Our education isnt helping our progress at all because of the mindset
Our education isnt helping our progress at all because of the mindset
insight to the bone 10 years ago
Look at the face of this so called minister of trade and you see this is a brainless idiot the kind the Europeans like . Did he ever consider how long it takes a country to become member of the EU , some countries took over 2 ... read full comment
Look at the face of this so called minister of trade and you see this is a brainless idiot the kind the Europeans like . Did he ever consider how long it takes a country to become member of the EU , some countries took over 2 decades yet pepeni and his bunch of idiots think they can achieve what now ? Does he realize that Turkey though been negotiating for over 2 decades still can not pass and become a member of the EU. You are talking here of a Europe with a population of over half a billion highly educated extremely devious opportunistic cold hearted exploiters . Since vasco da gama we seem to have forgotten our experiences and especially the bond of 1844 not to mention the underlying fact every time was that our people we not ready for such agreements and the same is today . in all our poverty the one thing we still have is our people and our own market. look at what trade has done to our poultry farms and their dumping prices in recent times . this trade will most definitely lead to starvation especially those in the north make my words. this attitude of chop today and forget tomorrow govt is a vicious circle that will destroy the future of our children . see how they have freely dumped their electronic waste and toxic radiation in certain parts of the country so people everywhere are dying of cancer . even the Chinese had the good sense to negotiate that anything they wanted to sell in china had to be produced in china with at least a 50% local content but our idiots are rushing because they have been bribed into compliance with a pittance . publish what they want to have signed and we will prove all the negativeness and the consequences . such an agreement should not be signed without a referendum , no way .
John,Tema 10 years ago
Don't you get tired fooling?Why do you waste your time fooling on Ghanaweb?
Don't you get tired fooling?Why do you waste your time fooling on Ghanaweb?
Kojo T 10 years ago
He is the epitome of the chew, pour pass system. he cannot THINK
He is the epitome of the chew, pour pass system. he cannot THINK
STOP AND THINK 10 years ago
YES, PROF YOU ARE RIGHT, WE IN GHANA ARE NOT IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE BUT RATHER WASTING OUR YOUTHS PRECIOUS ENERGY TO STUDY ONLY EXAMS QUESTIONS, WHICH ADD NOTHING TO KNOWLEDGE. IF THIS WILL BE POSSIBLE, THERE IS A NEED FOR ALL T ... read full comment
YES, PROF YOU ARE RIGHT, WE IN GHANA ARE NOT IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE BUT RATHER WASTING OUR YOUTHS PRECIOUS ENERGY TO STUDY ONLY EXAMS QUESTIONS, WHICH ADD NOTHING TO KNOWLEDGE. IF THIS WILL BE POSSIBLE, THERE IS A NEED FOR ALL TO ACCEPT SOMETHING IS WRONG, AND A SINCERE PREMIUM PLACED ON EDUCATION, OVERHAUL IT FROM BASIC TO TERTIARY TO MAKE IT MORE OF KNOWLEDGE BASED THEN EXAMINATION BASED. TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO CHECKED, TEACHERS MOTIVATED WITH STAFF BUNGALOWS, AND OTHER MEANS NOT MONEY, AND SEE OUR COUNTRY RISE AS A NEW TECHNOLOGICAL AGED COUNTRY.
STOP AND THINK 10 years ago
HEADMASTERS REFUSE TO ALLOW STUDENTS EVEN A TERM OR TWO WHEN THEY ENTER SHS TO TEST THEIR STRENGTH IN THE SUBJECTS THEY ARE PLACED IN, AND IF NOT OK WITH THEM MAKE CHANGES, NO, IT IS NOT ALLOWED. THEY THINK THE TIME IS TOO SH ... read full comment
HEADMASTERS REFUSE TO ALLOW STUDENTS EVEN A TERM OR TWO WHEN THEY ENTER SHS TO TEST THEIR STRENGTH IN THE SUBJECTS THEY ARE PLACED IN, AND IF NOT OK WITH THEM MAKE CHANGES, NO, IT IS NOT ALLOWED. THEY THINK THE TIME IS TOO SHORT FOR THIS. THEY HAVE TO START CHEWING THE ANSWERS, AND POUR THEM DURING EXAMS.
Gye Nyame 10 years ago
Most US universities use a combination of the SAT and a student's GPA for admissions. Our problem is we don't do a continuous assessment of children which starts in the 3rd grade in the US to assess the curriculum, teacher tr ... read full comment
Most US universities use a combination of the SAT and a student's GPA for admissions. Our problem is we don't do a continuous assessment of children which starts in the 3rd grade in the US to assess the curriculum, teacher training and the children’s strength and adjust accordingly. By the way Wesleyan University is not an Ivy League school albeit an excellent university. There is nothing wrong with examinations/tests per se – the problem is our style of teaching where students don’t participate, they just take notes and also sticking with a lousy curriculum.
Yaa Nkosuo 10 years ago
I've compared both systems are will still root for our system of education. Even the whites are educating their children in Ghana.
I flew out of Gh last October with a group of predominantly white/Latino- looking students fr ... read full comment
I've compared both systems are will still root for our system of education. Even the whites are educating their children in Ghana.
I flew out of Gh last October with a group of predominantly white/Latino- looking students from Lincoln Community school which is the US embassy run school in Gh
They all can't be diplomats' kids?
Go on the Ghana International school website and see for yourself.
