Faculty of Foreign Languages Education and School of Communication Studies Set Research Agenda for Teaching
The Faculty of Foreign Languages Education and the School of Communication and Media Studies (SCMS), University of Education, Winneba, have embarked on a three-day annual retreat at the Royal Lee’s Hotel, Tutu-Akuapim in the Eastern region of Ghana.
The retreat, which was under the theme “Honing your research skills”, sought to equip staff, assist them to sharpen their research skills, share ideas and become well-versed in research techniques.
In the opening ceremony, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andy Ofori-Birikorang, indicated that honing research skills means setting a research agenda and being abreast of emerging trends in research. Therefore, the research agenda must in the long-term transform pedagogy.
He applauded Prof. Sekyi-Baidoo for his vision to split the then Faculty of Languages Education into two. He also lauded the two faculties on the progress and the significant strides made thus far.
Prof. Ofori-Birikorang urged the faculties to continue to contribute to the University’s growth and expansion, hinting that one of the most effective ways of doing so is to encourage and embrace new ideas in humility.
The Principal, College of Languages, Prof. Dominic Danso Mensah, who graced the occasion reiterated that research is the foundation on which universities are built, noting that research must inform teaching and vice-versa to enable it to compete and excel globally.
Prof. Mensah averred that research will give the University of Education, Winneba international visibility, ranking, and consequently help in the professional development of its lecturers.
Dr. Charlotte Fofo Lomotey, Dean, Faculty of Foreign Languages Education, in her welcome address mentioned that the theme “Honing your research skills” presupposes that participants already have some experience in research as academics. She echoed that the retreat would therefore help equip, sharpen, and perfect the research skills of participants.
Dr. Christiana Hammond, Dean, SCMS, in her keynote address, commended the Committee for putting together the retreat despite the numerous challenges faced. She paid tribute to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Deans and Vice Deans of the two Faculties, Heads of Department, Faculty Officers, and members for the numerous roles they played in making the 2021 annual retreat a reality.
“As academics, research is our lifeline. The vision and mission of the University are seeded in its core mandate which enjoins us to teach, participate in community service, and conduct research. The 3-day retreat would help us to achieve our goals as individuals and for the collective success of the University,” she said.