Participants at a workshop on Early Childhood Education (ECE) praised ISSER and researchers involved in the “Teacher Capacity Building for Play-Based Learning in Ghana and Sierra Leone” project for their efforts in promoting effective play-based learning practices in Ghana. The workshop, organized by ISSER and Associates for Change, gathered ECE innovators and practitioners from the eastern and central regions of Ghana to discuss the project's findings and establish best practices to advance ECE in the country.
“When we quote this study, policymakers believe it because it is truly credible,” said Mr. Tony Dogbe, Executive Director of ECE innovator organization, Sabre Education, highlighting the value of the data from the study.
The workshop followed a similar one in the Northern Region and was part of a series of stakeholder engagement activities designed to share insights from the study and provide a platform for networking, discussion, and alignment of best practices.
Principal investigators enrich the discussions
The interactions allowed Prof. Peter Quartey and Dr. Nana Amma Asante-Poku to share additional insights on the quantitative study findings.
Prof. Peter Quartey, ISSER Director and Principal Investigator (PI), and Dr. Lesley Casely-Hayford, Director of research consulting firm, Associates for Change and Co-PI, were among the key speakers at the workshop, enriching the interactions with their insights and experiences. Other speakers included Dr. Nana Amma Asante-Poku, Research Fellow and Project Coordinator, who presented the quantitative findings, and Jennifer Quaicoe, AFC Research Fellow, who co-presented the qualitative findings. The workshop also featured question-and-answer sessions and breakout sessions, enabling more in-depth discussions and collaborative problem-solving.
Participants express appreciation for engagement and insight
Several participants expressed appreciation for the researchers’ commitment to sharing the findings with research participants. They valued the opportunity the event provided to contribute to validating the research and ensuring that it addresses their concerns.
A learning opportunity enhancing knowledge and practices
Mr. Haruna Mustapha engaged actively in the meeting, pleased by the opportunity to learn and make new connections.
The workshop was not just a forum for presenting findings but also a significant learning opportunity for attendees. “As a Director, I have learnt a lot; I’ve socialized,” said Mr. Haruna Mustapha, New Juabeng South Municipal Director of ECE. He expressed gratitude to the researchers for the insights provided, calling for the dissemination of relevant reports and publications to ECE administrators to support informed decision-making and the ongoing improvement of educational practices.
Renewed commitment to improving ECE
Madam Priscilla A. Walters, National ECE Coordinator, congratulated her colleagues on the positive performance areas highlighted by the study. She expressed confidence that participants would return to their respective institutions with a renewed commitment to addressing areas needing improvement.
The participants enacted ECE classroom songs and activities, evoking fond memories and keeping everyone engaged throughout the discussions.
The workshop, held on 15 May at the Presbyterian Women’s College in Aburi in the Eastern Region, was a collaborative effort led by Associates for Change with support from ISSER. Participants included ECE innovators, administrators, lecturers and teachers.
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