Back to the issue that Prof hss raised, non-exam style of asssessment. It doesn't "push" the children, no motivation at all.
Remember in the West, children have lots of avenues to channel their energies. Parents develop their children based on what they love or what the child develops an interest in which could be sports, creative arts, you name
. In the Third World even Sport's facilities are lacking in our communities; what else apart from developing Academically will motivate the child?
Stop the "cut and paste" mentality and come up with creative ideas if that is what you are advocating for.
Yaa Nkosuo 10 years ago
In the West too, the lack of that form of assessment also creates laxity.
Why do you think they want childen from other cultures to mix in the classrooms with their children?
Because it spurs their kids on.
End of year/t ... read full comment
In the West too, the lack of that form of assessment also creates laxity.
Why do you think they want childen from other cultures to mix in the classrooms with their children?
Because it spurs their kids on.
End of year/term assessment motivates the child.
I worked with a young Burmese doctor about 2 months ago (when the Ukraine impasse started to be precise) and I was amazed at the wealth of knowledge that he had in Geography and History of that region. It was just beautiful.
Ask anybody else and they would ask which part of Africa is Ghana?
Stop advocating laziness, for students and their teachers, Prof!!!
Yaa Nkosuo 10 years ago
Mind you, this doctor had only been newly qualifed and be not more than 30 years old
Mind you, this doctor had only been newly qualifed and be not more than 30 years old
Claymore 10 years ago
Yaa Nkosuo, what you've said about the Burmese person actually confirms the Prof's thesis that the current system of testing through exams only produces rote learners who can't think. You have no evidence that test taking pro ... read full comment
Yaa Nkosuo, what you've said about the Burmese person actually confirms the Prof's thesis that the current system of testing through exams only produces rote learners who can't think. You have no evidence that test taking produced the Burmese man's intellect. I am generally better informed of most things than my peers because of my extensive reading, not because I've sat more exams. If you had thought through your comment, you'd have realized that the current system is the one that encourages laziness (cramming is a hell of a lot easier than actual apprehension of concepts)
YOUR IDEAS? 10 years ago
SO WHAT YOUR CREATIVE IDEAS, NKOSUO?
HE GAVE HIS.
WHERE ARE YOURS?
SO WHAT YOUR CREATIVE IDEAS, NKOSUO?
HE GAVE HIS.
WHERE ARE YOURS?
GHFUO, be serious & change ur MENtali 10 years ago
.....IS LOST LABOUR!
WHY DONT U GRADE THEM BASED ON THE SERIES OF ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE ENTIRE TERM. THIS INCLUDES IN CLASS QUIZES, PARTICIPATION, MIDTERM ESSAYS, FINAL TERM EXAMS, TERM PAPERS ETC...
YOU CANT BASE A STUDENTS ... read full comment
.....IS LOST LABOUR!
WHY DONT U GRADE THEM BASED ON THE SERIES OF ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE ENTIRE TERM. THIS INCLUDES IN CLASS QUIZES, PARTICIPATION, MIDTERM ESSAYS, FINAL TERM EXAMS, TERM PAPERS ETC...
YOU CANT BASE A STUDENTS KNOWLEDGE OF THE COURSE MATERIAL ON JUST 1 FINAL EXAM.
Jasmin 10 years ago
We need a bespoke Ghanaian educative system that takes into consideration our social, cultural and economic needs. Applying western paradigm in a Ghanaian context hook line and sinker is not going to do the trick. Our educati ... read full comment
We need a bespoke Ghanaian educative system that takes into consideration our social, cultural and economic needs. Applying western paradigm in a Ghanaian context hook line and sinker is not going to do the trick. Our education gremlins can be tackled by brainstorming. Like the saying goes," great oaks from little acorns grow"
Glo 10 years ago
Did you read the article? Your comments have nothing to do with it.
Did you read the article? Your comments have nothing to do with it.
insight to the bone 10 years ago
exactly, why bother when we all know the illiterate jj fucked up the school system
exactly, why bother when we all know the illiterate jj fucked up the school system
INSIGHT WITHOUT BRAINS 10 years ago
"Did he ever consider how long it takes a country to become member of the EU , some countries took over 2 decades yet pepeni and his bunch of idiots think they can achieve what now ? Does he realize that Turkey though been ne ... read full comment
"Did he ever consider how long it takes a country to become member of the EU , some countries took over 2 decades yet pepeni and his bunch of idiots think they can achieve what now ? Does he realize that Turkey though been negotiating for over 2 decades still can not pass and become a member of the EU".
DOG SHIT, AREN'T YOU THE ONE HOUNDING MAHAMA EVERYDAY TO TURN YOUR VILLAGE INTO HEAVEN?
DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG MAHAMA HAS BEEN PRESIDENT?
15 MONTHS!
YES, ONE-AND-A-QUARTER YEARS, YOU DEMENTED DOG.
TALK ABOUT NO INTEGRITY!
Uncle T 10 years ago
I agree with you 100% Prof! the first step in the direction of your thinking is to train teachers to be able to mentor and guide independent and creative thinking. Many of them have been brought up in the "chew, pour, pass an ... read full comment
I agree with you 100% Prof! the first step in the direction of your thinking is to train teachers to be able to mentor and guide independent and creative thinking. Many of them have been brought up in the "chew, pour, pass and forget" tradition and might hardly appreciate your revolutionary thinking.
