Features
Semester versus term system in second cycle institutions
Different educational systems are usually developed and implemented by countries to ensure that trainees, both young and old, are properly developed with the adequate knowledge and skills they need to enable them provide socioeconomic development for the people in their countries.
In the United Kingdom (UK) for example, the system of education may be different from the United States (US) but at the end of the day it is the implementation of the knowledge and skills that are needed to develop the respective countries.
USING DIFFERENT IDEAS
The two countries or any other country may, therefore, have to use its own ideas to groom its young ones to come out as scholars who can meet the challenges of life and build their countries to become prosperous entities.
THE SEMESTER SYSTEM
The decision of the Ministry of Education to change its position on the implementation of the semester system to that of the term system was the result of disagreements between the Ministry on one hand and the Teacher Unions on the other.
To begin with, a semester system is where the academic year is divided into two main portions, that is, first and second semesters, while the term system usually uses three portions of time for the academic year.
SEMESTER AND TERM SYSTEMS
The semester system usually consists of about 16 weeks while the term system is also made up of about 12 weeks. In either case, each of the systems covers the academic calendar to ensure that adequate preparations are made for students or pupils.
These different systems are used in various parts of the world depending on the preference of the school authorities.
DISAGREEMENTS
The Ministry of Education in Ghana had wanted to introduce the semester system for schools operating under the Ghana Education Service but members of the teacher unions had some disagreements with the change over.
Many of them said the shift from the term system to the semester system was a major change in policy for which they should have been consulted. The Ministry on its part stated that some consultations were made.
OPPOSITION TO NEW SYSTEM
Probably the consultations did not go down well with the teacher unions, hence the decision to oppose it.
CONSULTATIONS
In such change overs, we wish to encourage the ministry to ensure that the teachers are adequately consulted for their views so that they will become part of the programme.
Adequate consultation is necessary because it allows for ventilation of views on the subject matter. In addition, all disagreements can be ironed out before the implementation of the programme.
Again, adequate consultation ensures that stakeholders feel to have become part of the new system thereby owning it. Once there is a sense of ownership, the stakeholders will be more willing to embrace its implementation to the letter.
There is no doubt that the Ministry of Education meant well for all stakeholders in the education sector. The disagreement over the semester system only shows that the stakeholders felt that they were not adequately consulted over the matter.
ABSENCE OF MALICE
Similarly, the teacher unions which opposed the semester system that was to be introduced could not have acted out of malice. Rather, all the stakeholders acted in good faith but in matters of this nature, we all need to ensure that there is a common understanding of the issues at stake to avert any possible confusion and disagreement.
PROBLEMS WITH NEW SYSTEMS
The introduction of new systems have always brought about such problems.
Many years ago, all institutions of learning, higher and lower, were running the term system until it became necessary for our tertiary institutions to adopt the semester system for some good reason.
Before the adoption by the tertiary institutions, there was a little confusion as to why the change to the semester system, but today, it has become an adopted norm for institutions of higher learning. What did the trick was the sensitisation and education of authorities at the tertiary level to understand, appreciate and accept the new system.
Similarly, teacher unions operating under the Ghana Education Service would want adequate exchange of views on the new system so that they can appreciate the justification for the change over.
WORKING TOGETHER
The Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service and all institutions at the primary and second cycle levels must continue to work together with all stakeholders so that at the end of it all, the country will benefit from the implementation of systems that are meant to bring about quality education in the country.
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Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
BY DR. KOFI AMPONSAH BEDIAKO
In a country like ours in which we are aware of our challenges, all that is required is focusing on strengthening our institutional processes by making them more robust and transparent. In this regard, investment in digitilisation must be prioritised since the human element to cut corners is inherent in the psyche of some people and therefore cannot be trusted to do the right things out of their own volition.
Enforcement of existing laws and regulations must be reviewed to see what is working, which ones have to be tweaked to be able to address current challenges, and those that have become obsolete and must be discarded.
One issue that needs to be given priority attention is remuneration. A former President is alleged to declare that we pretend to pay workers and they also pretend to work. This indeed sums up the quandary facing government after government. Workers’ salaries are crucial in the fight against corruption. A realistic living wage must be given to workers; otherwise, they will seek avenues to address their personal budget deficit.
