All Rights Reserved. Challenges and opportunities for inclusive education in Ghana. (2003). We conclude that the student teacher has not been given enough opportunity to reflect on their values, beliefs, biases, and attitudes toward learners with disabilities to develop appreciation of learners with disabilities and to be sensitive toward them. Coast, Ghana E-mail of the corresponding author: kodwo33@gmail.com Abstract The general objective of the study was to evaluate the perspectives, conceptions and misconceptions of students on Industrial Attachment. Conclusion We conclude that although knowledge and awareness about Ebola is high among Ghanaians who participated in the study, there are still misconceptions about the disease. Una mirada desde la funcin de investigacin. The site observation was taken to audit the accessibility of the physical environment. According to the Colleges of Education Act of 2012, Act 847, the process of preparing teachers in Ghana to teach at the basic school level takes place at the College of Education (CoE). Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Vol 5. The study explicitly followed a qualitative approach to research specifically a case study design. And since the student teachers are required to Recognize how the teacher is a key influence on a learners self-esteem and, as a consequence, their learning potential, there is the need for student teachers to be grounded in disability awareness to understand persons with disabilities, their issues and needs and how best they could be helped. The Curriculum Framework provides for teachers at the Universities offering Education and the Colleges of Education. Educ. So, we probed further and the narrative was: Yes, for example, so when you go to the school, we want you to try and see if you can find a child with special needs. Available at: https://www.ntu.eu/news-archive/the-importance-of-the-sustainable-development-goals/ (Accessed May 3, 2022). (2018). Further, the student teachers in year three are tasked to identify learners who struggle to overcome barriers. The student reflective journal and the observation checklists identify barriers to learning. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET - IISTE Finkelstein, V. (1980). 29, 316321. The policy (2015, p. 6) defines a child with special educational needs [SEN] as: a child with disability, namely, visual, hearing, locomotor, and intellectual impairments. But the policy extends the concept SEN to cover those who are failing in school, for a wide variety of reasons that are known to be barriers to a childs optimal progress in learning and development. 2010 Population and Housing Census: Summary Report of Final Results . Teacher education training for basic and secondary schools are undertaken by initial teacher education institutions. Stay up-to-date with the latest edtech tools, trends, and best practices for classroom, school and district success. (2018a). Dev. The author concluded that concept-changing texts were efficient in comprehension of photosynthesis and on the eve of Ghana's independence and charged with the "dissemination of truthful unbiased news". Of course, the known architectural barriers are the impediments as postulated by the social model of disabilities. Figure 1. UNESCOs formulation of the Global Education Cooperation Mechanism (GCM) is at the heart of the interconnectedness and intersectional efforts on SDG 4. doi: 10.1080/17508487.2016.1247737, Tamanja, E., and Pajibo, E. (2019). My students have gone on to become doctors, nurses, legislators, activists, business owners, musicians, social workers, and yesteachers. It further does not recognize learners with disabilities as a targeted category for student reflection. Edu. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.032. Teachers' Experiences With Overcrowded Classrooms in A Basic School in The school environment, the classroom, lessons, class management and assessment are all limited regarding inclusivity of learners with disabilities. Kokutse, F. (2018). Visit our Privacy Policyfor more information. In a similar vein, the Government of Ghana has identified several factors that prevent persons with disabilities from attending school, including the general publics negative perception of people with disabilities, physical obstacles, the lack of adequate facilities for assessments, and a rigid curriculum, inadequate planning by regular teachers for students with special needs (Government of Ghana, 2003). Nancy Barile, Award-Winning Teacher, M.A.Ed. If so, what were some of the teachers actions that seemed to promote or not promote participation? These questions aim at understanding how the teacher manages the classroom environment. World 6:81. The Teaching Profession In Ghana: What Can Be Done To Improve It? Those who can't do, teach. In this paper, we used two analytical perspectives, the SDGs Goal 4 and the social model of disability, to understand whether or not student teachers are adequately prepared to deliver inclusive education in Ghana. J. Disabil. Ofori, E. A. World Health Organization. 68, 95115. We wanted to know more about how the student teacher is taught to reflect on disability. Early Learning | UNICEF Ghana Inclusive education policy. Available at: http://www.voiceghana.org/downloads/MoE_IE_Policy_Final_Draft1.pdf (Accessed November 25, 2022). In 2012, Burnett and Felsman (2012) signaled the debate on post Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and pointed out the need to incorporate the SDGs in education, particularly in educational institutions. It's never wise to centralize power in one person, whether that's a superintendent or a mayor. (2021). Therefore, it is very important to assess how student teachers at the Colleges of Education in Ghana are integrating inclusive education consistent with SDG 4. This has the potential of influencing the learning experience of such students in the classroom. We, therefore, recommend the need for student teachers to be grounded in disability issues in order to understand learners with diverse disabilities, their unique needs and how best they could help them. Also, the B.Ed. Stressful school atmosphere, teachers' lack of knowledge and bad attitude towards work can equally hinder the reading process at this level. Disabil. Obviously, we did not get adequate information about how the student teacher is