John,Tema 10 years ago
Ghana is doomed forever it is even very difficult to tell who is intelligent and who is not.In advanced countries like USA,Germany,Japan,Russia etc intelligent pupils can be picked in kindergarten and then groomed to be scien ... read full comment
Ghana is doomed forever it is even very difficult to tell who is intelligent and who is not.In advanced countries like USA,Germany,Japan,Russia etc intelligent pupils can be picked in kindergarten and then groomed to be scientists.Over here you can pass based on where you come from and the school you attend,your social contacts can even determine who you would become in future.
Kojo T 10 years ago
In Ghana , we destroy the thinkers. Children are to be seen. not heard. If you start asking questions , you get beaten. But how many schools teach from a practica point of view . We need to concentrate on a discovery approach
In Ghana , we destroy the thinkers. Children are to be seen. not heard. If you start asking questions , you get beaten. But how many schools teach from a practica point of view . We need to concentrate on a discovery approach
Uncle T 10 years ago
Excellent! Kojo. No wonder you have a "T" added to your name. We are breaks. Some want "John" to be added to their names.
Excellent! Kojo. No wonder you have a "T" added to your name. We are breaks. Some want "John" to be added to their names.
STOP AND THINK 10 years ago
WISH ALL THE GOOD IDEAS HERE ARE PUT INTO USE, WHO WILL DO THIS FOR US?
WISH ALL THE GOOD IDEAS HERE ARE PUT INTO USE, WHO WILL DO THIS FOR US?
Uncle T 10 years ago
You are talking like a typical Ghanaian: hollow and all-knowing? Do you know the educational system and curricula of the countries you are just rattling? Equal opportunities are given to all children in a conducive learning e ... read full comment
You are talking like a typical Ghanaian: hollow and all-knowing? Do you know the educational system and curricula of the countries you are just rattling? Equal opportunities are given to all children in a conducive learning environment. Talent, Potential, gifts are nurtured into powerful knowledge and skills. No one can tell the profile of a learner until he/she passes through the "system". They do not learn under trees, taught by half-educated, poorly paid and demotivated teachers. Now, that is the difference.
John,Tema 10 years ago
You don't know what you are talking about?I have met 13,14 & 15 year olds in Russian High Schools who have qualified to various Universities to study science.That is why they are always playing on the moon.
You don't know what you are talking about?I have met 13,14 & 15 year olds in Russian High Schools who have qualified to various Universities to study science.That is why they are always playing on the moon.
Y. BILAL 10 years ago
for a very long time now i have been praying for someone prominent to see this flaws. thank you Prof. for highlighting this. I think we should rather be focusing on research based education than exams.
for a very long time now i have been praying for someone prominent to see this flaws. thank you Prof. for highlighting this. I think we should rather be focusing on research based education than exams.
Obiba Kwame 10 years ago
Wesleyan University is not an Ivy League School, but I agree with the Professor that there are more innovative ways of assessing students than the approach we take in Ghana.
I am always troubled by the fact that at the age ... read full comment
Wesleyan University is not an Ivy League School, but I agree with the Professor that there are more innovative ways of assessing students than the approach we take in Ghana.
I am always troubled by the fact that at the age students take their exams after their primary school education, most of the students are not matured enough for one to determine with any precision those who have innate intelligence and will latter blossom and benefit from higher education from those who have merely had the privillege of better tutoring. And yet the results of this one exam taken at that early age is used to determine who will go to which Senior Secondary School, and essentially determine the academic fate of the individual student for the rest of his or her life.
MAJEED DRAMANI MAHAMA 10 years ago
I strongly agree with prof it time to change the system.
I strongly agree with prof it time to change the system.
Ghanaba 10 years ago
Most of our lecturers in our Universities in Ghana were trained in UK where they do jobs while doing PhD. I will not understand this Prof. You are talking about research by undergraduates. Your colleague lecturers do not have ... read full comment
Most of our lecturers in our Universities in Ghana were trained in UK where they do jobs while doing PhD. I will not understand this Prof. You are talking about research by undergraduates. Your colleague lecturers do not have any research programmes for themselves, their graduate students and to think of undergraduate students. They will talk about funding but now there is a lot of funding from students paying fees. They still call Government to pay Book allowance. We only complain about the politician in Ghana. Prof. the truth is if we put less emphasize on exams some lecturers will have nothing to scare students and take advantage of the vulnerable once
Ken 10 years ago
The Prof couldn't have said it better about our exam centered school. I remember my government lecturer motto was " Chew, Paw, Pass and forget". This is a very prominent teacher in one of the best secondary schools in Ghana. ... read full comment
The Prof couldn't have said it better about our exam centered school. I remember my government lecturer motto was " Chew, Paw, Pass and forget". This is a very prominent teacher in one of the best secondary schools in Ghana. Another area we should explore is our written or theory format exam. It also encourages cheating and memorized way of studying. Love or hate it, I think the US system is the best where about 90% of exams are in practical multiple choice. With such multiple choice exams, you memorized the subject at your own perils. Trying to ask your friend an answer to a particular is calling looking for a failing grade because your question two may be question 20 for me.
mojingles 10 years ago
All those praising Mr. Baah are like him, a bunch of jackasses...there is no educational system in the world where examinations come in second...In China, Korea and Japan, students study like crazy to get into universities... ... read full comment
All those praising Mr. Baah are like him, a bunch of jackasses...there is no educational system in the world where examinations come in second...In China, Korea and Japan, students study like crazy to get into universities...the exams are so competitive parents spend their entire savings prepping their children for them....
