students in other faculties where similar academic modules are offered. SCHOOL OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION (SOTAVE) STEM Education The team established to explore SOTAVE’s emerging role in STEM education continues to monitor and engage in the national dialogue on STEM Education. A STEM workshop in SOTAVE was held on November 5, 2015 in collaboration with the STEM team from Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission. Page 58 University of Technology, Jamaica ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 • School of Technical and Vocational Education (SOTAVE) • School of Humanities & Social Sciences (SHSS) FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND LIBERAL STUDIES Dr. Irving McKenzie Interim Dean