[News] LECERP Collaborates with ISOC and GES

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The Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP), in the College of Education, University of Ghana, has partnered with the Internet Society Foundation (ISOC) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming teacher development and enhancing student learning in Ghana. The project, titled “Leveraging Internet Access for Teacher Professional Development and Improved Student Learning Outcomes in Ghana,” was officially launched at the Smart Classroom of the School of Continuing and Distance Education.

In his opening remarks, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education and chairperson for the ceremony, expressed gratitude to ISOC for funding the project.  He highlighted the project’s alignment with priorities 3, 4, and 5 of the University of Ghana strategic plan, which focus on commitment to faculty and staff, engagement and partnerships and sustainable resource mobilisation and stewardship. Prof. Codjoe pointed out the transformative potential of this project for Ghana’s educational landscape, noting its promise for significant improvements in teaching quality, student learning outcomes and teacher retention.

Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa, the Principal Investigator for the project, outlined the project's objectives, structure and expected impact. He explained that the initiative primarily targets basic schools with plans to expand to senior high schools, aiming to enhance core teaching competencies.  "The initiative also aligns with the objectives of Ghana’s new curriculum, which aims to promote critical thinking, prepare students for the global economy and improve overall learning outcomes” he remarked.

To achieve its objectives, Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa explained, the project will support teacher professional development by enhancing digital teaching skills, boosting internet connectivity and providing coaching, monitoring and overall capacity building for teachers. He acknowledged a number of potential challenges, including internet accessibility, resistance to change, sustaining long-term engagement and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation. Dr. Ayerakwa stressed the importance of addressing these issues to maximise the project’s impact on teaching quality and student learning outcomes.

 

 

LECERP Collaborates with ISOC and GES to Launch Transformative Teacher Development and Student Learning Project in Ghana | College of Education