Exams are the priority and God forbid if you fail an exam, your chances of going ahead are doomed.....don't let the professor fool you...exams in the United States are taken very seriously and students study mighty hard for them.....to go to the professional schools, like Law, medicine, business, engineering and architecture, you have to take entrance exams..
We have all taught at universities in the U.S. and are witnesses to the importance attached to exams....of course, there must a practical angle to all courses, but examinations will forever remain the measuring stick....professor don't mislead Ghanaians.....
Yaa Nkosuo 10 years ago
Read my comment too. You are the only sensible person in this forum. The examples you give are just what I cited.
Our Africans are always criticising their own system forgetting that is what they were instructed and nurtured ... read full comment
Read my comment too. You are the only sensible person in this forum. The examples you give are just what I cited.
Our Africans are always criticising their own system forgetting that is what they were instructed and nurtured in.
What the Prof should be advocating for is an improved system where other creative Arts could be developed so that children who are not academically endowed could channel their interests in.
So-called Professor who cannot project nation-building ideas but projects laxity and laziness!!!
Nyansasem 10 years ago
Use your brain well to analyze what he said and stop thinking with your fingers as soon as you read captions from some useless Ghanaian journalists.
It seems most of you did not take your time to analyze what the Prof is s ... read full comment
Use your brain well to analyze what he said and stop thinking with your fingers as soon as you read captions from some useless Ghanaian journalists.
It seems most of you did not take your time to analyze what the Prof is saying. His main concern was how young people are being sidelined or marginalized without getting the chance to prove themselves because of the standardized tests in our educational system or because of some professors who use ONLY tests to grade their students.
You mojingles as a tutor in the States- Tweaaaaaa.
monsieur kunkpewuo 10 years ago
Heeiii prof, very nice piece n a good damage control.keep it up
Heeiii prof, very nice piece n a good damage control.keep it up
Tom 10 years ago
Prof, you are wrong. Wesleyan is not an Ivy League institution!!!!
Prof, you are wrong. Wesleyan is not an Ivy League institution!!!!
MAHAMA LOOT ND SHARE 10 years ago
MAHAMA NDC KWASEAFUO HATE THE TRUTH,EVILS,IDIOTS,
MAHAMA NDC KWASEAFUO HATE THE TRUTH,EVILS,IDIOTS,
Revjay393@yahoo.co.uk 10 years ago
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... read full comment
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Abeeku Mensah 10 years ago
Prof Baah is missing the irony or dilemma of Ghana education; it’s not about testing but about structure period. Every education system in the world, from the USA to Russia is about testing and there is no disputing that fa ... read full comment
Prof Baah is missing the irony or dilemma of Ghana education; it’s not about testing but about structure period. Every education system in the world, from the USA to Russia is about testing and there is no disputing that fact. What is different about all of the world’s education systems is structure. For example the Ghanaian system is structured in such a way as to prepare student from elementary through secondary for university studies. In the USA and in most European systems, at the middle and secondary school levels, students do have choices in academic path; they may choose the technical route which allows students to combine theories with practical applications at technical school (to produce technical field graduates) which are just as important and equal to those who choose the university route.
In Ghana once a student flunks out of the mainstream education curriculum they are out for good. Our technical schools are not what they cracked up to be and it shows in our funding and how its instructors and students are held or viewed on our social ladder. We have allowed the ”chew-pour-pass-and-forget” metal exercise to supersede any meaningful measurement thereby allowing people to take and graduate in meaningless subjects like English and others fields of study with their undeserved social recognition; they are held higher on the social ladder than technicians who bring us plumbing systems, carpentry systems, bricklaying, electrical and mortar work etc. Yet human history is replete with development, standard of living etc brought on by those "blue-collar" workforce without whose handcraft we could not complete major human developments.
Do we not pay English professors more than we pay our certified plumbers, electricians etc? We have chosen to accept those good at memorizing and getting passing grades who go on to gain PhD and holders of other post-graduate degrees in Ghana to become the only measure of success or intellect while we show disdain for those capable of coordinating intellect with craftsmanship in our society. In the end what we have seen governments made up of mostly classroom educated and credentialed elite incapable of either the application of their mastery of theories learned/memorized or at creativity but very adept with stealing and mismanagement that has seen Ghana stay at the developing nation status since its independence.
Yaa Nkosuo 10 years ago
Widening the scope for educating the youth is also essential in maximizing their potential. In the UK the school system operates that system as you state obtains in the US but probably not as progressively or radically as tha ... read full comment
Widening the scope for educating the youth is also essential in maximizing their potential. In the UK the school system operates that system as you state obtains in the US but probably not as progressively or radically as that. However at the FE (Further Education) stage ie post-16 years education there is scope for expansion
Our system is one-sided which the JSS system was meant to address but failed even at the implementation stage.
However, that short-coming is addressed through "Apprenticeships" offered the traditional way instead of through the formal education system.
So All is not Lost
FATI 10 years ago
THE WORLD HAS MOVED ON; GET IT?
THE WORLD HAS MOVED ON; GET IT?
P. Badu, New Zealand 10 years ago
You can just even comprehend the simple message the professor was communicating.
