A cross-section of participants at the lecture
Dr. John Kwame Boateng, a lecturer in the School of Continuing and Distance Education, at the University of Ghana has noted that “paying attention to students’ voice is a good practice that will build student capacity in the development of skills required to become teaching, learning and research collaborators”.
Dr. Boateng made these remarks when he delivered an Inter-College Lecture on the Topic: “Listening to Students’ Voice for Effective Teaching and Learning: Perspectives on Scholarship of Teaching and Learning”. The lecture was organised by the College of Education and chaired by Prof. Micheal Tagoe on behalf of Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, Acting Provost of the College of Education.
Dr. Boateng set the ball rolling by defining student voice as the active opportunity for students to express opinions and make decisions regarding the planning, implementation and evaluation of learning experiences. He added that listening to the voice of students at schools and universities are key tools for improving teaching and learning practices. Dr. Boateng emphasised that effective teaching through Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) had a significant effect on student learning. He defined SoTL as the rigorous investigation of student learning with the purpose of developing novel teaching methodologies and practices that can lead to the enhancement of student learning. He cited some principles of SoTL as encouraging teaching and learning which is grounded in context; encouraging instructors to use sound methods for teaching and learning; addressing concerns about effective student learning among others.
Dr. John Kwame Boateng (far right) in a group photo with College officials after the lecture
Dr. Boateng noted that a pilot study was conducted prior to the main study to assess the knowledge and understanding that participants and respondents of the study have concerning the principles of SoTL. According to the pilot study, respondents had a better understanding after experiencing the innovative teaching and learning intervention of SoTL than ever before. Addressing the main study to assess the knowledge of participants regarding the principles of SoTL, Dr. Boateng pointed out that the study used the “Theory of Planned Behavior (TBP)” which states that the “practice of effective teaching and learning behavior that leads to significant or measurable enhancement of student learning” was the foundation for the main study.
Dr. Boateng disclosed that findings from the main study indicated that students perceive the intention of SoTL as effective teaching and learning behaviour.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Boateng argued that information about SoTL has not gone down well with students and their inputs and contributions are not utilised adequately. He, however, recommended that Management of schools address concerns about effective student learning and encourage teaching and learning that is grounded in context.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting College Secretary, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, expressed appreciation and excitement that the lecture was timely and a necessary resource for the future.
The Chairman for the occasion, Prof. Micheal Tagoe in his initial remarks stated that “In Africa, we do not allow students’ voices to be heard when talking about teaching and learning. This lecture is timely as it will educate the public on how to involve students in order to control what is taught and learnt”.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Tagoe congratulated Dr. John Kwame Boateng on the insightful and stimulating lecture and data.
The lecture was attended by faculty and post-graduate students from the College of Education, members of the University community as well as the general public. The interactive segment saw a lively question and answer session as well as contributions from a cross-section of faculty and students.
