Michelle Nordika Blake - Elgin Taylor

The matter of research in the classroom is a topic that has popped up from time to time on the education radar. While some may treat it with scant regard, it is something that Michelle Nordika Blake believes should be a priority.

"The practice of doing research should be important to the teacher. We need to find different ways and means of presenting the content to the students. The Internet, for example, has a plethora of information that can make our lessons interesting," she told The Star.

She then went on to explain that test results should not only be perused and discarded, but that such data should be used to inform future teaching engagements. She cited her grade-three class at St John's Primary School in Spanish Town as an example. She said it is made up of slow learners but that, based on results from diagnostic tests, she has devised remedial programmes in mathematics and reading to assist them.

The Mico University College and Western Carolina University graduate is of the opinion that too many limits are placed on the social interaction of our students.

"I believe that, as teachers, we need to increase our students' social capital through field trips, engaging resource personnel and through distance-learning liaisons. Your voice should not be the only voice they hear for an entire year," she stated.

Blake, who was born in the parish of St Andrew, revealed that teaching was not her first love. She said that she had a childhood friend who became deaf, and an aunt who became blind. These were the events which prompted her to enter Mico University College to pursue a diploma course in special education. This training has enabled her to deal with the special needs of students in her class.

She mentioned the efficacious support of staff members and the principal of the institution. She noted that, currently, her principal and her former administrator abroad are exploring ways of sharing best practices on staff development.

The young educator has also taught at Lister Mair-Gilby High School for the Deaf in St Andrew, Knockalvia Technical High School in Hanover, and Angels Primary School in St Catherine.