Policy innovations in the VET sector: The role of instructors in competency-based training in Ghanaian TVET institutions (Published)
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in Ghana aim at providing learners with the required knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform effectively in the rapidly changing scenes in the workplace. Upgrading all polytechnics institutions into technical universities and introducing Free Education policy for all trainees in TVET institutions are recent major transformation in the TVET system in Ghana. Among the features that are emphasized in this transition is the method of teaching and learning in an environment of competency-based training (CBT). The study therefore examines what form of teaching learning strategies undertaken by instructors in CBT in order to equip trainees with the requisite competencies to perform professional tasks in the world of work. The study reveals that the pedagogical skills of instructors in CBT have not changed from the traditional system and calls for comprehensive staff development programmes for CBT teachers to establish long-term changes in their mindsets, belief systems, values, intentions and theories to match their new roles and tasks.
Keywords: Innovations, Technical and Vocational Education, competency-based training, instructors.