Edo varsity trains staff in modern teaching techniques

Edo State University Uzairue has organised a two-day capacity training workshop for the academic staff of the institution on modern teaching techniques.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, which started on Tuesday at the Aliko Dangote Auditorium, the acting vice chancellor of the institution, Prof. Dawood Egbefo, said it was imperative for academic staff to acquire and apply new teaching techniques for academic development.

He said no amount of time spent in colleges or universities will be enough to complete the preparation for a teacher for classroom tasks, saying teachers must continually be trained and retrained as well as armed with the requisite modern knowledge acquired for 21st-century engagement.

The VC noted that the training is to lay a solid foundation for a sound academic session as it is aimed to enable us to get acquainted with the challenges ahead of us as we prepare for the first semester.

“As we set necessary machinery in motion for an effective takeoff of this academic session, it is therefore expected of us to discharge our professional responsibility to meet the challenges in academic and research development,” he said.

A guest speaker, Prof. Patrick Oviasuyi, who spoke on the topic of Work Ethics in the University Environment for Academic Staff, described work ethics as morals and norms observed in workplaces, saying it is crucial to the development of any institution.

In a paper titled Techniques for Improving Performance of Academic Staff, Dr Orhare Osumah said academic staff performance is vital for the proper functioning of a university to achieve its core mandate and objectives.

According to him, academic staff performance can be influenced by various factors, adding that a number of techniques can be adopted to improve academic staff performance.

Dr. Osumah listed such techniques to include investment in staff training; development mentorship and coaching; creating an enabling environment; setting clear goals and expectations; analysis of critical incidents and provision of regular feedback; recognition and reward; and opportunity for growth and development.

Also, the Director, ICT, of the institution, Dr. Ayodeji Makinde, who spoke on Teaching Aids in an Academic Environment, emphasised the importance of teaching aids in a modern teaching era.

Dr. Makinde said teaching aids provide learners with more clarity about the context that they are being taught, adding that all these activities create a friendly learning atmosphere in the class and bridge the gap between teachers and students.

Earlier, the Director of Professional Training and Development of the institution, Dr. Anthony Iyoha, said the training is geared towards empowering the academic staff with the teaching skills required for a world-class institution.

“The knowledge and experience you will acquire from this exercise will in no small measure assist you to impact our students positively.”.

“I therefore implore you to listen attentively to the speakers for you to gain knowledge at the end,” Iyoha said.

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