Academic Quality Assurance Unit (AQAU) Organizes Training Workshop for Newly Appointed Academic Staff

Participants at the workshop

85 newly appointed academic staff have participated in orientation  workshops organized by the Academic Quality Assurance Unit.  Each of the 4 Colleges was allotted a 3-day slot. The programme was held at the University of Ghana Business School Graduate Campus, Legon. The workshop was to enable the newly appointed academic staff become familiar with UG Academic Code of Conduct and their responsibilities and rights as Senior Members. It was also meant to introduce the lecturers to modern pedagogical skills that would enable them carry out their responsibilities effectively to enhance the teaching-learning processes. 

The first day sessions focussed on topics such as the Responsibilities and rights of Senior Members; The UG Academic Code of Conduct; Role of Careers and Counselling Centre in facilitating Student Learning; Research Opportunities and Research Management at UG; Library Resources for Teaching and Research.

Over the two day period, topics discussed were, Time Management and Navigating the Academic ladder; Overview of the Approaches to Teaching; Class Managing; Using Blooms Taxonomy in Instructional Design; Preparing the course Syllabus-the UG format; Developing Instructional Design (Writing and Using Competencies, Objectives and Intended Learning Outcomes). Assessment of Student Learning; An Overview of the Use of Technology for Teaching; Introduction to Sakai Learning Management System; Teaching Methodologies (Active/Collaborative learning, Research /Problem Based Learning)

Resource persons were drawn from professionals and academics of varied specialty areas based on their practical experience in the topics discussed. They included Mr Daniel Baidoo, (Director, HRODD), Prof. Esther Sakyi-Dawson (AQAU, Director), Mrs. Jocelene Buckman (Director, CCC), Mrs. Afua Yeboah (ORID), Mrs. Olive Adjah (Balme Library), Mr Francis Awuye- Kpobi (UGCS), Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Prof. K. Osam, Prof. Richard Boateng, Prof F. Saalia, Dr Sylvester Oppong, Dr. Christiana Amoatey, and Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dr. Yaa Cole and Dr. Ernest Ampadu.

Participants demonstrated a keen sense of enthusiasm, made good contributions to discussions. They indicated a high level of satisfaction and described the programme as very insightful learning experience.

For her closing remarks, the Director of AQAU, Professor Esther Sakyi-Dawson expressed her appreciation to participants for their enthusiasm and for making the time to attend the training programme. She encouraged the lecturers to apply the knowledge acquired to improve teaching and learning processes at the University. She indicated that this was just the beginning for them and that they should find time to attend other workshops on Teaching and Learning that will be organized from time to time for their professional development as academics.