Continuing education programmes and staff development of tutors in the colleges of education in the Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

The general objective of the study was to assess the continuing education programmes and staff development of tutors in the Colleges of Education in the Central Region of Ghana. Using census survey, all 148 tutors in the colleges of education were involved in the study. However, 111 actually responded to the questionnaire. With regard to the three principals purposively selected for the interview, only one participated. Data obtained on tutor fs background information as well as other data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics to describe the characteristics and responses of respondents. Thematic analysis was employed for analysing the interview data. Findings of the study revealed that, on the whole, most tutors in the colleges of education were aware of existing training opportunities. It was also revealed that most tutors had a favourable attitude towards available staff development opportunities. Again, most tutors considered available training programmes to be relevant to their areas of specialization. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that periodic orientation programmes should be organized by colleges of education authorities to update colleges of education tutors on available training programmes which are relevant to the performance of their academic duties. Again, it was recommended that the colleges of education authorities should make available all the relevant information on the kinds of support they provide for staff who embark on further training.