Have you ever heard, read or seen any country developed by illiterates?
You can just even comprehend the simple message the professor was communicating.
Have you ever heard, read or seen any country developed by illiterates?
Richard 10 years ago
Well said Dr, Baah. I have always been saying this. Exams most time base on luck. I do not see why the Universities base too much emphasis on English language for a student who is going to take Engineering or technical major ... read full comment
Well said Dr, Baah. I have always been saying this. Exams most time base on luck. I do not see why the Universities base too much emphasis on English language for a student who is going to take Engineering or technical majors. Most students who are really good at Maths don't like English. Realistically, there is not unrelated subject that are factored into one's major. Example if you like to be an engineer the most courses that matters are the technical subjects not English, etc. There have been a whole lot of GOOD technical students who have been root out because of English. In America there is no dumb student everyone gets chance to go to college. There are some students who surge as they mature. "Bill Gates" was Harvard Electrical Engineering Student drop out" now see what he did for the whole world in terms of technology. Ghana is still following the British system, but if that were to be the best Britain would be leading in the world technology. “Too Much Booklon”. Chew pour and forget. You can lay emphasis on English if the student is going to take Law, but not a student who is going to take Engineering.
Well said Dr. Baah thumbs up for you.
KWAA 10 years ago
We have an Education system which antique compared to the Education system in Korea or the emerging economies.
We go to school only to write exam,so when one fails to pass the exams,then that is the end,
Prof,you are right ... read full comment
We have an Education system which antique compared to the Education system in Korea or the emerging economies.
We go to school only to write exam,so when one fails to pass the exams,then that is the end,
Prof,you are right we need to change.
That is if the political will is there.
Because of corruption,no Gpvernment is prepared to change anything in Ghana.
P. Badu, New Zealand 10 years ago
Hello Prof,
You just stated a clear fact in Ghana.
Ghana does not have its own philosophy of Education and in any sector of our economy. Govt just copy and paste other countries programs and projects and dump them in Gh ... read full comment
Hello Prof,
You just stated a clear fact in Ghana.
Ghana does not have its own philosophy of Education and in any sector of our economy. Govt just copy and paste other countries programs and projects and dump them in Ghana's development. Hence, what we are witnessing throughout the ladder of education.
How could a country be embarking on education without libraries in schools and public domain! Only in Ghana
Mark Asante 10 years ago
Yes,indeed Ghana needs a paradigm shift in its educational system with chew, pour and forget. It is not helping the Nation in anyway.
Yes,indeed Ghana needs a paradigm shift in its educational system with chew, pour and forget. It is not helping the Nation in anyway.
Akadu Mensema 10 years ago
Where in the world?
Where in the world?
GOLD COAST 10 years ago
What is ACCESSMENT? Do you mean ASSESSMENTS or ACCESSIONS?
PEACE
What is ACCESSMENT? Do you mean ASSESSMENTS or ACCESSIONS?
PEACE
Akoo London 10 years ago
Prof excuse me to say you are missing the point. Which country in the world are not placing premium on examinations? Do you know that United Kingdom is now vigorously proposing 100% examination oriented courses at the final ... read full comment
Prof excuse me to say you are missing the point. Which country in the world are not placing premium on examinations? Do you know that United Kingdom is now vigorously proposing 100% examination oriented courses at the final year> Have you heard that very soon they would revert to the GCE ) level equivalence?
Lets look at the educational system in Ghana and our culture. There has not been tryst even in the examination system how much more when it becomes coursework based and portfolio building. Teachers, parents and contractors would complete these folders for the students for a fee. At your own doorstep at UST where research in first degree and second degrees are completed by contractors.
Please could you reassess your own systems and do not create popularity with your suggestions when you know full well that world wide examination will continue to be the benchmark and distinct tool to determine a strata meritocratic system will continue to thrive in communities like |Ghana. Bring the debate well and you will be supported but not this time.
The writer is a researcher in educational Inequalities... Comparative studies in education. www.mapbeducational.com
peace 10 years ago
My brother, what your saying is some how true but there is no way you can get students at the pre-university level to be serious unless there is an exam.
My brother, what your saying is some how true but there is no way you can get students at the pre-university level to be serious unless there is an exam.
Akamai 10 years ago
I was top of class during predatory school, lost concentration in high school and did not get A's in 6th firm to make Ghana UNI...but lucky to get into a California state university, MBA FROM another college in California , a ... read full comment
I was top of class during predatory school, lost concentration in high school and did not get A's in 6th firm to make Ghana UNI...but lucky to get into a California state university, MBA FROM another college in California , and a masters in software engineering for PENN STATE. If I was in Ghana don't know what I will be doing...
Akadu Mensema 10 years ago
It is as good as you got!
It is as good as you got!
GHFUO, be serious & change ur MENtali 10 years ago
U BENEFITED FROM AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. ANYWHERE ELSE AND YOU WILL PROLLY NOT MAKE THE GRADE.
U BENEFITED FROM AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. ANYWHERE ELSE AND YOU WILL PROLLY NOT MAKE THE GRADE.
Jojo 10 years ago
EGYA OPAYIN PROFESSOR-WE CAN CHANGE TO ANY SYSTEM BUT THE QUESTRION IS,HAS THE KNOWLDGE OF EDUCATION WHICH MANY OF YOU HAVE ACHIEVED IN THE ENGINEERING AND NATURAL SCIENCE MADE 'DENT''TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENNT OF GHANA.
