Ghana needs regional science and technology schools- GAST

Ho, Sept 3, GNA - Mr Herbert K.K. Grayam, President of the Ghana Association of Science Teachers (GAST) on Tuesday, called for the establishment of regional science and technology schools in the country. This he said would enable outstanding science students "develop into scientists." He said this is because the country's educational system hardly made room for the development of scientist and that at best, it produces science students, teachers and lecturers and not scientists. Mr Grayam made the call at the Association's 50th annual general conference in Ho on the theme: "The New Educational Reform, Empowering the Science and Technology Teacher for National Development". He said regional science and technology schools would prepare science students to produce what their talents would permit and not the "hydra-headed single method of assessing students through examination." Mr Grayam said that way; the country would derive immense benefits from science and technology for its socio-economic development. He also called for the establishment of regional and district science museums, where children could go to and appreciate the essence of science and develop interest in the field, early in life. Mr Grayam noted with regret the alarming number of students who fail in science and mathematics and underscored the need for science students to be linked up with industries for practical work and experience. "This could be done during their long vacations for a better understanding of the scientific world". He said the GAST was doing its best in preparing students for the future without resources and appealed to "public spirited people," organisations and non-governmental organisations, who have a stake in science to help the Association promote its visions. Mr Joseph Kwaku Nayan, Deputy Volta Regional Minister urged science teachers to exhibit greater commitment and dedication to duty. He advised them not to let their methods of teaching scare or discourage students but rather whip up their interest in the subject. Mr Nayan said government is fully aware of challenges facing science education in the country and appealed to the GAST to remain committed to developing a workplace science curricula for schools. There were goodwill messages from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT).