Science teachers as innovators using indigenous resources

This paper explores the use of Caribbean indigenous resources in the teaching of science. It describes a piece of action research aimed at (i) sensitizing teachers to the possible uses of Caribbean indigenous resources in the teaching of science and (ii) developing a preliminary model for the incorporation of indigenous resources in science curricula. The research project was conducted with two small groups of science teachers in Trinidad and Tobago‐‐one a group of science teachers and the other a group of teacher‐trainees. These teachers were exposed to a prototype in the form of a slide‐‐tape presentation. The teachers’ assessment of the instructional possibliities of the prototype, and reflections on subsequent efforts to incorporate indigeonus resources in their teaching, indicate that this innovation is a viable one with potential benefits for students but that support systems need to be put in place, especially for inexperienced teachers. A preliminary model for this enterprise is suggested.