A Conversation with a Ghanaian Teacher

Individual initiative is often the small spark that incites change within a school community. Raphael Aidoo-Taylor of Ghana is an alumnus of the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA), which equips teachers with teaching methodologies, strategies for classroom management, and a broader understanding of the culture and people of the United States. During his six weeks in the US, Raphael developed ways to improve his teaching through academic seminars, internships, and sharing with his international counterparts. Now back in Ghana teaching Economics at a public secondary school, Raphael has been able to adapt many of these lessons, strategies, and tools for his students and colleagues.

Raphael's efforts exemplify the global sharing and innovative action celebrated by International Education Week 2010, a week where international educators around the world are recognized for their contributions to exchange and global sharing. IREX caught up with Raphael to find out how his TEA experience continues to impact his teaching, his classroom, and his school community.

What have you done in your classroom and school since returning home?

RA: An objective for participating in the TEA program was to improve my skills in integrating technology in my teaching experience. Also it was my aim to acquire skills in using student-centered approaches in my teaching experience. In light of these objectives, I have restructured my teaching activities, since I returned, by designing web-based projects for my students to use in looking for information. Also, I apply other student-centered strategies like cooperative learning etc. Indeed, the delivery of my lessons have become very easy and relaxed for myself and my students. I enjoy a lot of cooperation from my students since they are the ones who mainly generate the knowledge in the class.

When I returned, my school management gave me the opportunity to share my experience and lessons learned with my colleagues here in my school. I organized a day’s workshop for my colleagues on cooperative learning, multiple intelligence, teaching for higher levels outcome. I am also doing the preparatory work to organize a workshop for some colleagues in other schools in my community.

How has the TEA experience continued to affect your life?

RA: Lessons and methods learned from the TEA program have totally altered my philosophy and approach to teaching. I can confidently say that my new approach to teaching has made me the most popular teacher in my school community, thanks to IREX. Travelling all the way to the US to participate in the program has helped in deepening my understanding of the culture and lifestyle of the American people.

What are some examples of how the TEA program impacted your teaching?

RA: Lessons and methods learned from the TEA program have helped me to identify and use some basic strategies in instructional planning. (Also), to prepare lessons that are more student-centered.

 How have you shared the TEA experience with your community?

RA: As indicated earlier, the management of my school assisted me in organizing a day’s workshop for my colleagues. I shared with them some of the teaching and learning strategies like cooperative learning, multiple intelligences, and teaching for level outcomes.

To you, what does it mean to be an international educator?

RA: For me an international educator is one who has a deeper understanding of issues around him/her, both locally and internationally. Such a person tolerates other cultures and is prepared to share his/her skills and knowledge with world beyond his/her country.

What was the greatest lesson you learned from your time on the TEA program?

RA: The greatest lesson I learned from the TEA is that education is key to the development and peaceful co-existence of all cultures in the world. In light of this, constant training and retooling of teachers is crucial to extending education and promoting a better teaching atmosphere.