The SDA College of Education will be introducing a new grading system starting in the 2024/2025 academic year, which will include marks for student conduct alongside academic performance.
This change, announced by Principal Prof. Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah during the graduation ceremony for 452 students on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, aims to ensure graduates not only excel academically but also uphold high moral values and discipline.
Prof. Adzahlie-Mensah emphasized the importance of integrating professional conduct into the grading system, stating that;
“Teachers are supposed to be examples to the students. They need to be trained in discipline and to have positive attitudes and values that they can showcase to students.”
SEE ALSO: CETAG Strike: Here is the latest update regarding the academic calendar, examinations, and more
Under the new policy, student behavior, including dress code, speech, lecture attendance, and conduct during social gatherings and exams, will influence their grades.
“Today, colleges of education, now recognized as tertiary institutions, must focus on ethical integrity, discipline, and self-management,” Prof. Adzahlie-Mensah added.
“We are looking at how they conduct themselves generally,” explained Prof. Adzahlie-Mensah. “For example, if a teacher trainee is caught copying in an exam room, it implies they may train students who will also copy. We aim to avoid this. That is the import of our commitment to award half of the marks to professional conduct.”
The new policy aligns with the national teaching standards, which require students to demonstrate proficiency in professional knowledge, practice, and values.
“The first area is professional knowledge covered by classroom learning, the second is professional practice, and the third, which is crucial for us, is professional values and attitudes,” he noted.
READ ALSO: NTC Confirms Pass Mark for Teacher Licensure Exams
At the graduation ceremony, Emmanuel Sarfo was recognized as the Overall Best Graduating Student with a first-class GPA of 3.68, receiving a tablet and GHC 2000 cash.
Miss Mariama Dramani and Samuel Martey were also awarded tablets for their exemplary behavior.