Testimonials from Past Students of the Programme
Temar's Answers
1) Tell us in what ways can you compare the Generating Genius Summer camp to your school? Tell us about similarities and differences
Well to begin with, the Science programme experience gives us a “hands-on” approach where lab-work, procedures and experiments are concerned. In the school system, experiments conducted, termed “labs”, are rarely given especially to students at my level (10th grade). During the programme we do a lot of lab-work which is definitely at the more advanced level of Sciences. The teaching styles of the teachers are not as advanced as our lecturers at UWI.
So the programme gives us an advanced approach to the whole field of Sciences.
2) How do you best learn, (give examples):
All of the stated means of learning apply to me, but the one that stands out the most would be doing, which refers to practical application. This is so because the application of what I learn (seeing, listening, reading) practically is further re-enforced. And whatever mistakes I make can be quickly identified and corrected as a result of the practice.
3) How do you feel coming each summer to an all boys’ camp?
I really am not bothered by the fact that it is an all boys’ camp, because when I go each year I focus on the academic requirements which are made and not on the “gender issue” so to speak. But I would not mind if the programme found a way to introduce some pretty girls to the programme.
4) Why do you think boys do less well than girls in school?
Girls mature quicker so they will have a better idea of what they want and see the importance of doing so. Boys have somewhat of a clouded view of what really is important in life so they get caught up with all sort of unimportant things which are considered “cool”. As a result of showing interest in these “cool” things their academics will in effect suffer.
5) What aspect of the programme last summer did you enjoy the best, say why?
My favourite aspect of last year’s programme was the focus on Micro-Biology. We conducted various experiments which were not only educational but amazingly exciting. The food quality also improved drastically. We cannot thank the organizers enough for our trip again to Starfish for a weekend of relaxation.
6) What aspect of the programme last summer did you least enjoy, say why
Sadly the Robotics sessions did not prove to be all that exciting. We should have gotten a bit more help from the instructors. But we are still grateful for the experience. The lectures were really boring but that is what it would be like at the university level so it was best if we get used to it.
7) Who do you think is your best role model?
7. My best role model would definitely be my mother. Her ambition has no boundaries. Progression is her middle name. Her vast knowledge of the field of Sciences is the driving force in my pursuit of the Sciences as a career. She wants nothing but the best for me.
8) Is there anything that you have learnt on the programme that you have used in school?
There are numerous things I have learnt which I apply in my schooling. Mostly in the areas of Biology and Chemistry. For example, In the area of biology I can differentiate and expound on the animal and plant cells. In Chemistry, I am experienced in the use of various indicators to differentiate between acids, bases and salts.
9) How would you describe the teaching of science in your school? How can it be improved?
The teaching of the Sciences at my school is excellent but the teachers should try and implement the use of more experiments and labs so that the teaching can be more effective.
10) How has generating genius shaped your future career decisions?
The Generating Genius programme has broadened my whole experience thus enlightening me as to my career choice in the Scientific field. This one of a kind exposure to the various areas of science has increased my appreciation for the Sciences and has broadened my horizon as to which profession to pursue as a career.
Raquelle's Answers
1) Tell us in what ways can you compare the Generating Genius Summer camp to your school? Tell us about similarities and differences
ANS: Firstly my school is also an all boys’ school, so the environment in which I learn on the Generating Genius programme is pretty much the same. Seeing that we, the boys, on the programme are called “geniuses” there is concentration in the labs and it is the perfect working environment. The teaching is different because it is more practical, and also the level and standard of the teaching is higher than at school.
2) How do you best learn, (give examples):
A, Seeing
B, Listening
C Doing
D Reading
ANS: I learn best by listening keenly to what is being said and observing what is being done, but the best way that I learn is by seeing examples of what is being taught or done, for e.g. through the usage of power point presentations like what our Bio-Technology and Robotics instructors did.
3) How do you feel coming each summer to an all boys’ camp?
ANS: At first I hated it because being around the same sex for the entire year through, - because I go to an all boys’ school- and to come to an all boys’ summer camp it wasn't all that pleasing and I wasn’t all that comfortable. However, after going through the same procedure year after year for three years I have gotten used to it and it has helped me to become a more responsible young man.
4) Why do you think boys do less well than girls in school?
ANS: I think girls do better because they do a lot more reading than boys. Males hate to read, I know that because I hated to read. Boys do a lot of fooling around while the girls are reading or studying.
5) What aspect of the programme last summer did you enjoy the best, say why?
ANS: I liked the part of the programme where we got to make our robots in robotics and programmed them to follow the tracks of different light patterns, like, to do work on a construction site. I also liked the part when we got to make the construction sites ourselves.
6) What aspect of the programme last summer did you least enjoy, say why
ANS: The part of the programme that I least enjoyed was the part where we had to make the feasibility study for Bio-Technology. Patrice said at the meeting that she doesn't know how to do a feasibility study, so you can just imagine how hard it must have been for us to do it. We managed to accomplish it after a very long, hard and stressful week of trying to do it. As my mother always say, just another hurdle to get over in order to finish the race.
7) Who do you think is your best role model?
ANS: My best role model in terms of the Generating Genius programme is Kaneal. He has taught me a lot about aspects of life and counselled me when I did something wrong or when I needed it. I remembered when he punished the entire dorm because of an incident that took place. We had to prove to him that we were worthy of getting our privileges back, which taught me a lot about responsibility and accountability. Every night he would call a dorm meeting and we would have to tell him everything that took place. That really meant a lot to us. My overall role model is National Hero Paul Bogle. His strength and bravery has inspired me in life to always stand up and fight for what is right and for what I believe in while working hard to accomplish my goals.
8) Is there anything that you have learnt on the programme that you have used in school?
ANS: Yes. I have used what I learned in Bio-Technology. I used the information on cells, bacteria, etc. in Biology. When we were learning about cells and bacteria in class, I had a jump start on the competition. When we received class work on the subject I was getting the highest grades.
9) How would you describe the teaching of science in your school? How can it be improved?
ANS: In my school science is taught poorly, the worst science subject is Chemistry. We have no text book and chemistry teachers are hard to find. The only resource material we have to study for exams is our notebook as there is no supplementary text or manuals, especially for 3rd form students. The best way to solve the problem is by getting a recommended text so that the students can have a reference book to use when they are studying.
10) How has generating genius shaped your future career decisions?
ANS: At first I was thinking of being a pilot, but I didn't know that my career was decided by the subjects I did in school. Since I liked the science subjects, it has shaped my future career decisions in that now I know definitely that I want to do something that is science based, either a research scientist or a technical engineer.