LASG charges teachers to imbibe critical thinking and problem-solving skills

By Kayode Olopade 

The Lagos State Government, through the State Teaching Service Commission, has charged teachers in Public Secondary Schools to infuse critical thinking and problem solving skills in their teaching methodology.

Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Peregrino gave the charge while declaring open a 2-day capacity building workshop for 300 teachers on GLs 13-14 held at the TSSDC, Owutu, Ikorodu.

While charging participants to develop the zeal for learning to keep pace with the demand of 21st century teaching and learning, Mrs. Peregrino disclosed that there is a paradigm shift in the teaching techniques, which teachers must be abreast with as they evolve if they must succeed in the teaching profession. 

She reiterated the determination and commitments  of the Lagos State Government  to continually  train and retrain teachers at all levels to meet the ever evolving teaching challenges in the 21st education system.

She said “The Lagos State Government recognize the need to continually train teachers because experts in the educational fields have warned that today’s classroom maybe lacking many of the in-demands 21st century critical thinking teaching skills not covered in traditional curriculum hence teachers needs to be properly and adequately prepared with these critical thinking skills to be able to compete with their global counterparts or even in their various schools and communities”

” today’s training therefore will explore to promote creative critical thinking skills that teachers needs to focus on to be able to sustain the Education and Technology pillar of the THEMES+ agenda of this administration”

She implored participants at the capacity building workshop to continually search for knowledge even beyond the training if they must remain relevant in the scheme of things.

While appreciating the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his strong commitment to transforming education in Lagos State with the empowerment of teachers through various capacity development programs, she noted that such capacity building workshops are expected to up-scale and enhance proper integration of teachers at all levels.

Welcoming participants to the workshop, the Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila Adebopo said the 2 -Day capacity building workshop titled “Assessment And Evaluation: Designing Assessment That Promotes Critical Thinking And Problem Solving For Experienced Level Teachers (GLs 13-14)  is intended to stimulate and equip teachers on how to design assessment that promote critical thinking and problem solving amongst the students in public secondary school.  

She said “The importance of critical thinking and problem solving in the education sector cannot be overemphasize. It helps to navigate complex situations and adapt to changing circumstances in personal and professional lives as well as enable us to make informed choices by assessing and evaluating options and their potential consequences”.

She continued “As instructors, the development and agility of  your critical thinking faculty geared towards inspiring next generation of learners, who by extension, are tomorrow’s leaders and nation builders, will  no doubt influence the world positively. I, therefore urge you to put extra efforts in paying attention to details as well as to cascade lessons learnt for the betterment of our students. This is the only way we can give back to the State Government and the society at large”.

Commission Board members at the workshop, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, Mrs Kafayat Ajenifuja and Mrs Abimbola Adeola Idowu advised the participants not to be left behind in the new critical thinking creative world order if they must excel in the teaching profession noting that there is reward for hard work.

They  urged them to put efforts in paying attention to details and make the best out of the training.

The capacity building workshop held at the Teaching Service Staff Development Center, Owutu, Ikorodu Lagos State is expected to come to a close on Wednesday 19th February 2025 with a communique.