Last Thursday, the US Embassy Ghana in partnership with American Corner Agbogba and Mobile Web Ghana, had a successful teachers development seminar for English teachers.
The theme for the seminar was “Using Art In All Its Form, to Engage and Empower English Language Learners”. The facilitator for the seminar was Cynthia Robertson, an English Language Fellow.
In attendance were some officials from the US Embassy Ghana in the persons of: Kevin Brosnahan, (Press Attaché), Rita Awuku (Director of the American Center) and Andrew Ekuban (IRC Outreach and American Spaces Coordinator). Florence Toffa (Director of Mobile Web Ghana) was also present.
The teachers who participated in this seminar were from some junior high and senior high schools located in the Greater Accra Region. Some of the schools in attendance were: Accra Girls’ Senior High, Newells Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High, Madina SDA School, Kwabenya Senior High, Ridge Church School, Ada Senior High, Bambino Montessori, Presbyterian Boys Senior High, etc. There were also some educational directors from the Ghana Education Service and La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly.
The program started with a welcome address by Florence Toffa, after which Kevin Brosnahan gave a brief address of the purpose of the seminar. The program was moderated by Rita Awuku.
Cynthia Robertson, the facilitator started the program by showing a video of some teachers teaching a class from different countries. She further went ahead to ask participants to share with each other their style of teaching the English Language in their various schools. The program continued with Cynthia teaching participants some elements and methods of teaching the English Language. She also emphasized on the use of some forms of arts such as poetry, music, writing, dancing etc. to enhance learners’ interest and excellence in the English Language.
The next activity was a demonstration of the teachers ability to write a poem based on a guide Cynthia gave them. The teachers expressed their creative skills and excitement in the way they carried out the exercise. They were also made to try other creative ways in teaching which will help in their students’ comprehension, retention and creativity abilities, in order to excel in learning the English Language.
Before ending the program, Cynthia gave everyone the opportunity to share what they have learnt and how they would share their new knowledge and skills with their students. It was an exciting and interactive time as participants shared and learnt from each other.
The seminar successfully ended with everyone networking and taking photos.