Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 2

Volume 3, Issues 2 July - September 2019 University of Technology, Jamaica T wenty-three year old, UTech, Ja. Knight Tajay Gayle created history for Jamaica on Saturday, September 28, 2019 when he won gold in the long jump at the 2019 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Athletics Championships at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Gayle is the first Jamaicanman to win a field event goldmedal at theWorld Championships. He led from the start after recording a person best of 8.46m with his opening jump. He bettered that distance on his fifth attempt, jumping a magnificent 8.69 m to break the previous twenty-year Jamaican record of 8.62 m held by James Beckford. His jump was the best worldwide in 24 years, which put him at 10th on the all-time list. Speaking to the press following his historic feat, Gayle shared: “Putting the field under pressure that was the aim today, to get it from the first jump. I warmed up like I was going to run a 100m final, and I didn’t let anything get to me, even though I didn’t do what I was expected to do yesterday”(Friday’s first round). Continuing Gayle said “yesterday I was overthinking some stuff but coach told me that there is nothing to think about only the run-up is the main thing; that’s what matters most and everything will come and it flowed perfectly; so I kept focusing on what I am supposed to do,” a joyous Gayle noted. A graduate of Papine High School, Tajay received a scholarship to attend the University of Technology, Jamaica in 2015. He is currently a second year student in the Caribbean School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Science and Sport, pursuing a BSc in Sport Science. He is coached by world-renowned UTech, Jamaica/MVP coach Stephen Francis. Coach Francis has commented that Gayle will be running the 100m next season and said he believes he will be good enough to earn an individual spot for the Olympic Games. University President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie said “the University of Technology, Jamaica joins the rest of Jamaica in congratulating Tajay Gayle on his splendid Gold Medal winning performance. We know that Mr Gayle’s success is the result of hard work and dedication, endless days of commitment, as well as rock solid discipline. We wish Mr Gayle continued excellence in his career --- the UTech, Ja community is delighted! We also take the opportunity to congratulate the MVP coaches and other members of the team for this important day for Jamaican track and field.” Tajay Gayle Mines Gold in Long Jump at World Championships Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica Inaugural Professorial Lecture by Cynthia Onyefulu P rofessor Cynthia Onyefulu, recently appointed Professor of Educational Assessment in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS), University of Technology, Jamaica, delivered her inaugural professorial lecture titled “Assessment Literacy in the Jamaica Educational System: Challenges and Opportunities” to a capacity audience on September 25, 2019.. Against the background of pedagogical and philosophical changes in the Jamaican educational system particularly at the primary level, Professor Onyefulu’s lecture examined the gaps in the preparation of classroom teachers to assess student achievement. Her well-received presentation pointed to challenges and opportunities in improving assessment practices and learning outcomes. Professor Cynthia Onyefulu, Professor of Educational Assessment. Cont’d on page 3