Eight exceptional student teachers whose talents have a positive impact on University of Cape Coast ’s learning environment  have been awarded for their outstanding contributions towards the University. 

 

This year, the University bestows the awards to recognise outstanding and innovative teaching techniques by  student teachers at its 46th congregation for graduates of the Colleges of Humanities and Legal Studies. 

 

The awardees were Kingsley Osei (Department of Mathematics), Mercy Amponsah (Department of English), Ellen Amoako (Department of Basic Education), Ebenezer Tubson (Department of Physics). 

 

The rest were Enoch Acheampong (Department of Communication Studies), Jennifer Webb (Department of Finance),  Aniela Naa Adorkor Allotey (Department of Optometry) and Mabel Amponsah (Department of Classics and Philosophy).

 

In an interview, the best student teachers expressed their gratitude and surprise upon receiving the top honours, saying: "This awards serve as motivation for all student teachers and is a testament to the good work we are doing."

 

For his part, Master Enoch Acheampong told University Press that he " strives for respect, fairness, transparency and authenticity when engaging with students".

 

He observed that he considered his classroom a space where students are co-creators in the process of learning with the goal of enhancing student motivation and learning.

 

“I do not believe in lecturing at students,” said Enoch Acheampong, who is also a student journalist with campus-based  ATL FM and student-run online news site Choicism.

 

“I view the classroom as a creative space for our collective wisdom to dynamically unfold through lively exchanges in which we can comfortably debate the merits of multiple sides of an issue. Engaging this critical lens supports students’ consciousness-raising capacities and cognitive flexibility as personal resources," he added.

 

Master Acheampong indicated that he also uses group projects and assignments around community engagement and advocacy themes to “advance students’ ability to synergize their collective personal strengths in a meaningful way to help strengthen campus or community resources.”

 

On her part, Miss. Aniela Naa Adorkor Allotey, said a key part of her teaching philosophy was to challenge  students with assignments that prompt them to consider the role of their art in context to the diverse communities their messages target.

 

“Several of my assignments and discussions are designed to promote informed critical thinking and artwork for a wide spectrum of audiences,” she said.

 

Mabel Amponsah, who is  widely known on campus for her enthusiasm for mathematics, indicated that she wants to share that passion with others.

 

“Getting someone excited to learn, to grow as a person, to embrace diversity, to problem solve, to ask ‘Why?’, and to effectively communicate is what I center my teaching around,” said Mabel.

 

She continued: “I love to teach: to awaken critical inquiry and equip young minds with the essential skills for meaningful action in life and work.”

 

At the ceremony, 233 graduated with a first class honors, while 1,820 graduated with second class honors with 349 and 111 graduating with third calss and a pass respectively.  

 

The event was also used to launch  the university’s new Strategic Plan for 2024-2029.

 

Delivering his address, the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Professor D.D Kuupole, painted a picture of a university on the rise.

 

 “Our graduating students have navigated challenges, overcome obstacles, and emerged stronger, ready for the world of work to contribute significantly to our society,” he said.

 

Professor Kuupole revealed that the university had made significant strides in various areas in the past year. These included the enrolment of 18,710 new students and a significant increase in the overall female student enrolment, which currently stands at 50.3 per cent. 

 

The Vice-Chancellor also provided updates on various initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience among them, classroom modernisation, the UCC Leadership Academy and the Student Experience Centre.

 

“The Student Experience Centre will be a multipurpose futuristic facility with contemporary equipment which will serve as a one-stop centre for a variety of student needs at the university,” he said.