prepared on the equity and inclusivity outcome. Ghana Statistical Service. She is the 2013 recipient of the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award and the 2013 Boston Red Sox Most Valuable Educator Award. The aim of the study is to develop an understanding of the kinds and sources errors and misconceptions that characterise students' learning of school algebra. Comp. eSchool News uses cookies to improve your experience. Disability under this framework is seen as an interface between body functioning, health conditions and contextual factors (World Health Organization, 2007). Unlike gender which was given much attention and detailed reflection in the Colleges of Education curriculum. Johnstone, C. J., Schuelka, M. J., and Swadek, G. (2020). Knowledge 3, 97114. The ICF helps our understanding of the functioning of people with different disorders and their level of participation in activities as well as how contextual factors could facilitate or impact negatively on functioning. Dev. Teachers need much pedagogical preparation on topics including educational psychology, classroom management, assessment, curriculum instruction, communication skills, and budgeting. (2016). Misconceptions about GMOs in Ghana due to weak education, study reveals. (2018). In fact, the entire Colleges of Education in Ghana curriculum seems to focus on students with learning difficulties. Teachers Standards for Ghana: Guidelines. There were storey buildings with no elevators, most of the entrances to the buildings were inhibited with steps and not ramps. "Teacher Unions Impede Education Reform". The inclusive education policy acknowledges that: all children can learn irrespective of differences in age, gender, ethnicity, language, and disability. Global development and higher education. The student teacher is required to reflect on seven questions listed under this theme but none of them captures disability. There is nothing like hearing a former student tell you about the positive change you've made in their life. Science, Language Arts, History), K-12 educators have committed themselves to developing skills in how to engage and foster growth of young people around the content and processes that comprise that area of expertise. Traditional beliefs and knowledge base about epilepsy among university students in Ghana. The Colleges of Education award diploma qualifications, while the universities awards Bachelor of Education degrees and PGDE/certificates in education. It was the first news agency . 9, 8695. Although the 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census reports, that persons with disabilities in Ghana constitute about 8% (2,098,138) of the countrys population of 30,832,019 (Ghana Statistical Service, 2012), other reports show otherwise. If your head doesn't explode upon hearing this comment, take the time to explain the endless lesson planning and grading teachers do after school, at home, and on the weekends. Oftentimes we incautiously do things that exclude persons with disabilities in group settings. Available at: https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/204336.pdf (Accessed May 10, 2022). Adera, B. Target 4.a calls for the upgrading of educational facilities so that they are child-and disability-sensitive and to promote inclusive learning environments (United Nations [UN], 2015). It seems everyone has an opinion about teachers and their profession these days and most of them arent teachers. Educ. "Kids Today Are Entitled, Dangerous Brats", I can assure you that most of today's students are hardworking, fun-loving, eager-to-learn youngsters. The Togo slippery frog was thought to be extinct. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version. Both researchers independently coded the data to enhance the credibility of the study. How anthropomorphism hinders AI education - Raspberry Pi Foundation Student teachers according to the Ministry of Education National (2018b) are individuals admitted to the Colleges of Education professionally trained and prepared to impart knowledge at the basic education levels. Front. The FCUBE concentrated on enhancing the standard of instruction and learning, expanding educational access, and promoting the involvement of all school-age children, including the formation of local educational organizations to facilitate effective management of education (Agbenyega et al., 2005). Edulearn19 Proc. In many districts, teachers elect to have their salary divided over a 52-week period so they still have money coming in over the summer. The Global Education Meeting therefore involves joint platforms and initiatives developed by those global education actors in pursuit of SDG 4. In this paper, we have examined the preparedness of student teachers in Colleges of Education in Ghana in respect of the curriculum being delivered toward achieving inclusive education. The Politics of Disablement. I wrote an entire paragraph to which my former classmate responded: "We can agree to disagree." As our own founding fathers knew, we need checks and balances in our schools. Available at: https://ghana.un.org/en/about/about-the-un (Accessed August 10, 2022). It is noteworthy that disability is listed on the observation checklist and reflective journals of student teachers as part of their preparedness on the equity and inclusivity outcome. Maternal hypertensive mother's knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions The aim of this module is to introduce students to the huge variation in geography that exists within the complex continent of Africa Key Stage Three, Module, Global perspectives, geopolitics and development, Urbanisation, migration and society Sections Overview Africa: scale and diversity Dealing with common misconceptions of Africa ed. The curriculum of Colleges of Education in Ghana rightly states the need to identify barriers to learning and working with stakeholders to address these barriers, which is also listed in the student reflective journals. Naami, A. She holds a B.A. Braun, A. M. B., and Naami, A. Each period lasts 45 minutes and each grade is expected to receive an average of 45 periods of instruction a week covering all subjects (nine periods a day for all subjects). In my view, it is good the government has assured Ghanaians that the CSE will not be part of the new basic school curricula, but we may eventually have to