Current trends in the upsurge of technological methodology in teaching has compelled many educational institutions to move towards problem-based learning as a solution to producing graduates who are creative, think critically and analyze situations.
In light of this, the Regional Maritime University (RMU) has conducted a one-day teaching methodology and classroom management seminar for all lectures. The event happened on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the African Unity Auditorium, RMU. The Seminar aimed at improving the abilities of lecturers by exposing them to effective classroom management practices whilst incorporating new innovative methods of teaching.
Speaking at the gathering, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jethro Brooks Jnr. encouraged the Academic Staff to continue in their professional practices and explore other advanced methods of delivering lectures.
Ag. Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jethro Brooks Jnr. Speaking at the Seminar.
He advised the Academic Staff to be proactive in the delivery of lesson notes in a manner that address the emotional and behavioral needs of students drawn from the various countries around the world.
He added that the University is more than ready to refine students into change agents for the benefits of their various countries and the world at large.
Resource persons for the seminar contributed immensely towards the success of the program. Speakers for the seminar were the Deputy Academic Registrar, Dr. Stephen Dehlor; Senior Lecturer of the Marine Engineering Department, Dr. Gabriel Akapo; Head of Research and Innovation, Dr. Robert Nyemah, and the Marketing Officer; Mrs. Evelyn Quartey.
Deputy Academic Registrar, Dr. Stephen Dehlor, a speaker for the seminar.
In the first presentation, the speaker, Dr. Stephen Dehlor who spoke on “Teaching Methodologies and Classroom Management” expounded on some positive classroom culture lecturers can adopt to generate positive student behavior. He encouraged the lecturers to continue in light of the above and explicate other modern ways to make classroom settings more participatory.
Senior Lecturer of the Marine Engineering Department, Dr. Gabriel Akapo.
The second speaker, Dr. Gabriel Akapo continued from where the first speaker concluded. He added that, to achieve effective classroom management, lecturers ought to be adept at employing multiple strategies in teaching whilst recognizing and adopting current technological strategies suitable for classroom management.
Head of Research and Innovation, Dr. Robert Nyemah.
The third speaker also presented on the topic “Supervision of Academic Projects”. In his delivery he enjoined lecturers supervising projects and dissertations to explore innovative strategies such as online resources and work with students in groups. This he explained, will help lecturers identify the strength of the students and provide them with the necessary academic support.
The fourth presentation on “Teacher-student/customer relationship was delivered by Mrs. Evelyn Quartey, the Marketing Officer. She addressed the topic with the concept of “moving from the dancefloor to the balcony”, a metaphor from Adaptive Leadership Theory, that individuals and organizations employ to respond to change in their environment. With this technique, lecturers could balance their operational work of lecturing, interaction with students etc. (being on the dance floor) and stepping back to reflect on how their work fitted into the bigger picture (made up of RMU vision, mission, core values etc.) and the value chain process (moving to the balcony) that ultimately impacts the bottom line of profitability of the University.
Mrs. Evelyn Quartey, the Marketing Officer
She explained that, with that mindset of seeing one’s work role as a part contributing to a whole, RMU’s service quality would be greatly enhanced to improve customer satisfaction and generate word of mouth and referrals from students who are the main customers of higher educational institutions.
Some staff at the seminar.
The seminar was very interactive and well attended by the Academic staff of the University.