On day one, what should engage the attention of government is Energy, making it available and affordable. The industrialisation agenda cannot be successfully executed without power that is readily available, reliable, and affordable. Solar energy must be factored in the quest for affordable and reliable power for industry.
The fuel sector issues must be urgently addressed so that it can impact positively on the transportation sector, which plays a key role in the supply of goods and services. The railway infrastructure plan linking places like Boankra Inland Port to prolong the lifespan of our roads and to fast track distribution of goods from the Capital City to the inland areas of the country should be a top priority item.
A well-structured system linking industry to academia must be quickly established to serve as a catalyst towards the industrialisation drive. Research findings from the universities must be channelled to captains of industry in a timely manner. Effective channels of communication should be established to facilitate shorter product-to-market times.
An effective mechanism for fishing out needy but talented children must be established, as well as a sponsorship package for talented individuals who are needed for certain critical areas of the economy — what I term critical investment in education.
Certain changes must be made in the constitution, particularly the appointment of the heads of certain constitutional bodies or institutions. This is to ensure that the Executive arm of government does not wield too much power to ensure accountability and checks and balances really work.
The Attorney General’s Office must be detached from the Executive arm of government. The Nolle Prosequi provision must also be amended to compel the Attorney General to give an explanation of why he or she is declining to prosecute a particular case or discontinue it. The provision that protects sitting Presidents from prosecution must also be reviewed.
The punishment for some of our laws needs a review. We must review the removal of CJ provision to ensure the independence of the Judiciary.
Above all, there must be a mindset of change, i.e., a paradigm shift from inability to capability. Inferiority complex must give way to a pacesetters mentality, and all will be well. God bless.
NB: KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
BY LAUD KISSI-MENSAH
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Features
The impact of emotional surgery and emotional elysium on neurological and neurosurgical procedures
Abstract
THIS comprehensive review aims to explore the impact of emotional surgery and emotional elysium on neurological and neurosurgical procedures. We examine the scientific literature on these approaches, including their definitions, theoretical frameworks, and applications. Our analysis highlights the potential benefits and risks of these approaches and discusses their implications for practice.
Introduction
Neurological and neurosurgical procedures are complex and delicate, requiring precision and accuracy to achieve optimal outcomes. Emotional surgery and emotional elysium are two innovative approaches that have the potential to enhance the success of these procedures. Emotional surgery involves the use of art and other creative techniques to promote relaxation and reduce stress, while emotional elysium focuses on cultivating positive emotions and promoting emotional well-being.
The Role of Emotional Surgery in Neurological and Neurosurgical Procedures
Emotional surgery has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and stress in patients undergoing neurological and neurosurgical procedures. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, emotional surgery can help patients prepare for procedures, leading to improved outcomes and faster recovery times.
The Role of Emotional Elysium in Neurological and Neurosurgical Procedures
Emotional elysium has been shown to be effective in promoting emotional balance and resilience in patients undergoing neurological and neurosurgical procedures. By cultivating positive emotions and promoting emotional well-being, emotional elysium can help patients cope with the stress and trauma associated with these procedures, leading to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
Benefits of Emotional Surgery and Emotional Elysium
The benefits of emotional surgery and emotional elysium in neurological and neurosurgical procedures are numerous. These approaches can:
- Reduce anxiety and stress: Emotional surgery and emotional elysium can help patients manage anxiety and stress, leading to improved outcomes and faster recovery times.
- Improve emotional regulation: Emotional surgery and emotional elysium can help patients regulate their emotions, leading to improved mental health and well-being.
- Enhance patient experience: Emotional surgery and emotional elysium can improve the patient experience, leading to increased satisfaction and improved outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, emotional surgery and emotional elysium are two innovative approaches that have the potential to enhance the success of neurological and neurosurgical procedures. By reducing anxiety and stress, promoting emotional balance and resilience, and improving patient experience, these approaches can lead to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients undergoing these procedures.
Recommendations
- Further research is needed: More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of emotional surgery and emotional elysium in neurological and neurosurgical procedures.
- Integration into practice: Emotional surgery and emotional elysium should be considered for integration into practice, as they may offer a valuable tool in the treatment of a range of neurological and neurosurgical conditions.
By exploring innovative approaches like emotional surgery and emotional elysium, we can improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals undergoing neurological and neurosurgical procedures.
BY ROBERT EKOW GRIMMOND-THOMPSON
