The team in a group photograph after the launch
The Ministry of
Education in partnership with the Open University, United Kingdom, has launched
a programme to promote the effective teaching of practical science in Senior
High Schools (SHS).
The initiative, Open
STEM Africa; Ghana, is aimed at improving practical teaching and learning of science
and in particular, provide support for underqualified or inexperienced science
teachers, in line with the Government of Ghana’s education policy.
The module
includes a virtual laboratory, “Ghana Virtual Lab, a set of on-screen science
instrument built using real data with examples of science lessons to improve
the experimental teaching and learning of science in SHS.
The programme is
underpinned by continuous professional development for science teachers which
enhances confidence skills and strategies to enable improved teaching and
learning of science with a particular focus on ICT-based practical science.
The lab can be
used in multiple lessons to conduct multiple experiments.
Minister of State
in charge of Tertiary Education, Prof. Kwesi Yankah said the Ministry in
collaboration with the Science Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES)
has identified the first set of instrument for the Ghana virtual lab and it is
being created.
He said the
framework for professional development which helps SHS teachers to use the
virtual lab effectively has also been developed.
The sector
minister further indicated that the programme makes provision for professional
support for curriculum leaders to enable them effectively implement long-term
strategies to improve teaching and learning in the sciences with a particular
focus on ICT-based practical science in their schools.
“In early 2020, Open
STEM Africa; Ghana, will start being rolled out to SHS and by mid 2020 it will
be in all the SHS which have access to an iCampass through the iBox,” he said.
The full rollout will
bring the Ghana virtual lab and associated resources to at least 148 SEIP schools
and many SHS science students will benefit from the opportunity to engage in
practical science experiment where they can practice to improve their skills.
Deputy Minister of
Education in charge of secondary education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum encouraged the
team to include continuity and counselling in the model, adding that it is
important for the students to be guided as well as mentored as they pursue the
various courses in science education.
Dr. Kerry Murphy from
the Open University, demonstrated the use of the Ghana virtual lab to the
participants.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri
