The Third space - The University of Woodford square & Representation

" In effect, Dr. Williams, a man of the people, created a third space for education that birthed the political party that eventually led to the independence of the nation."

The honorable Dr. Eric Williams was a Trinidadian who was trained in England, and then went on to work as a professor at Howard University in the USA. After a short time, Dr. Williams decided to move back to Trinidad and Tobago as an expert in Caribbean studies to develop his country. His journey as an educator in Trinidad began at the University of Woodford Square. What is interesting to those of us who are not familiar with Trinidad is that Woodford square is essentially a park in the middle of Port-of-Spain (the Nations Capital City). It has no building, nor a traditional institution of education.

Photo Cred: Denzel Reid

So, on his return to Trinidad, Dr. Williams started teaching in Woodford square. He would hold lectures there, stating that this is the only University in which he will ever teach. With a population that was ready for change, and ripe for learning about how to become free from their colonial existence, Dr. Williams soon created a regular classroom where he would teach on all manner of Caribbean history, politics, education, and culture. In effect, Dr. Williams, a man of the people, created a third space for education that birthed the political party that eventually led to the independence of the nation.

Lesson 1: The "third space"

A "third space" can be defined as hybridity where two often different, or unseemly related concepts can collide for success. In this case, the "third space" was a learning space (Dr. Williams lectures) that collided with a non-traditional learning space (Woodford Square). Despite the unlikely scenario of a Ph.D. educated professional teaching in a public park in the 1950's, Dr. Williams created a passionate and motivational learning experience that educated the public as to their rights and their value as a member of the society. Interestingly, the "third space" theory in academia is attributed to the work of Homi Bhabha, a postcolonial scholar.

Lesson 2: A man of the people

Although he was trained and lived abroad for many years, Dr. Williams was a man of the people. He made clear his intention to stay and make Trinidad and Tobago free. It was because he was one of them, that people listened. He looked like them, sounded like them, understood their dialect, and even used it in his lectures. He gave examples and experiences that they could relate to, and this kept them coming back. His pedagogy was effective because it was natural and relatable to his learners. It was also effective because it gave them hope.

There is enough empirical evidence to support the value of representation in teaching, and so I will not belabour the point. If we want our curriculum, pedagogy, and student experience to change, we need more people of colour in positions of leadership, teaching, as well as support. Not only should they be in these positions, but they should also have the authority and autonomy to make the changes. They should be given a mandate to make this change for the benefit of the most marginalised.

Dr. Eric Williams went on to become the country's first Chief Minister, and then the first Prime Minister of an independent Trinidad and Tobago developing a pioneering and visionary 15 year plan for educational development in Trinidad and Tobago. He also birthed the vision of the current University of the West Indies, a university that as of 2022 ranks in the top 1.5% of universities in the World.

Summary:

1. Third spaces are not something we should be afraid of. We should allow and encourage them as a part of the natural evolution of education and learning.

2. Representation is crucial in winning over the trust of our students, but also sustaining their motivation and support throughout their learning experiences.

Woodford Square, Port of Spain, 2017. Photo Cred: Ray Cunningham

Caribbean Insight TV. com - August 2018

Watch from 11:50- 15:30...or watch the whole thing if you want to hear some good calypso and understand more of why Dr. Eric Williams is considered the Godfather of the Caribbean.