... read full comment
EGYA OPAYIN PROFESSOR-WE CAN CHANGE TO ANY SYSTEM BUT THE QUESTRION IS,HAS THE KNOWLDGE OF EDUCATION WHICH MANY OF YOU HAVE ACHIEVED IN THE ENGINEERING AND NATURAL SCIENCE MADE 'DENT''TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENNT OF GHANA.
THE SO CALLED EDUCATED HAVE STILL FAILED TO USE TECHNOLOGY AS A DRIVE TO INNOVATION, INVENTION,DISCOVERY AND CREATIVITY TO STIMULATE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIC GROWTH, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUINITIES,INCOME AND BETTER STANDARDS OF LIVING.
ARE US GRADUATES NOT USING THEIR ACQUIRED TITLES TO INNOVATE.
PLEASE, LET THE SO CALLED NOISY EDUCATED BE TOLD THAT; THEY HAVE UNDERDEVELOPED THE NATION.
lET US FIRST KNOW WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE GOING..
GhanaBA 10 years ago
the prof has said it all, no further comment!
the prof has said it all, no further comment!
princewilly@ymail.com 10 years ago
A lecturer teaching medicine was giving a class room observation. He took out a jar of yellow liquid. "This," he explained, "is urine. To be a doctor, you have to be observant of color, smell, sight, and taste."
After sayi ... read full comment
A lecturer teaching medicine was giving a class room observation. He took out a jar of yellow liquid. "This," he explained, "is urine. To be a doctor, you have to be observant of color, smell, sight, and taste."
After saying so, he dipped his finger into the jar and put it into his mouth. His class watched in amazement, most in disgust. But being the good students that they were, the jar was passed, and one by one, they dipped their finger into the jar and put it into their mouths.
After the last student was done, the lecturer shook his head. "If any of you had been observant, you would have noticed that I put my second finger into the jar and my third finger into my mouth."
Abbas, london 10 years ago
indeed u are a professor
indeed u are a professor
Spiky 10 years ago
The problem is not exam; if it is exam at all it is only at the technical level. The fundamental problem is the content of education. Are we producing the manpower the economy needs? Are we producing the kind of citizens requ ... read full comment
The problem is not exam; if it is exam at all it is only at the technical level. The fundamental problem is the content of education. Are we producing the manpower the economy needs? Are we producing the kind of citizens required to meet the aspirations of the country? (I shudder to think if we have any aspirations at all, as a sovereign(?) nation, given our romanticism with Western values and anything "West"!). Is the educational system being stretched enough even to educate and re-educate the working force and the entire population for progress? You are the best judge and jury.
francis 10 years ago
there's something wrong with our education simple and period. no wonder people with masters and Phd degrees still think there's something called witch that eats human flesh.
there's something wrong with our education simple and period. no wonder people with masters and Phd degrees still think there's something called witch that eats human flesh.
K E D 10 years ago
Francis, it is not the educated only but our non-educated people and all still do think witchcraft exist. They even think dead people are still ruling this earth. Go figure. When a drunk driver crashes and kill his passengers ... read full comment
Francis, it is not the educated only but our non-educated people and all still do think witchcraft exist. They even think dead people are still ruling this earth. Go figure. When a drunk driver crashes and kill his passengers, they blame it on the innocent older lady, who has nothing to do with the idiots driving skills. Yet we have all these so called educated people believing them, and the bible readers supporting the accusers.
Akamai 10 years ago
It's the curriculum which does not make students think for themselves... Outside the box , all based on books which are sometimes outmoded or not relevant yo today's global challenges
It's the curriculum which does not make students think for themselves... Outside the box , all based on books which are sometimes outmoded or not relevant yo today's global challenges
lady waz 10 years ago
is abt time
is abt time
mr amin 10 years ago
i agree with prof. our exam system is premitive. also as a peopleo we should look at the depreciation of cedi. how do we achive our devolopmental target when revenue collected looses its value.if your water tank leaks are u ... read full comment
i agree with prof. our exam system is premitive. also as a peopleo we should look at the depreciation of cedi. how do we achive our devolopmental target when revenue collected looses its value.if your water tank leaks are u safe? weak cedi means weak governance n weak institutions with curruption the order of the day cus weak weak salaries. save the cedi or it will go down with us. lets dessit from buying dollers n saving it. it creats shortages on the market thus depreciating the cedi
Alex London 10 years ago
Professor you have disappointed me. Why are you tell us this? You are a head of a department why can't you change it? Are you waiting to be ordered to do so?
Professor you have disappointed me. Why are you tell us this? You are a head of a department why can't you change it? Are you waiting to be ordered to do so?
Francis. 10 years ago
I think Pro Barh statement is correct.We need to change the system where Student chew pour pass and forget syndrome.infact Germany system is one of the best.You have to prove after your course by doing in practically before ... read full comment
I think Pro Barh statement is correct.We need to change the system where Student chew pour pass and forget syndrome.infact Germany system is one of the best.You have to prove after your course by doing in practically before you get your certificate.
