Teachers advised to avoid personal gains

Dr Albert Dare, Head of Institute of Education Planning and Administration of the Cape Coast University says studies have revealed that teachers only use 35 percent of their instructional hours for effective teaching and learning.

The 65 percent remaining, according to him, is used to plan personal activities such as fee-paying, extra classes, private tutoring and engaging in private study not aimed at improving their performance in schools, but to acquire higher certification and trading.

Dr Dare said some teachers and heads of schools also had no vision and therefore compromise on integrity by allowing negative practices such as absenteeism and tardiness.

He was speaking at the 66th Speech and Awards Day organised by the St Mary’s Boys Senior High School at Apowa in the Western Region.

The theme for the day: “Sustaining Academic Integrity-The Role of Stakeholders,” was chosen to raise awareness on mishaps and neglect on the part of parents, teachers, Ghana Education Service among others; affecting the quality of education delivery.

Dr Dare said the demand, distribution and supply of education had been greatly compromised despite institutions such as the National Inspectorate Board, the National Accreditation Board.

He said teacher discipline and integrity must be restored as well as that of other stakeholders in education in order to lift the sinking image of educational institutions.

Dr Dare said inadequate funds to run schools, lack of textbooks and infrastructure among other factors had resulted in compromises which had affected personal integrity of teachers.

He said cheating in academic work had also become endemic at all levels adding: “This takes various forms and all stakeholders-students, teachers, parents, political leaders, employers, proprietors and government are involved.”

Dr Dare entreated teachers in particular to show determination in maintaining both personal and academic integrity, which should influence the children they are raising.

Mr Joseph Bagbin, Headmaster of the school said academic fraud is one mind boggling issue that needs to be tackled to save the country’s educational institutions.

He said despite the numerous challenges facing the school, it was able to achieve 100 percent pass in the 2013 WASSCE examination.

The St Mary’s Boy Senior School, a Catholic institution, was established as a teacher training in 1947 and now a seminary.