The Office of Research, Development & Projects (RDP) was conceptualized and initiated by the management of Shortwood Teachers’ College in September, 2008 to achieve one of its medium to long term strategic targets: to engage faculty and students in action-based research to address issues, concerns, problems at the college to support its growth and development, and to extend and communicate this knowledge nationally and internationally, where applicable.

The primary function of the RDP is to:

• To lead the development and implementation of a research and development policy for the college;
• To manage/process the student evaluation of courses including analyzing and reporting on results;
• To liaise with QA Director and HoDs in order to develop the college’s research agenda
• To ensure that staff development activities in support of research and development are accessed by staff;
• To manage the research and development budget under the instruction of the principal;
• Seek funding for approved research and development projects;
• To identify specific college development needs (staff, students, plant, systems, etc.) and develop agenda plans for their accomplishment;
• To oversee the management of funded projects ;
• Too engage, support, and train faculty and departments in action-based research; and
• Identify and develop strategic plans for emerging college development needs.

The Office of Research, Development, and Projects is committed to providing the college community with the training, resources, and motivation required to conduct action based research for personal, professional, institutional, and national development.

George R. Dawkins, Ph.D.

George R. Dawkins is a Principal Lecturer and Director of Research, Development & Projects at Shortwood Teachers’ College and Adjunct Professor for Northern Caribbean University, University of South Florida, and Florida International University. He has a Ph.D. degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a cognate in quantitative research methods.

He has authored articles, reports, students’ guidebooks in mathematics, research and technology, and has developed mathematics curricula for various educational agencies including the Ministry of education and Youth, Jamaica; the Consortium of Institutions of Teacher Education as well as engaging in private consultancy in developing instructional books in pedagogy, technology applications in education, Research Methods, Quantitative data analysis and mathematics.

Workshop presentations

• Action Research Presentation
• Teaching Practice Seminar-October 30.10.08
• Research Policy