New curriculum good for acquisition, application of knowledge – Former GES DG

Mr. Charles Aheto Tsegah, the former Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has spoken favorably about the country's new curriculum, which places a strong emphasis on both acquiring and applying knowledge.

This standard-based curriculum was introduced in primary schools in 2019 through collaborative efforts between the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Education (MoE), and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA). The curriculum encompasses kindergarten to primary six.

According to Mr Tsegah, the shift to this standard-based curriculum has garnered support from many educators, including teachers and head teachers.

In an interview with Korku Lumor on Class FM's morning show on October 25, 2023, Mr. Charles Aheto Tsegah highlighted the importance of this curriculum and its ongoing development.

He explained that the curriculum is currently undergoing a review process to incorporate content related to contemporary developments that have not traditionally been part of the educational system. This content includes aspects of society, people's social behavior, the economy, politics, and emerging dimensions in the educational system that children should learn.

Mr. Tsegah expressed his concern that Ghanaians often seem more interested in learning about European history than their own national history. He stressed that the new curriculum aims to create space for teaching relevant and engaging concepts.

He also noted that the curriculum seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, emphasising that students will discover how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) theory can be applied in real-world situations. This approach will connect stories of inventions, classroom teaching, and real-life experiences.

As an example, Mr. Tsegah pointed out that in the United States, where Americans learn about the history of their country, STEM subjects are actively pursued.

He emphasised that the history of Ghana should be equally valued and made a mandatory part of the educational experience for all students.

—Classfmonline