Education Minister Calls For Stronger Focus On Communication And Collaboration In Schools
Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath has noted that essential soft skills such as communication and collaboration are often lacking among graduates, creating challenges when they enter the workforce.
Speaking at the Ministry’s Mental Mathematics Marathon 2025–2026 Awards Ceremony hosted at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) on Tuesday, he emphasised that, with the support of AI-powered learning tools, students now have more time to develop these critical skills alongside their academic studies.
« We’re using AI-supported learning materials so that they could spend more time interacting with each other. And so, our students, when they go from primary school to secondary school, they don’t go as social isolates. »
As Minister Dowlath highlighted the role of AI-supported learning tools in reshaping the student experience, he noted that these tools free up time for social interaction and teamwork.
« So, what does math have to do with this? What does language have to do with it? It’s the key to open opportunities to go on to the next level with the age-appropriate skill set so that you can take advantage of your secondary school education and then go on to tertiary. »
The Minister emphasised that core subjects such as mathematics and language are not simply academic hurdles but essential keys to unlocking future opportunities and advancing through the education system.
He added, however, that true success in these areas depends on first creating learning environments that are conducive to academic growth.
« It means for us in education that we have to create these safe and secure learning environments so that our students will feel very comfortable and they could pay attention. »
Dr. Dowlath called on the Mathematics Unit of the Ministry’s Curriculum Planning and Development Division to extend the Mental Mathematics Marathon competitions to secondary school students so that they too can develop and strengthen their skills in this area.
« So I want to challenge the curriculum department to move this programme right up into the secondary schools. »
The Education Minister said the Mental Mathematics Marathon competition is just one example of how the Ministry is blending tradition with innovation to inspire students and strengthen the foundation for lifelong learning.
