A lecturer at the department of Physics at the University of Cape Coast, Dr Patrick Essien, says the world is rapidly evolving where solutions to multifaceted challenges demand innovation and critical thinking.
In view of this, he said, there must be deliberate efforts to ensure that the educational landscape would be streamlined to become the beacon that would guide and shape the country towards a brighter future.
This, he explained, has become necessary due to the fact that the traditional approach to education, where students arguably concentrated largely on how to memorise facts did not suffice any longer, as far as modern drifts were concerned.
Dr Essien has, therefore, called for a paradigm shift that would overhaul the current “chew and pour” educational system and equip students to be able to evaluate, be more analytical and be creative as well.
The Physics lecturer made this known when he delivered an inspiring speech during the grand finale of the 2024 edition of the Maths and Science Quiz competition organised by the Boys and Girls Club of Ghana, Anomabo, in partnership with WFYC.
Speaking on the theme: “Promoting Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills At The Basic Schools; The Role Of Stem Education”, Dr Essien called for education system that would champion critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the lens of STEM education.
He noted that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education were at the heart in the country’s quest to produce future leaders who would be critical, analytical and be able to do proper evaluation of variables.
He said STEM “was not merely a collection of subjects; it is a mind-set, a way of approaching the world with curiosity, inquiry, and a commitment to problem-solving.It empowers students to ask questions, to experiment, to fail and try again, fostering resilience and adaptability – the very traits needed to thrive in an ever-changing landscape”.
He added that STEM education was responsible for the cultivation of critical thinking skills, which encourages students to question, challenge assumptions and seek evidence. These skills, he added, were not only indispensable in the realm of academia, but in all facets of life, as it enabled students to cultivate a spirit of innovation and creativity.
STEM education, he said, demanded a curriculum that was dynamic, inclusive and reflective of real-world contexts and necessitated a cultural shift that would celebrate curiosity and embraced failure as a stepping stone to success.
To realise this, he called on stakeholders to heavily invest in infrastructure, resources and professional development for educators and also allocate resources and support initiatives that would foster its growth.
He, therefore, called for the integration of STEM principles into the country’s education curriculum so as to nurture a generation of thinkers, creators and problem-solvers poised to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
On her part, the Community Development and Livelihood Officer of Atlantic Lithium Company Ltd, Miss Berikisu Aba Limann, advised the pupils to be resilient in the quest to attain higher education.
This, she explained, was the surest way they could realise their full potential in the near future and further encouraged the pupils, especially the “Girl Child” to develop interest in the science subjects.
Yamoransa Mt. Zion Methodist Junior High School emerged victorious, having demonstrated exceptional understanding of the subject matter and showcased same.
The school received a cash prize of GHȻ700.00 and a prestigious trophy for their splendid performance.
The Anomabo Methodist ‘A’ JHS, which placed second, received at amount of GHȻ600.00 while the Abonko M/A JHS received GHȻ500.00 after placing third.
