Akatsi College of Education, Ghana
|
Posted By: Terrie Hampton-Jones on August 09, 2023 Campbell University Teaching Scholar Visits Ghana with Dr. Hampton-Jones and Dr. Peter Ahiawodzi. As a Teaching Scholar, I traveled abroad to Ghana, West Africa, with Dr. Terrie Hampton-Jones. Our goal was to explore the educational systems within grades K-6. Come with me as I reflect on my experiences. The education system in Ghana, West Africa, is interesting because the teachers use similar teaching techniques that are also used in the United States. You couldn't tell the teacher apart from where they were licensed (USA or Ghana). In the Akatsi community I visited, the teachers teach without technology and are as effective and arguably more efficient due to their need to teach bilingually. I observed 1st grade, 2nd grade, and some of 3rd grade being taught. The students were very responsive to their teachers and highly engaged with the same kid energy of students here in the USA. I liked how their daily schedule is set up; two hours of studying and 30 minutes break to get food or socialize. This pattern is repeated from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and each subject receives one hour of focus. The purpose is to allow the students to get some of their energy out and stretch their legs while giving their minds a break. Each day of the week may vary slightly between the more elective subjects, like some of our schools in the US. Another interesting factor was their adaptations during Covid-19. This was remarkable. Due to limited Internet and broadband, the schools used their local television stations to broadcast lessons. Students were able to stay caught up with daily lesson programming via cable. There was also tutoring available through television during specific times of the day for every grade level. Undoubtedly, students' perseverance and hard work are noticeable in elementary school. As part of their school day, traditionally, the students clean their school every morning as an act of discipline, respect, and care for their education. The culture of the people is reflected in the classrooms by both the teachers and the students. I gleaned from my experience that discipline, hard work, politeness, and respect are core values of the Ghanaian communities. The culture was cheerful, with bright fabrics and foods rich in color. I couldn't help but laugh a little when the students would respond with a "please, no" to a teacher's question. "Please" is at the beginning of almost every sentence when speaking with a Ghanaian. The students call the female teachers "Madam" and greet you upon entering the classroom as a sign of respect and acknowledgment. I found Ghanaians very polite and welcoming, always asking how you are doing and wishing you well. The people work hard every day, not necessarily because they choose to, but to make a living they must, which is visible in the roadside stands and the markets. They laugh, dance, and sing with each other, making their smiles infectious to those around them, and many of them do so while praising God. While on my trip, I took notes of my observations and asked questions to learn more about the needs of the schools and teachers in Ghana. The basic needs appear to be pencils, paper, notebooks, whiteboards, classroom book sets, and fans. Additional things that could benefit the classrooms include windows, cubby systems, classroom posters, and more. For future study abroad trips to Ghana, it would be most helpful for teacher education students to conduct collaborative sessions with the Ghanaian teachers before arriving. Given the resources, we could offer arts and crafts and proper English pronunciation workshops. Overall, visiting more basic school sites and meeting as many teachers and students as possible would be advantageous. The study abroad in Ghana, West Africa, would benefit future generations of teachers through simple exposure to such rich cultures, communities, and diverse villages. Learning how money and resources do not change who someone is or their potential in life is an important life lesson. Limited money makes an individual more creative and resourceful. The more teacher candidates know how to be innovative, the better they can teach in any environment. Teachers can learn to help and give back to each other and be encouraged not to be afraid to embrace whatever community they end up in; or be afraid to step outside of their comfort zone to help students who need mentors to fulfill their potential. While in Ghana, our team visited the College of Education at Akatsi, the University of Ghana at Cape Coast, the City of Accra, the University of Health and Allied Sciences at Hohoe, Wli Waterfalls, the Monkey Sanctuary at Tafi-Atome, Kakum National Park, and the Cape Coast Castle. Each tour was exciting and educational in its right. There was so much history and culture to take in. I plan on returning to the beautiful country myself and hope others go if given the opportunity. Piper Burton, Teaching Scholar President: Education Club School of Education and Human Sciences Professional Education Major: Elementary Education Minor: Math and Biology Campbell University Swim Team If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Terrie Hampton-Jones
Associate Professor , Campbell University Other College... class of 2007 Member Since July 2023 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
WHAT PRODUCT WILL GET THEE SPRING CLEANING KNOCKED OUTSo there’s a stain in the carpet and we gotta act fast before it sets in🧃
•I say OXYDOL is first choice
There is a lot of graffiti on thee neighborhood fixtures 📛🦡
• ...more
How May I Help You NC • 36 Views • March 11th, 2026 |
 |
WOMEN OF GOD in UNITY Working Together5 Anointed Christian Women talking about things happening in our communities Throughout the nation and should be change with our help daily. And there will be 2 recording gospel Artist at this event p ...more
Min Sammy Jackson • 86 Views • March 9th, 2026 |
 |
WOMEN OF GOD in UNITY Working Together5 Anointed Christian Women talking about things happening in our communities Throughout the nation and should be change with our help daily. And there will be 2 recording gospel Artist at this event p ...more
Min Sammy Jackson • 79 Views • March 9th, 2026 |
 |
Behind the Wheel of the Hot 2026 Kia Sportage ReviewCompact SUVs remain competitive, and Kia’s best-selling model for 2026, the Sportage, gets a major mid-cycle update to stay ahead. During a week with the new Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD, I tested ...more
Randi Payton • 192 Views • March 5th, 2026 |
 |
Season OpenerOpen door looks inviting; You see noone near the vehicle yet the door has been wide open for an unusual amount of time!
🤔💭“maybe I should help them out or should I just stick to th ...more
How May I Help You NC • 196 Views • March 4th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,876,279 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,549 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 76,015 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,799 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
