Universities must write textbooks for students

The Faculty of Education of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) have realized the need to encourage people to write textbooks for use by pupils and students.

This is because the role of universities in the writing of textbooks by qualified people was crucial to the development of education in the country.

Professor J.A. Opare, Dean of the Faculty of Education, UCC, announced this during the launch of a book on "Effective Classroom Teaching Techniques" at the Akrokerri Training College (AKROTCO) at Akrokerri near Obuasi.

The 87-page book, which devoted much of its pages to classroom teaching skills and methods, techniques and strategies, was authored by William Oduro, a Social Studies tutor of the College.

"The time has come for tutors to write books for use by pupils and students in the country", he said.

Prof Opare said the notes tutors have been preparing for teaching daily could be adapted and enhanced with other materials to become textbooks.

C.W. Nuakoh, Vice-Principal (Administration) of the College, observed that AKROTCO was proud to be associated with the launch of a book that dealt with techniques of classroom work.

He said the book would help the teacher trainees to give off their best for the development of the nation.

Mr Nuakoh announced that the College had over the years stayed focused in the business of teacher development.

Mr author of the book, Mr. Oduro, said his book was designed to bridge the gap between teachers' knowledge and teaching competency in the classroom.

He said he was motivated by the fact that most non-teachers write books for teachers to sell to their students for a commission.

"I was motivated to write the book by the number of books on the market meant to enhance teaching and learning, but are written by persons with no teaching background but because of the commission fee, teachers are forced to sell the books to their students", he stressed.

Source: GNA