TACKLE FACTORS WHICH HINDER QUALITY EDUCATION (PAGE 11)

PARTICIPANTS at a two-day international conference on Teacher Education held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have agreed that factors which hinder the teaching profession should be tackled with zeal to enhance quality education in the country.
They also stressed the need for commitment on the part of all stakeholders in teacher education to implement innovations and avoid resistance to change.
This was contained in an eight-point communiqué issued at the end of the conference, which discussed pertinent issues, prospects and challenges in education in sub-Saharan Africa.
The participants referred to the formation of the National Teachers Council and asked all stakeholders to see it as a paramount concern, which they must vigorously pursue for it to become a reality.
They said teacher education should live up to expectation through effective teaching and learning that placed emphasis on reflective enquiry and constructive approaches to teaching and learning.
According to them, teacher education should make effective use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to promote teaching and learning and that teachers and students should acquire the basic skills and knowledge in ICT.
The participants said effective models should be used to deal with issues of teaching, including field experience.
Teachers should also explore alternative ways of expanding access to education beyond the conventional and distance education models.
The issue of in-service training was also advocated as an integral part of teacher education and must be done on a regular and sustainable basis.
They further called for the promotion of networking among stakeholders in teacher education in sub-Saharan Africa to promote the exchange of ideas.
The participants stressed the need for frequent international conferences on teacher education to share ideas on contemporary issues in education.