Koranteng, J., Ismaila, M., Adom, D. & Tetteh, M. (2020). Constructivist teaching strategies for graphic design education in selected senior high schools in Ghana

The purpose of this study was to find out the constructivist teaching strategies that can maximize students’ performances in Graphic Design in some selected Senior High Schools in Ghana. This was seen as important because of the weaknesses associated with teacher-centred teaching approaches such as using the lecture method that does not allow students to actively participate in the construction of knowledge. A qualitative inquiry was used in garnering data from 57 purposively selected sample consisting of 7 teachers and 50 students from Senior High Schools who have performed creditably in Graphic Design education in Ghana. Data were solicited from them via personal interviews, focus group discussions, and direct classroom observations on the effective teaching strategies for Graphic Design that maximize students’ learning outcomes. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis under the qualitative research approach. The results showed that student-centred teaching strategies were more effective in the teaching of the Graphic Design subject in the selected Senior High Schools in Ghana as against the popular teacher-centred approaches. Thus, Demonstration, Discussion, Cooperative- Learning, Problem-Solving, and Project-Based teaching strategies were observed to actively involve students and promoted more hands-on activities that assisted learners in acquiring the required vocational skills in the field of Graphic Design. Addressing challenges such as appropriate working studios, provision of  recommended textbooks, computers for the introduction of CAD programmes proved to be effective means of enhancing Graphic Design education in the selected Senior High Schools. The study concludes that for Graphic Design education in the selected Senior High Schools to fully fulfill its objectives of assisting learners to gain the required content knowledge and hands-on skills in their chosen fields of study, more effective learner-centred teaching strategies such as discussion, problem-solving and project-based teaching strategies must be used.

Constructivist teaching strategies for graphic design education in selected senior high schools in Ghana
Published: December 8, 2020

Navei, N. (2020). Tracer study on the employability of Graphic Design graduates of University of Education, Winneba

 Premised on qualitative case study design, the study investigated the employability of Graphic Design graduates of University of Education, Winneba (UEW) with reference to graduate expectations and realities in the world of work. Twenty-eight (28) Bachelor of Arts (BA) Graphic Design graduates of the July 2012 year group and one other key participant all of the Department of Graphic Design of UEW were selected through the use of purposive and exponential non-discriminate snowball sampling techniques. Empirical data were collected through opinionnaire and semistructured interview. The study found the rationale of BA Graphic Design programme of UEW to have bi-focal agenda of equipping its graduates with the needed expertise in Graphic Design practice and education as well as guarantee its graduates employability in the industrial or entrepreneurial establishments. It was also established that most of the July 2012 BA Graphic Design graduates of UEW expected to gain immediate employment by the industry only, after graduation. Since the rationale of the programme is bi-focal in nature, the study recommends that the department of Graphic Design, UEW should provide adequate sensitization and orientation to prospective applicants including continuing students on the nature of the programme as well as initiate career orientation programmes for its graduates in order to broaden their knowledge on employability in any of the job prospects of the programme after school.

Tracer study on the employability of Graphic Design graduates of University of Education, Winneba
Published: December 8, 2020