TTU Moves to Improve Postgraduate Teaching and Research Supervision

The School of Graduate Studies at Takoradi Technical University (TTU) has organised a capacity-building seminar for lecturers, Heads of Departments and Faculty Deans aimed at improving postgraduate teaching and supervision across the University.

The seminar focused on enhancing instructional methods, strengthening research guidance and promoting effective supervisory practices for Master of Technology (MTech) and PhD programmes. The initiative forms part of efforts to raise academic standards and improve the postgraduate learning experience at TTU.

Speaking at the programme, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Victor Kwekeu Bondzie Micah, explained that the seminar was informed by feedback gathered from postgraduate students and academic leaders after he assumed office. According to him, the feedback revealed gaps in teaching approaches and supervision styles at the graduate level.

“Upon taking office as Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, we conducted a small survey involving students, staff, Heads of Departments and Deans, and realised that there are several areas we need to improve, particularly in our teaching skills,” Prof. Micah stated. He noted that some postgraduate students felt they were being taught and supervised in the same manner as undergraduates, a situation the seminar sought to address.

He expressed confidence that the training would lead to positive changes in teaching and supervision, stressing the need for lecturers to adhere to standards appropriate for graduate education.

Also speaking at the seminar, the Director for Quality Assurance and Academic Planning, Prof. Kweku Safo-Ankama, highlighted the unique nature of postgraduate education, describing it as an advanced stage of learning that requires close collaboration between lecturers and students.

He explained that effective postgraduate education depends not only on content delivery but also on the quality of engagement between supervisors and students. He emphasised that postgraduate students are mature and specialised learners who require tailored teaching strategies, strong subject expertise and timely academic support. He further noted that assessment at the postgraduate level should prioritise innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving rather than simple knowledge recall.

Participants were also taken through MTech thesis structures, graduation requirements and key principles of effective supervision, including clear communication, mutual respect, accountability and ethical leadership.

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