UCEW To Admit 20,000 Teachers As Distance Learners

The University College of Education Winneba (UCEW) has made provisions to admit about 20,000 basic school teachers as distance learners to begin a three-year Diploma in Basic Education programme in October, this year.

The programme, will mainly target holders of Teachers’ Certificate ‘A’, to help improve the quality of teaching and academic standards at that level. The Vice-Principal of UCEW, Professor Henry Brown-Acquaye, announced this at the second matriculation for 101 distance education learners at the school premises.

The students would pursue various programmes in education. The programme has also been designed to enhance the skills of teachers to assist the government in ensuring the successful implementation of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) programme.

Professor Brown-Acquaye said in order for as many teachers as possible to benefit from the programme, the university has shifted its focus from upgrading diploma holders to degree holders and is now encouraging basic school teachers to obtain the Diploma in Education.

Prof Brown-Acquaye said distance education has become a widely accepted alternative to traditional on-campus system for university education. This is because it enables learners to apply theories, principles and techniques to their practical working environment, thereby ensuring efficiency in their job performance.