History of Teacher Education in KNUST

The Kumasi College of Technology which was established by a Government Ordinance on 6th October, 1951 was officially opened on 22nd January, 1952 with 200 Teacher Training students transferred from Achimota, to form the nucleus of the new College. As the College expanded, it was converted into a purely science and technology institution. In pursuit of this policy, the Teacher Training College, with the exception of the Art School, was transferred in January 1958, to the Winneba Training College.

The Art School, which later became Department of General Art Studies, and later Department of Art Education is now Department of Educational Innovations in Science and Technology (EIST).

The Way Forward

The KNUST with more than half a century of experience in science and technology education at the tertiary level in Ghana, sees this reform and partnership with the Colleges of Education as an opportunity to influence science and technology education in Ghana by venturing into the training of teachers for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the basic and secondary education sectors in Ghana. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, through the Institute of Educational Studies, is of the view that this is the only way to guarantee a steady flow of STEM graduates from the secondary to the tertiary level in Ghana. By this venture we seek to contribute significantly towards strengthening and up scaling STEM education from the basic level.

Ultimately, the vision of the institute of Educational Studies (IES) is to become a Centre of Excellence in STEM education in Africa. In achieving this the IES seeks to partner both local and international institutions, conduct cutting edge researches that would result in the development of home-grown pedagogies and resources to enhance the teaching and learning of science, technology and mathematics across various levels of Ghana’s education system; and also train teachers who have the requisite competencies and are committed, inspirational and lifelong learners. Indeed, the IES sees this as a veritable and a great way to advance and disseminate knowledge in science and technology.

The IES will also serve as the fulcrum around which KNUST will build capacity of her faculty by organizing series of professional development workshops to equip them with more interactive and differentiated modes of facilitating learning and assessing students.

Currently, the Institute of Educational Studies (IES), houses the department of Educational Innovations in Science and Technology which runs a Master of Education programme; Master of science and Master of Philosophy in Educational Innovation and Leadership Science; Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy in Art Education., The Institute is preparing to receive its first batch of students by August, 2019, to pursue the Bachelor of Education programme with a specialization in JHS education, who would be specifically trained to teach mathematics, science and ICT.  

Recent innovations in science and technology have made the world more technology and innovation dependent thus requiring a skills set that would enable our younger generation function effectively. Come partner us to deliver quality teacher education. Be assured that KNUST through the Institute has the wherewithal to turn out teachers with 21st century skills who would function effectively in diverse teaching and learning contexts.