Papatimmy 10 years ago
I have been teaching in Europe for 9 years now and I cannot agree with the Prof. 100%. From my experience as a teacher (i teach Econs, English and French)in Italy, I believe Ghana's Education system isn't that bad at all. Des ... read full comment
I have been teaching in Europe for 9 years now and I cannot agree with the Prof. 100%. From my experience as a teacher (i teach Econs, English and French)in Italy, I believe Ghana's Education system isn't that bad at all. Despite the 'chew and pour' we are well able to compete shoulder-to-shoulder with our counterparts from other parts of the world. Apart from teaching, I offer consultancy services to companies regarding international business transactions. Where did i get all these skills if not from BIHECO and KNUST? My advice is this: keep the exam criteria we have and rather improve on the practical application aspect. You don't know what you have until you lose it.
YAAYIMA _ Jasikan 10 years ago
Thank u prof.
I Just hope this visionless government will take it seriously as many of us have been victims just bcos of pass in one or two subjects.
Thanks very much once again prof
Thank u prof.
I Just hope this visionless government will take it seriously as many of us have been victims just bcos of pass in one or two subjects.
Thanks very much once again prof
Our education isnt helping our progress at all because of the mindset
Look at the face of this so called minister of trade and you see this is a brainless idiot the kind the Europeans like . Did he ever consider how long it takes a country to become member of the EU , some countries took over 2 ...
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Don't you get tired fooling?Why do you waste your time fooling on Ghanaweb?
He is the epitome of the chew, pour pass system. he cannot THINK
YES, PROF YOU ARE RIGHT, WE IN GHANA ARE NOT IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE BUT RATHER WASTING OUR YOUTHS PRECIOUS ENERGY TO STUDY ONLY EXAMS QUESTIONS, WHICH ADD NOTHING TO KNOWLEDGE. IF THIS WILL BE POSSIBLE, THERE IS A NEED FOR ALL T ...
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HEADMASTERS REFUSE TO ALLOW STUDENTS EVEN A TERM OR TWO WHEN THEY ENTER SHS TO TEST THEIR STRENGTH IN THE SUBJECTS THEY ARE PLACED IN, AND IF NOT OK WITH THEM MAKE CHANGES, NO, IT IS NOT ALLOWED. THEY THINK THE TIME IS TOO SH ...
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Most US universities use a combination of the SAT and a student's GPA for admissions. Our problem is we don't do a continuous assessment of children which starts in the 3rd grade in the US to assess the curriculum, teacher tr ...
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I've compared both systems are will still root for our system of education. Even the whites are educating their children in Ghana.
I flew out of Gh last October with a group of predominantly white/Latino- looking students fr ...
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In the West too, the lack of that form of assessment also creates laxity.
Why do you think they want childen from other cultures to mix in the classrooms with their children?
Because it spurs their kids on.
End of year/t ...
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Mind you, this doctor had only been newly qualifed and be not more than 30 years old
Yaa Nkosuo, what you've said about the Burmese person actually confirms the Prof's thesis that the current system of testing through exams only produces rote learners who can't think. You have no evidence that test taking pro ...
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SO WHAT YOUR CREATIVE IDEAS, NKOSUO?
HE GAVE HIS.
WHERE ARE YOURS?
.....IS LOST LABOUR!
WHY DONT U GRADE THEM BASED ON THE SERIES OF ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE ENTIRE TERM. THIS INCLUDES IN CLASS QUIZES, PARTICIPATION, MIDTERM ESSAYS, FINAL TERM EXAMS, TERM PAPERS ETC...
YOU CANT BASE A STUDENTS ...
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We need a bespoke Ghanaian educative system that takes into consideration our social, cultural and economic needs. Applying western paradigm in a Ghanaian context hook line and sinker is not going to do the trick. Our educati ...
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Did you read the article? Your comments have nothing to do with it.
exactly, why bother when we all know the illiterate jj fucked up the school system
"Did he ever consider how long it takes a country to become member of the EU , some countries took over 2 decades yet pepeni and his bunch of idiots think they can achieve what now ? Does he realize that Turkey though been ne ...
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I agree with you 100% Prof! the first step in the direction of your thinking is to train teachers to be able to mentor and guide independent and creative thinking. Many of them have been brought up in the "chew, pour, pass an ...
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Ghana is doomed forever it is even very difficult to tell who is intelligent and who is not.In advanced countries like USA,Germany,Japan,Russia etc intelligent pupils can be picked in kindergarten and then groomed to be scien ...
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In Ghana , we destroy the thinkers. Children are to be seen. not heard. If you start asking questions , you get beaten. But how many schools teach from a practica point of view . We need to concentrate on a discovery approach
Excellent! Kojo. No wonder you have a "T" added to your name. We are breaks. Some want "John" to be added to their names.
WISH ALL THE GOOD IDEAS HERE ARE PUT INTO USE, WHO WILL DO THIS FOR US?
You are talking like a typical Ghanaian: hollow and all-knowing? Do you know the educational system and curricula of the countries you are just rattling? Equal opportunities are given to all children in a conducive learning e ...
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You don't know what you are talking about?I have met 13,14 & 15 year olds in Russian High Schools who have qualified to various Universities to study science.That is why they are always playing on the moon.
for a very long time now i have been praying for someone prominent to see this flaws. thank you Prof. for highlighting this. I think we should rather be focusing on research based education than exams.
Wesleyan University is not an Ivy League School, but I agree with the Professor that there are more innovative ways of assessing students than the approach we take in Ghana.
I am always troubled by the fact that at the age ...
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I strongly agree with prof it time to change the system.
