The office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Students Affairs) in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning Innovation of University of Ghana has embarked on a two-day virtual training programme for graduate and teaching assistants of the University.
The training which took place on the 21st and 22nd of January this year, was aimed at equipping graduate and teaching assistants with the requisite skills pertaining to the discharge of their duties. The two-day programme was chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics and Students Affairs, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo and attended by graduate and teaching assistants from all four colleges of the University.
Day one of the training touched on the roles and responsibilities of graduate and teaching assistants in the University. Speaking at the first session of the training, Prof. Esther Sakyi Dawson elaborated on what is expected of participants in their service to the University. According to her, teaching and graduate assistants serve as a liason between lecturers and students. Among other things, she mentioned that, they are required to “have a list of all students and their contacts; know how to use the Learning Management System (LMS); and be present during lectures”.
Prof. Esther Sakyi Dawson also charged participants to uphold the values of the University. In upholding the values of the University, participants were admonished to “refrain from amorous relationships with students; making insensitive comments; operate under a high-level of confidentiality; and avoid any conflict of interest” in their work.
The subsequent session and second day of the training also focused on introducing participants to the “Sakai Learning Management System”. This has become necessary because the Sakai LMS is the online platform for the University’s online teaching and learning.
In all, over one hundred and forty eight (148) participants attended the training.