ITECPD-UEW Equips Level 300 Students with Practical Skills Ahead of Their Internship
The Institute for Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development (ITECPD) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has equipped Level 300 students with the knowledge, professional ethics and practical skills necessary for a successful internship during a three-day Pre-Internship Orientation Programme held on the Winneba campus.
The orientation, which took place from Monday, 27th to Wednesday, 29th July, 2026, at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, prepared the prospective interns for their teaching practice, exposing them to internship expectations, digital internship management, learner planning and professional conduct before they begin their placements.
Opening the programme, Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, described the internship as a transformative stage in students' professional development where classroom knowledge is translated into practical competence. She urged the students to regard the exercise as an opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication skills, teamwork, leadership, creativity and integrity, qualities increasingly demanded by employers.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu emphasised to the students their role as ambassadors of the University of Education, Winneba during their internship. She urged them to uphold standards of professionalism, punctuality, discipline, respect for authority and ethical conduct at their respective placement centres. Furthermore, she encouraged them to engage in continuous learning, seek guidance from mentors and supervisors, accept constructive feedback and perceive every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
She further noted that technological advancement, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and globalisation continue to reshape the world of work, making lifelong learning, digital literacy, resilience and adaptability indispensable for future professionals. She stressed that the internship should be seen not merely as a graduation requirement but as preparation for success in an increasingly competitive labour market.
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Director of ITECPD, Prof. Munkaila Seibu, the Deputy Director of the Institute underscored the significance of the internship in helping student-teachers translate educational theories into effective classroom practice while developing competence in lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, communication and reflective practice.
He advised the students to demonstrate discipline, punctuality, respect and commitment throughout their internship. He added that they should build positive relationships with mentors, colleagues, learners and host communities while embracing constructive feedback as part of their professional development.
Prof. Kweku Esia-Donkoh, the Head of the Department of Internship and Supported Teaching in Schools at ITECPD, said the orientation was designed to give student-teachers a clear understanding of internship objectives, responsibilities, assessment procedures and professional expectations to ensure they begin their placements with confidence.
He announced the introduction of the Student Internship Management System, a newly developed digital platform intended to improve the efficiency, transparency, accountability and communication of internship administration. He explained that the orientation familiarised both student-teachers and university supervisors with the platform to ensure its effective use throughout the internship period.
Prof. Esia-Donkoh also indicated that participants were introduced to the approved Ghana Education Service learner planning format to strengthen lesson preparation, reflective teaching and learner-centred instruction in line with national curriculum standards. He expressed confidence that the orientation would strengthen collaboration among the University, supervisors, mentors and student-teachers to ensure a rewarding internship experience.
The three-day orientation featured technical sessions on the Student Attachment Programme (SAP) – Expectations of Interns facilitated by Mr. Eric Ofosu-Dwamena, orientation on the Student Internship Management System software led by Mr. Boakye Agyeman and training on the Ghana Education Service Approved Learner Planning Format facilitated by Rev. Justice Gideon Adjerakor.
Staff of the Admissions Office also engaged the students on the University's admission processes. They encouraged them to become ambassadors of UEW by promoting the institution to prospective Senior High School applicants.
The sessions were moderated by Mr. Andy Agordah, Senior Assistant Registrar at ITECPD who played an instrumental role in coordinating the successful three-day programme.
