The University of Education, Winneba has revealed its readiness to provide the needed assistance to Colleges of Education in Ghana to help them upgrade into fully fledged tertiary institutions.

This was revealed at a stakeholder seminar on the theme “Current Trends in Teacher Education in Ghana” held, 14th July 2016 at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah auditorium of the University. The seminar is the first of a series to be held by the University to update stakeholders of education on relevant research conducted periodically by UEW on topical educational issues in the country aimed at connecting with the Education Ministry.

The workshop brought together over 200 participants to discuss issues of much relevance to the educational sector in Ghana.

The Director of the Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies (IERIS), Prof. Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, speaking at the event said that ensuring a smooth transition of Colleges of Education into Tertiary institutions, the University of Education, Winneba with support from T-TEL Project Fund, has put in place necessary programmes such as development of resources for continuous tutor professional development, weekly conduct of Continuous Professional Development in each college, making available a teaching and learning earning advisor (TLA) to support the tutors in the Colleges and other academic staff through training, coaching, and guidance on the use of trainee - centred materials in English, Mathematics, and Science. College Improvement Advisor (CIA) to support leadership and Councils to develop and implement CIP and School partnership Advisor (SPA) to work with the Colleges of Education. As well as partner schools to support trainees and mentors during teaching practice.

Prof. Anamuah Mensah, led discussions on three key topics at the seminar.

Thus, Transformation of Colleges of Education in Ghana – the Roadmap, Teacher Professional Standards in Ghana and the National Action Plan for Education: 2016 – 2030. While, Dr. Evelyn Oduro of GES led discussions on Pre-tertiary Teacher Professional Development and Management.

Presenting on the theme current trends in education in Ghana, he said in spite of the numerous educational policies developed in the past years, there was still a disconnection between research carried out in the education sector and what the ministry does. Hence, the need for the link to be made.

He further highlighted the challenges hindering the efforts being made to upgrade the colleges. Prof. Anamuah Mensah said the lack of clarity on the Colleges of Education’s status and the need for legislative instruments for the Act, the new pay scale not approved, government’s failure to invest in Colleges of Education’s upgrade, frozen posts and appointment and budget and salary controls remaining with GES are the factors hindering the process.

Speaking on the pre-tertiary teacher professional development and management (PTPDM) policy, the Director of Teacher Education Division of the Ghana Education Service, Dr. Evelyn Oduro said the policy was intended to provide the principles and standards for effective preparation of all pre-tertiary teachers in response to the changing needs of education in Ghana. The policy framework is expected to guide all teacher education activity in Ghana, she said.

Explaining the core value of the policy further, Dr. Oduro said that the Teacher Professional Development and Management Policy framework envisages the production of a teacher who is committed to their own professional growth and development and is committed to the provision of quality teaching and learning for all children in Ghanaian schools. Three dimensions of the Policy framework were brought to light:

1. Teacher education and training shall comprise pre-service and regular in-service training.

2. Recognition and reward of professional growth and achievement of teachers.

3. Evidence of professional growth and achievement the basis of career advancement.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Professor Mawutor Avoke who Chaired the Seminar said the University per its mandate, is committed to provide leadership in ensuring smooth transition of the Colleges of Education into tertiary status.