The Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has reported an improvement in learning outcomes at basic school level due to interventions like play-based approaches implemented in the school curriculum and teaching practices.
The play-based approach was officially launched in July 2023 with an aim of incorporating play-based learning approaches into the school curriculum and teaching practices.
The deputy minister explained that data from the National Standardised Test had revealed an increase in the number of learners who could read, from 2% in 2015 to 38% in 2022. Rev. Fordjour explained that the ministry had, for the past four years, collaborated with non-governmental organization, Right To Play (RTP), to implement a Partners in Play Project (P3) to enhance the quality of education for children aged four to 12 years from 2019 to 2024.
Rev. Fordjour stated that the government was transforming teaching and learning to address gaps in access and quality education in the country.
In light of the minister’s revelation, Univers News engaged some basic schoolteachers from Beulah land Montessori to verify the statement.
The teachers, who agreed with the minister, explained that by using the play-based approach, their pupils are encouraged to be more engaged in classroom activities, facilitating learning and teaching altogether.
“The play-based approach helps us tune the mindset of the children to the classroom and it makes the teaching and learning process easier.”
” It is true, that the new curriculum helps the students to get a better understanding than you than the normal teaching.”
” Most of the students come from the house bored and tired, so the little play helps them release tension and concentrate on the teaching. “
Play-based approaches in the classroom involve the use of children’s natural motivation or imaginations, with materials such as toys or certain fictional characters to play in the context of learning in early childhood education.
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Story by: Dei Josephine Nana Efua | univers.ug.edu.gh