come back to the issue. Presently, there are 48 Colleges of Education (CoE) in Ghana, up from 38 in 2014 (Buabeng et al., 2019) and in the 2018/2019 academic year, all Colleges of Education in Ghana were upgraded to University Colleges status to offer a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (Kokutse, 2018). The promises and limitations of the SDG framework for inclusive education and students with disabilities in Grading Goal Four. The Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Educational Reform report (2007) presented the structure of education in Ghana to consist of two to threeyears of nursery school, six compulsory years of primary school, three compulsory years of junior high school and another threeyears of senior high school. Ethn. Further reading: A Chance to Build Meaningful Relationships with Students, 5. Teaching should therefore involve the full participation of pupils. Unstructured questionnaires and Teacher observations were utilised in the process of generating the data. They contend that the GCM at best, is an ecosystem that consists of all global education actors that participates in the Global Education Meeting and have agreed to work cooperatively in support of SDG 4. The ICF and social model of disability, on the other hand, helped us identify barriers that could inhibit access of persons with disabilities to inclusive education in Ghana at the systemic (teaching training colleges) and unit (classrooms) levels and to identify what could be done to address issues at these levels. Republic of Ghana (2019). In 2015, a policy on inclusive education was developed and adopted by the country toward fulfilling the aspirations of the 1992 constitution, which guarantees education as a fundamental human right. Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Ghana: The truths beyond the Every child has a right to access quality education and acquire skills UNICEF/UN362021/ACQUAH Beyond Knowledge and Awareness: Addressing Misconceptions in Ghana's Afr. Oliver, M., and Barnes, C. (1998). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, Keywords: Ghana, inclusive education, persons with disabilities, student teacher, teacher preparedness, Citation: Naami A and Mort KS-T (2023) Inclusive education in Ghana: How prepared are the teachers? No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. 9711 Washingtonian Boulevard, Suite 550, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 | 1-301-913-0115, By submitting your information, you agree to our, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access), Video of the Week: Dealing with digital distraction in the classroom, Secrets from the library lines: 5 ways schools can boost digital engagement, Follow the Money Insights from K-12 Experts, Creating a winning K12 esports infrastructure, Charter Communications (Spectrum Enterprise). J. (2007). J. In two different studies conducted in sub-Saharan countries, 66.3% to 99.7% were reported to have misconceptions about the etiology of TB, 27.6%-90% likewise misunderstood the symptoms of TB, 0.1% . 3. doi: 10.21083/ajote.v3i2.2728. London: UPIAS. She graduated from Kenyon College in 2006 with a BA in English, and enjoys spending way too much time either reading or cooking. THE TECHNICAL, VOCATIONAL AND SKILL TRAINING - Ministry of Education Ghana Completed worksheets of pupils on concept cartoons of selected science topics were discussed and analyzed to find . The study employed the descriptive research design. It is the very special practitioner [who] makes a good educator; however, good educators need to have enough knowledge of their areas of expertise to cultivate excitement, curiosity, and spark the passion to commit to a vocation or avocation. If you're a teacheror if you've even thought about being a teacheryou've probably heard a few of these common misconceptions about teaching. (2014). High. J. Curr. Dugbartey, A. T., and Barimah, K. B. This assertion is also emphasized in Article 24 of the CRPD. Teachers in the U.S. do make far less than similarly educated professionals. "The one misconception I would like to clarify is around the phrase, 'Those who can cannot do, teach.' Adjei, P., Akpalu, A., Laryea, R., Nkromah, K., Sottie, C., Ohene, S., et al. But the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program was introduced in 1995 as part of efforts to fulfill UNESCOs mission of free universal education for all by 2015 (Akyeampong, 2009). Western Governors University WGU. (2018b). Int. 4. Ministry of Education. Ironically, the final question suggests the above reflections would have been helpful to increase disability sensitivity and inclusion. Politicians especially are noted for living luxurious lives at the expense of their country folks. Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Shakespeare, T., and Watson, N. (2010). Article 8 of the CRPD outlines measures that states parties could adopt to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access education, including vocational training and lifelong learning. Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Ghana: The truths beyond the The barriers also do not allow of first-hand experiences of inclusive education. The perils and promises of inclusive education in Ghana. In in view of the above, there has been a rising awareness and activism for the inclusion of students with disabilities in regular mainstream classrooms, but the reality in many underdeveloped nations including Ghana is still a gloomy picture (Adera and Asimeng-Boahene, 2011). The principle of universal design in the policy offers learners multiple means of representation, expression, engagement, motivation and tapping into learners interest. The B.Ed. Two forms, student reflective journal and daily portfolio sheet comprise of the portfolio, which is usually returned to their tutors for grading. Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation [UPIAS] (1976). And that is all before a teacher steps into a classroom. The number of persons with disabilities is likely to grow as incidences such as chronic ailments, falls, injuries, conflicts, accidents, and aging continue to occur (Howard and Rhule, 2021; World Health Organization, 2021). This research sought to investigate teachers' experiences with overcrowded classrooms: the case of new Gbawe experimental 1 basic school in Ghana's Greater Accra region.