Overview
This presentation introduces a transformative faculty development approach that challenges conventional notions of teaching excellence through the lens of Caribbean Emancipatory Pedagogy (CEP). Drawing from the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETLs), this session demonstrates how deconstructing and valuing more inclusive faculty development practices at The UWI have enhanced pedagogical innovations.
The presentation unfolds through three interconnected segments. Dr. Chisholm commences the session by introducing Caribbean Emancipatory Pedagogy—a framework that prioritises indigenous knowledge systems, critical consciousness, and liberation-centred teaching and learning, rooted in the Caribbean’s unique historical experience. Dr. Hill then examines how the CETL deconstructs traditional definitions of “excellence” to implement diversified faculty development pathways that respond to varied needs and cultural contexts. Dr. Zephyrine then explores the strategic integration of digital technologies within this inclusive framework, showing how these can amplify culturally responsive pedagogical approaches.
Grounded in a One-UWI Caribbean melting pot approach, this presentation demonstrates how Caribbean higher education institutions can foster teaching excellence that transcends boundaries while honouring local knowledge traditions with international cross-cultural appeal
Speakers
Dr Mervin E. Chisholm
Manager/Coordinator Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
Bio
Dr Mervin E. Chisholm is the Manager/Coordinator of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. He also teaches adult and higher education in the School of Education, The UWI, Mona Campus. His research interests include curriculum studies, teaching and learning in adult and higher education, postmodern, transformative and critical approaches to education.
Dr Leroy Hill
Director Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
The University of the West Indies,
St Augustine Campus, Trinidad & Tobago
Bio
Dr. LeRoy Hill serves as Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. With over 28 years in education, he has distinguished himself through visionary leadership, academic innovation, and expertise in workshop facilitation and pedagogical advancement.
Dr. Hill’s career trajectory includes transformative leadership roles at several institutions. At Anguilla Community College, he served sequentially as Director of Humanities & Education, Dean of Studies, and Acting President, where he elevated academic programming and cultivated institutional excellence. In 2017, he assumed the role of Dean at the School of Distance Education at the University of Southern Caribbean, where he strategically expanded the university’s remote learning initiatives. Since September 2021, Dr. Hill has helmed CETL at UWI, St. Augustine, driving pedagogical innovation across the institution.
Dr. Hill holds a Ph.D. in Education with specialisation in eLearning from the University of Nottingham, complemented by an MA in Instructional Technology (Curriculum and Instruction) from Virginia Tech University and a BSc in Social Studies Education from Andrews University. His credentials further include a Post-Graduate Teaching Certificate from The UWI Joint Board of Education (Cave Hill) and a Certificate in University & College Administration from the University of Manitoba. His exemplary leadership in higher education has earned him the prestigious designation of ‘Principal Fellow’ within the internationally acclaimed Higher Education Academy – Advance HE Professional Framework.
Beyond administrative leadership, Dr. Hill maintains an active teaching portfolio, specialising in Learning Designs and Educational Leadership in online environments. As host of the podcast “Let’s Talk eLearning,” he disseminates strategic insights on digital education across major platforms. His involvement with the EDUCAUSE Horizon Report positions him at the forefront of educational innovation, particularly regarding artificial intelligence applications in education.
Dr. Hill maintains membership in the Association of Educational Communications & Technology (AECT) and serves as a journal reviewer for prestigious publications, including The International Review of Research in Open & Distance Learning and The Journal of Adventist Education. He is the Executive Editor of The Caribbean Teaching Scholar Journal.
His online teaching portfolio over the years spans multiple universities, focusing on Learning Design, Educational Technology, Assessment in Higher Education, Reflective Teaching for Higher Education, and Educational Leadership. As a workshop facilitator, he has orchestrated numerous professional development sessions on cutting-edge topics including Assessments for Student Success, AI and Academic Writing, Effective Course Design with AI, Social Media in Academic Practice, and H5P for Educators. His workshops are distinguished by their actionable insights and interactive methodology.
As a scholar, Dr. Hill has contributed to book chapters, refereed journal articles, and policy reports focused on instructional design, educational technology integration, and emergency teaching frameworks. His commitment to excellence has been recognised through accolades, including the Presidential Award from the University of Southern Caribbean and first place in the Research Poster competition at the University of Nottingham. He remains dedicated to advancing innovative pedagogy and fostering lifelong learning communities. He and his wife Felicia Hill, are proud parents of 3 young adults – Odarie, Leeicia and Orlando.
Dr Justin Zephyrine
Director Designate Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
Bio
Dr. Justin Zephyrine is the Faculty Development Specialist at the University of the West Indies’ (UWI’s) Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), St. Augustine Campus, and is the Director Designate of the UWI’s CETL in Cave Hill, Barbados. A graduate of the UWI, the Johns Hopkins University (USA), and the Harvard Business School (USA), Dr Zephyrine is the former eLearning Support Specialist at the CETL, St. Augustine.
He has established the Centre’s online and social media platforms, and continues to support and train faculty in curriculum and online course site design, technology integration, student engagement, alternative assessments, and online, blended, and remote teaching and learning.
He also chairs the UWI’s Online Faculty Development Committee. His research interests also include game-based learning, brain science (neuro-education), educational technology, instructional design, educational and media psychology, and creative technology integration.
He continues to research and train educators in all school levels, both locally and regionally in curriculum and instructional design, student engagement and educational technologies.
Internationally, Dr. Zephyrine has provided training for other entities such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Organization (EUIPO).
He currently serves in the Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators’ (ACHEA) executive committee as the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter Chair.