By: Elliot Awuku
The Coordinator for STEM, Ga West Education Directorate, Mr. Justice Amewugah says the lack of the state-of-the-art equipment in most schools across Ghana is dragging the full implementation of the new curriculum Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Mr. Justice Amewugah who was speaking on behalf of Mr. Victor Tawiah, the Director of the Ga West Education Directorate, said the lack of equipment for teaching is negatively affecting the teaching methods of teachers.
He said teachers of STEM education have no option than to adopt abstract methods over the practical ones.
Mr Justice Amewugah speaking on behalf of Mr Victor Tawiah said the requirement of the new curriculum if met would afford learners the luxury to manipulate materials in the laboratory.
He noted that the new curriculum has been carefully curved to enable the learner physically feel the material and reflect on it for better appreciation and understanding but, this is being impeded by the incessant lack of state-of-the-art equipment.
That notwithstanding, the Ga West STEM Coordinator expressed optimism based on the new initiative adopted by the Directorate to embark on practical computer and robotics lessons for 46 public schools at the Crystal Heights International School, an initiative being spearheaded by Mr. Victor Tawiah.
“Mr. Victor Tawiah’s arrangements to schedule all 46 public schools within the municipality to periodically experience practical learning at the Crystal Height International School laboratory is gradually enlightening learners. Crystal Heights international school which is also in the Ga west municipality has all the equipment for teaching and learning of the STEM program”, he added.
He said robotics, chemistry, physics, biology and computer lab facilities are available at Crystal heights international school for the public schools in the municipality to learn the STEM and robotics program.
He was hopeful that the learners posses the ability to perform well.
He disclosed further that the Municipal Director has initiated processes to purchase equipment in bit per the resources available.
He urged the students to avail themselves for the lessons in order to discover solutions through hands-on experiences as practical learning fosters true understanding.
He urged parents to foster the curiosity of their children, ask questions while helping them cultivate their critical thinking skills.