DECCD-UEW’s Knowledge-Sharing Conference Elevates Play-Based Pedagogy for Early Educators
The Department of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has joined forces with Sabre Education to host a two-day knowledge-sharing conference in a collaborative effort to enhance early childhood education.
This conference, held on Thursday, 2nd and Friday, 3rd May, 2024, at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room, showcased the progress and impact of the Supported Teaching in Schools (STS) project, particularly focusing on play-based pedagogy.
The conference brought together experts and practitioners from various educational institutions, including UEW, the University of Cape Coast, the University of Development Studies, and affiliated Colleges of Education. Building upon the insights gained from the 2020 Knowledge Sharing Workshop, the event featured stimulating presentations highlighting advancements in play-based teaching methodologies.
One of the pivotal aspects of the conference was the opportunity for participants to engage directly with mentors and headteachers from basic schools in the Effutu Municipality. This interaction provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of mentorship and the experiences of student-teachers trained in play-based pedagogy.
The second day of the conference saw panel discussions delving into the quality of early childhood education instructors and the experiences of mentors and student-teachers involved in the STS programme. Representatives from Sabre Education, Right to Play, and Associates for Change contributed by sharing field evidence and insights.
Opening the conference, Prof. David Zuure, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of UEW, emphasised the significance of collaboration in achieving societal impact. He urged continued partnership between institutions to maximise the potential for positive change.
Mrs. Christiana Ammah, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Behavioural Sciences in Education (FABSE) at UEW, encouraged participants to critically examine both achievements and challenges associated with the STS programme.
Dr. Michael Subbey, Head of DECCD, and Dr. Tony Dzidzinyo Kwesi Dogbe, Executive Director at Sabre Education in Ghana, provided a comprehensive overview of the collaboration's history and the rationale behind the Knowledge-Sharing Conference. Their insights underscored the commitment of both organisations to advancing early childhood education through innovative approaches.
The conference ended with a sense of optimism and determination to further enhance the STS programme's effectiveness and expand its reach. By leveraging collaborative efforts and sharing best practices, UEW and Sabre Education aim to continue making significant strides in improving early childhood education in Ghana and beyond.
