By Seyram Kawor, ACMA CGMA, Senior Lecturer, Department of Finance, School of Business
University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Jun 2023
“Teaching excellence in universities is a vital component of a high-quality education system. It involves creating an environment that fosters effective and engaging teaching practices, supports student learning and development, and promotes innovation and scholarship in teaching. Teaching excellence involves adopting a student-centred approach, where the learning needs, interests, and diverse backgrounds of students are taken into account. Instructors should strive to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that encourage active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration among students.
Effective instructors employ a variety of teaching methods and techniques to engage students and enhance their learning experiences. This can include interactive lectures, group discussions, case studies, hands-on experiments, multimedia presentations, and the use of technology for instructional purposes. Innovative approaches such as flipped classrooms, problem-based learning, and experiential learning can also be employed to stimulate student engagement and promote deeper understanding. Excellent teachers engage in continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest research, pedagogical practices, and technological advancements in their fields. They actively seek out opportunities for training, attend workshops and conferences, and participate in teaching-related communities of practice. This ongoing development allows instructors to refine their teaching skills and adapt to evolving educational contexts. It is in this light I am exceedingly excited to be part of the TE AICPA project on Teaching Excellence as a collaborator from Ghana, the University of Cape Coast, and learn from the best among the best from the area. The global webinar in June 2023 “Creatively reimagining the future of business education and research – a global dialogue” was an eye opener and I wish it could be done each year for academics.”