The National Teaching Council is mandated by the Education Act 2008 (Act 778), Section 9 to improve the professional standing and status of teachers and to license and register teachers in Ghana.
The purpose of the Licensing Examination is to enable qualified teachers to acquire a professional license; and also attract excellent young graduates from the universities and Colleges of Education who have the required professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to deliver effectively in schools.
However, Professor Asonaba Addison is of the view that the National Teaching Council and other relevant bodies responsible for evaluating teachers’ work relative to the award or renewal of the licenses or for promotion purposes, should consider tailoring their examination and interviews to specific levels.
Elucidating upper primary teachers must be examined against what is expected of them as upper primary teachers and not against what other teachers have been trained to do.
Adding that, the Early grade teachers must also be examined against what they are trained to do and not what they have not been equipped with.
The Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Education, Winneba, made these statements at Komenda College of Education during the launch of the upper primary education students’ association on Saturday, 12th November 2022.
As the Guest Speaker, Professor Asonaba Addison touched on the theme; “The future of Ghana’s Education: the contribution of the upper primary education teacher“, remarking on the crucial roles the upper primary teachers have to play.
“The upper primary classroom is a different environment altogether, therefore, it requires personnel well trained and equipped with certain qualities which are exclusive to them alone. At the Upper Primary, learners are looking for real connections, they want to get to know their teachers and they want their teachers to get to know them”, Professor Asonaba Addison posited.
Building Good Relationship With Children
Furthermore, Professor Addison outlined eight(8) things upper primary teachers must do if they want to build good relationships with their children;
- Teachers at the Upper primary level should be enthusiastic about their teaching and their students
- Create a safe classroom environment for students to be themselves
- Take an interest In their students’ lives outside of the classroom
- Their attitude should not rub off on the students. They should be positive teachers
- Make learning fun and interesting
- Get to know the parents of their learners.
- Share their life experiences with learners(within reason)
- Encourage students to have a say in their learning.
Professor Asonaba Addison added it is significant for upper primary education teachers to ensure that their pupils think globally, work in groups, and become confident enough to take their path where necessary.
He concluded by articulating that, the work of the upper primary education teacher should give children the skills and knowledge they need for the transition into Junior High School and their further education as well as make a strong and positive contribution to society.