The National Institute of Arts (NIA) in St. Maarten is launching the "Play & Grow" program, which aims to revolutionize primary education by integrating creative play and theatre into social-emotional learning (SEL) for young students. This initiative, developed by theatre education expert Loes Nauta, commenced in August 2024 and will run until June 2025, training educators to incorporate SEL-focused activities into their classrooms.
Participating teachers from schools such as Sister Borgia Primary and Sister Regina Primary will engage in workshops that utilize interactive theatre-based activities to teach empathy, teamwork, and emotional regulation. The program not only enhances teachers' skills in classroom management but also fosters a supportive professional community.
Meanwhile, Simandhar Education has introduced 'Digital Sripal', an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist students preparing for high-stakes accounting exams like CPA and CMA. This innovative tool, accessible via WhatsApp, provides instant guidance on complex topics, enhancing exam preparation and success rates while ensuring data privacy.
These initiatives reflect a broader trend in education towards experiential learning and the integration of technology, aiming to create more engaging and effective learning environments for students globally.