Science
education is crucial for students as it fosters critical thinking,
problem-solving, and curiosity, equipping them with skills for a rapidly
changing world and future careers.
This
and many more reasons are why the Science department of the Presbyterian College of
Education, Akuapim Akropong, in the Eastern region of Ghana, as part of the
Maiden Science Week celebration in the college, marked a grand durbar as part of
the activities to celebrate trainee teachers in the field of science and to
encourage them in exploring to keep them well equipped in their studies.
The
science week celebration was on the theme, ‘The Foundation of Science Education
in Ghana: The Role of The Pre-service Science Teacher.’
Welcoming the guest and students to the
durbar, the Head of Department [HoD], Dr. Nathaniel Atikumi, acknowledged the
presence of the Principal of the College for allowing them to mark this
important day.
Dr. Nathaniel Atikumi- (HoD)
Wading into discourse, Dr. Nathaniel said the
Science Department hopes that this celebration will leave a lasting impact on
students, inspiring them to apply the knowledge gained in meaningful ways. He
also, through the department, called on all stakeholders to sustain this
initiative in the coming years, ensuring its growth and continued relevance.
Dr.
Nathaniel added that the event was a testament to the college’s commitment to
academic excellence and innovation.
As
the Science Department looks to the future, it remains dedicated to fostering a
culture of discovery and learning, making the Presbyterian College of Education
a beacon of strength and progress, he concluded with.
Cultural Display
The
Principal Rev. Dr. Nicholas Apreh Siaw emphasized the need for continuous
innovation, stating, "It is through innovation that departments are
empowered to organize, create, and take meaningful action. This celebration is
not just about ideas but about turning theory into practice, practical
solutions that generate value for practitioners, the college, and the community."
Rev. Dr. Nicholas Apreh Siaw- (Principal)
"In
our minds as a college, we are committed to providing the best foundation for
our students," he said. "Since 1848, we have held this
mission in high esteem, and by the end of your four-year journey here, you will
be equipped to excel as professional science teachers."
He
expressed pride in the Science Department for spearheading the initiative and
encouraged other departments to follow suit, urging them to "copy,
improve, redefine, and give their best for future outreach celebrations."
Professor
Benjamin Ghansah, who represented Professor Victor Antwi, the Pro Vice
Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, in his keynote address, acknowledged
the impact of science in today’s world.
Professor Benjamin Ghansah- (Guest Speaker)
He
emphasized the need for the pre-service teachers to actively engage students
with hands-on experiments, fieldwork, and project-based learning.
Delving
into the topic “We have to leverage technology for science teaching, the 21st-century classroom requires digital tools, virtual experiments, and AI-assisted
learning platforms to make science education more accessible. So, platforms
such as Google Science Journal and Khan Academy can supplement teaching
methods and indeed lesson delivery,” he noted.
He
again highlighted reasons why female participation must be encouraged at all
levels in our field of science.
Crosssection of Students seated
“Again,
encouraging female participation in STEM. I'm sure you see the numbers. It is
always the case that the females shy from doing and engaging in science-related
courses. And so, Ghana at present has a gender gap in STEM fields. With fewer
women pursuing careers in science and engineering. As future teachers, we must
serve as mentors, create inclusive learning spaces, and inspire young girls to
pursue science-related courses,” he added.
As he wrapped up his keynote address, he left the audience and stakeholders with a powerful call to action on community engagement and advocacy, the need for organizing science clubs, mentorship programs, and outreach initiatives.
The
program was well attended by science practitioners, students, and stakeholders
in the field of science.
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