UEW Hosts Maiden Research Week Celebrating Linguistic Innovations
The Faculty of Foreign Languages Education (FFLE) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), recently marked a significant milestone with its inaugural three-day Research Week Celebration.
The event, held at the South Lecture Theatre (SLT) 8 on the South Campus, spotlighted the theme “Research and Innovation: Changing the Dynamics of Research in Language.”
The initiative was not just a gathering but a deliberate push by the FFLE to foster a culture of research excellence among its faculty members. It aimed to encourage both individual and collective research endeavours, emphasising the transformative potential of research in the realm of language education and policy.
Prof. Rebecca Akpanglo-Nartey, the Dean of FFLE, articulated the strategic importance of the theme. She noted, “Our goal is to ensure our faculty and postgraduate students engage in interdisciplinary discussions that spotlight groundbreaking research. This event is a testament to our commitment to UEW's corporate strategic plan under Theme One.”
Highlighting the urgency of addressing contemporary challenges in language education, Prof. Daniel Ayi-Adzimah, an Associate Professor of French and keynote speaker, posed poignant questions. He queried, “With students grappling with language examinations in junior and senior high schools, what are we doing differently as educators? How are we innovating to make language learning more accessible and effective?”
His address struck a chord, echoing the sentiments of many present. “Our research must unravel the mysteries of our time,” he declared, emphasising the pivotal role of faculty members in shaping the future of language education.
The conference was not short of expert insights. Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Development (DRID) at UEW, delivered an enlightening presentation on “Financing Research: The Student and Professional.”
The academic sessions were a tapestry of diverse topics. Day one showcased papers ranging from Dr. Franck Dovonou's comparative study of Goethe's and Kae's works on conflict resolution to Mr. Emmanuel Lauren Oblie's exploration of English essay writing strategies among high school students. The session was capped off with Rev. Fr. Anthony Adaw, PhD, delving into the intriguing realm of qualitative data analysis using ChatGPT in language education research.
Day two was equally enriching, with a focus on “Technology and Language Research.” Dr. Augustine Monney and Dr. Andani Kholinar illuminated the intersection of technology and linguistic studies. The final day was a culmination of academic rigour, featuring Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo's expert insights on theory selection.
The Research Week Celebration was more than just a conference; it was a clarion call for transformative research in language education. As Prof. Akpanglo-Nartey aptly put it, “Let this event be the spark that ignites a new era of innovation and collaboration in language research at UEW.” With such fervent commitment, the FFLE is poised to redefine the landscape of linguistic studies, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in language education.
