Create support systems for teachers – GES told

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has been advised to create teacher support systems focused on assisting teachers in the application of learner-centered teaching approaches in classrooms across the country.

The Call To Create Support systems for teachers

The call was made by Professor George K.T. Oduro, the immediate past Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.

The urgent call was made in a speech to mark the 6th Quadrennial (53rd) Delegates Conference of the Agona Municipal branch of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).

According to Prof. Oduro, creating support systems for teachers requires a paradigm shift that will ensure the purpose of introducing the standard-based curriculum is achieved.

The application of learner-centered teaching would require teachers to be well equipped with the key knowledge and skills along with Information, Communication Technology (ICT).

He added that making the latter available helps teachers use ICT creatively, which will help reflect the practical aspect of the new standard-based curriculum.

“Teachers need to be supported to enable them to uphold good teaching orientations. This is because no matter the effectiveness of a teacher, little achievement can be recorded if the requisite teaching-learning materials, laboratory equipment, and professional support are absent or non-available in the school system,” he said.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers is celebrating its 90th anniversary under the theme “GNAT @90: Equipping the Teacher with Contemporary Teaching Methods for Quality Education Delivery in Agona.”

Prof Oduro commended the union for drifting from the usual chorus of constant salary increase-focused advocacy to this pressing need captured in the 90th-anniversary theme.

He added that the theme was timely, as it had a direct bearing on the quality enhancement of teacher professional practice in the classroom.

“The theme is central to Target 4.1 of SDG 4 which mandates governments to put in place strategies that would ensure that

‘By 2030, … all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education, leading to effective learning outcomes.”

He furthered that, that a teaching model that is impactful is needed now to place the student/learner at the centre of the teaching-learning process and view teaching as a facilitation act.

“It is important, therefore, that the GES ensures that logistics to support teaching and learning and the requisite professional development, necessary for enhancing teaching and learning for sustainable development, are provided.

He called on GNAT to be committed to a practical approach to learning to help advance e-teaching and e-learning among its members.

This he believed can be realized through sustained capacity building of teachers in the use of e-teaching tools.

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“We cannot succeed in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the year 2030 and achieve the goals underlying the standard-based curriculum if we do not adopt a more learner-centered and democratic approach to teaching and move away from the examination-focused teaching,” he said.

The question is, with teachers not equipped with textbooks and curriculum training, which are basic for education to thrive in any country, would the leadership of the GES be able to create the needed support systems for teachers?

Source: Ghanaeducation.org