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
 |
JUNIQUES MAY 2026 GOSPEL MUSICAL REVIEW SHOW ON ROKUJUNIQUES MAY 2026 GOSPEL MUSICAL REVIEW SHOW ON ROKU
visit http://allnationstv.com
and
http://gospelmusicalreview.org
...more
rickey johnson • 157 Views • May 3rd, 2026 |
 |
Free Will and Universal Spirit Awesome Power!!!!!visit http://gospelmusicalreview.org
We move as a people whose choices are free, and whose power is fueled by Spirit.
We choose our path, and the Universal Spirit breathes purpose into that choice ...more
rickey johnson • 285 Views • April 30th, 2026 |
 |
Grammy Nominated Artist & Reigning American Idol Winner JAMAL ROBERTS Release New Single "Perfect For Me"@JAMALROBERTS #JAMALROBERTS
IG@OfficialJamalRoberts
TikTok@OfficialJamalRoberts
FB@JamalRobertsOfficial
You can "Catch Jamal Roberts performing "Perfect For Me" Live on American Idol MONDAY Ma ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 1,857 Views • April 29th, 2026 |
 |
2026 Lexus LX 700h Review – One Week in the DMVI replaced my daily vehicle with the 2026 Lexus LX 700h Luxury Hybrid Premium and spent a week exploring D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, dealing with Beltway traffic, pothole-filled side streets in Prin ...more
Randi Payton • 224 Views • April 29th, 2026 |
 |
1440 RIGHT NOW, THE VIDEO, Heaven Is the Destination, but Purpose Lives in the Present
1440 Right Now: Living the Message Behind the Music
The song “1440 Right Now” is more than a set of lyrics. It is a philosophy, a spiritual reminder, and a daily call to action wrapped in mel ...more
rickey johnson • 347 Views • April 27th, 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! • 71,176,650 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 • 119,517 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 • 77,757 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
Hija Chang • 62,715 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