Most of our lecturers in our Universities in Ghana were trained in UK where they do jobs while doing PhD. I will not understand this Prof. You are talking about research by undergraduates. Your colleague lecturers do not have ...
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The Prof couldn't have said it better about our exam centered school. I remember my government lecturer motto was " Chew, Paw, Pass and forget". This is a very prominent teacher in one of the best secondary schools in Ghana. ...
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All those praising Mr. Baah are like him, a bunch of jackasses...there is no educational system in the world where examinations come in second...In China, Korea and Japan, students study like crazy to get into universities... ...
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Read my comment too. You are the only sensible person in this forum. The examples you give are just what I cited.
Our Africans are always criticising their own system forgetting that is what they were instructed and nurtured ...
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Use your brain well to analyze what he said and stop thinking with your fingers as soon as you read captions from some useless Ghanaian journalists.
It seems most of you did not take your time to analyze what the Prof is s ...
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Heeiii prof, very nice piece n a good damage control.keep it up
Prof, you are wrong. Wesleyan is not an Ivy League institution!!!!
MAHAMA NDC KWASEAFUO HATE THE TRUTH,EVILS,IDIOTS,
THERE ARE THOSE WHO DREAM OF A BETTER LIFESTYLE
AND
AND THOSE WHO LIVE THEIR DREAMS
THOSE WHO WONDER WHAT TOMORROW WILL BRING
...
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Prof Baah is missing the irony or dilemma of Ghana education; it’s not about testing but about structure period. Every education system in the world, from the USA to Russia is about testing and there is no disputing that fa ...
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Widening the scope for educating the youth is also essential in maximizing their potential. In the UK the school system operates that system as you state obtains in the US but probably not as progressively or radically as tha ...
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THE WORLD HAS MOVED ON; GET IT?
You can just even comprehend the simple message the professor was communicating.
Have you ever heard, read or seen any country developed by illiterates?
Well said Dr, Baah. I have always been saying this. Exams most time base on luck. I do not see why the Universities base too much emphasis on English language for a student who is going to take Engineering or technical major ...
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We have an Education system which antique compared to the Education system in Korea or the emerging economies.
We go to school only to write exam,so when one fails to pass the exams,then that is the end,
Prof,you are right ...
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Hello Prof,
You just stated a clear fact in Ghana.
Ghana does not have its own philosophy of Education and in any sector of our economy. Govt just copy and paste other countries programs and projects and dump them in Gh ...
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Yes,indeed Ghana needs a paradigm shift in its educational system with chew, pour and forget. It is not helping the Nation in anyway.
Where in the world?
What is ACCESSMENT? Do you mean ASSESSMENTS or ACCESSIONS?
PEACE
Prof excuse me to say you are missing the point. Which country in the world are not placing premium on examinations? Do you know that United Kingdom is now vigorously proposing 100% examination oriented courses at the final ...
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My brother, what your saying is some how true but there is no way you can get students at the pre-university level to be serious unless there is an exam.
I was top of class during predatory school, lost concentration in high school and did not get A's in 6th firm to make Ghana UNI...but lucky to get into a California state university, MBA FROM another college in California , a ...
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It is as good as you got!
U BENEFITED FROM AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. ANYWHERE ELSE AND YOU WILL PROLLY NOT MAKE THE GRADE.
EGYA OPAYIN PROFESSOR-WE CAN CHANGE TO ANY SYSTEM BUT THE QUESTRION IS,HAS THE KNOWLDGE OF EDUCATION WHICH MANY OF YOU HAVE ACHIEVED IN THE ENGINEERING AND NATURAL SCIENCE MADE 'DENT''TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENNT OF GHANA.
...
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the prof has said it all, no further comment!
A lecturer teaching medicine was giving a class room observation. He took out a jar of yellow liquid. "This," he explained, "is urine. To be a doctor, you have to be observant of color, smell, sight, and taste."
After sayi ...
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indeed u are a professor
The problem is not exam; if it is exam at all it is only at the technical level. The fundamental problem is the content of education. Are we producing the manpower the economy needs? Are we producing the kind of citizens requ ...
read full comment
there's something wrong with our education simple and period. no wonder people with masters and Phd degrees still think there's something called witch that eats human flesh.
Francis, it is not the educated only but our non-educated people and all still do think witchcraft exist. They even think dead people are still ruling this earth. Go figure. When a drunk driver crashes and kill his passengers ...
read full comment
It's the curriculum which does not make students think for themselves... Outside the box , all based on books which are sometimes outmoded or not relevant yo today's global challenges
is abt time
i agree with prof. our exam system is premitive. also as a peopleo we should look at the depreciation of cedi. how do we achive our devolopmental target when revenue collected looses its value.if your water tank leaks are u ...
read full comment
Professor you have disappointed me. Why are you tell us this? You are a head of a department why can't you change it? Are you waiting to be ordered to do so?
I think Pro Barh statement is correct.We need to change the system where Student chew pour pass and forget syndrome.infact Germany system is one of the best.You have to prove after your course by doing in practically before ...
read full comment
I have been teaching in Europe for 9 years now and I cannot agree with the Prof. 100%. From my experience as a teacher (i teach Econs, English and French)in Italy, I believe Ghana's Education system isn't that bad at all. Des ...
read full comment
Thank u prof.
I Just hope this visionless government will take it seriously as many of us have been victims just bcos of pass in one or two subjects.
Thanks very much once again prof