Date published: 28th October, 2024

Publisher: Information and Communications Ministry, EDUSA

By: Hon. Alieu Sanneh, Former Deputy Clerk, UTGSU-LB, 5th Legislative Council, (Final Year Agric Major, School of Education, University of The Gambia, Faraba Campus)

The School of Education at the University of The Gambia (UTG) presents a challenging landscape for aspiring teachers.
Students embark on a rigorous four-year journey, regardless of prior qualifications or teaching experience, which can often feel disheartening, especially when compared to other faculties such as School of Agriculture, Nursing and Public Health that offer a two-and-a-half-year program for their in-service students.

Enrollees in this faculty are required to complete a comprehensive curriculum of 46 to 48 courses to qualify for their degree. These courses include essential components such as teaching methodology and teaching practice as core educational courses, which are foundational for effective pedagogy.

Interestingly, many of the educational courses offered mirror those that students encountered during their previous studies.
Despite this familiarity, a notable trend emerges: students frequently struggle to achieve satisfactory grades in these courses. This phenomenon is not indicative of a lack of knowledge or capability; rather, it stems from the perceived rigour of certain lecturers who are renowned for their stringent grading practices.

Conversely, students often excel in their major and minor courses, frequently tutoring peers and achieving outstanding results. This discrepancy raises critical questions about the evaluation methods employed within some educational courses.

A significant barrier to graduating with honors, such as summa cum laude or magna cum laude, is the unpredictable nature of grading in educational courses, which ultimately rests in the hands of a select few lecturers. This issue underscores the need for a more equitable assessment framework that recognizes the diverse experiences and capabilities of students.

In conclusion, while the School of Education at UTG equips future professional teachers with essential knowledge and skills, it also presents unique challenges that warrant further examination. The path to graduation is fraught with obstacles, yet it is a journey that fosters resilience and commitment among its students.

Article by: Mr. Alieu