Use local languages to stimulate effective learning - Prof. Karikari
The Dean of Communication Studies at the Wisconsin University, Professor Kwame Karikari, has suggested the introduction of local languages as a medium of instruction in basic schools in order for pupils to have easy grasp of topics and to keep the nation's culture.
He pointed out that even at the height of English's dominance all over the world, the country needed to maintain its cultural values which included language as one of the cultural elements in its education system.
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Prof. Karikari was speaking at the Annual Founders' Day Inaugural lecture of the Komenda College of Education on the theme, "Teacher education in Ghana; The Komenda College of Education experience”.
"It's important to remember that language influences ideas, and that speaking one's mother tongue promotes mental development. As a result, interactive learning sessions should be promoted, and Ghanaian language instruction should be improved, boosting national growth," he stressed.
Prof. Karikari said one of the key causes of the nation's underdevelopment was the neglect of its local languages, and that it was past time to place a greater emphasis on local languages in order to stimulate effective learning and to help accelerate national development.
"How can a student become relevant to the community if he or she cannot communicate in the local language?" he queried.
Inauguration
As part of activities to mark the day, the Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, together with the Principal of the College, Very Rev. Dr Kwesi Nkum Wilson, and some members of the school's governing council inaugurated office blocks for heads of departments, an ICT lab and a refurbished Home Economics block provided by the government through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GetFund).
Later in an address, Rev. Fordjour indicated that a proposal to secure the development of hostel facilities for all of the country's 46 Colleges of Education had been provided for and was nearing completion.
He explained that the move would aid in the creation of a calm and quiet studying environment for teacher trainees, which would aid in improving learning outcomes.
"Procurement has begun and almost been finalised for the construction of hostel facilities for each of the 46 Colleges of Education across the country to allow student-teachers to have conducive learning environment," he said.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour added that there were no ongoing discussions on phasing out the payment of the teacher trainee allowance.
Despite reports, he said the government would continue to demonstrate its commitment towards education in the country and would continue to pay the allowances to support teacher trainees.
College Principal
Dr Wilson thanked the government for providing the blocks, but stressed that there was still more that could be done to improve teaching and learning at the school.
He called for more infrastructural support for the college.
Roads
The Municipal Chief Executive Officer (MCE) of Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem, Mr Solomon Ebo Appiah, observed that conversations on the poor status of the road that leads to the college were gradually taking shape, and that plans to construct the roads were advance.