Dambai College of Education, B.Ed. (UDS-affiliated)
Level 100 first semester has seven courses worth 21 credits in total, and they follow the national B.Ed. curriculum used by the Colleges of Education. The list below is for the Primary Education programme. Dambai also runs Early Grade, RME & Music, English & Ghanaian Language, and Geography & History, so the subject courses (the Maths, Science, Language and Social Studies slots) can differ for those. Confirm yours with your department.
Where this comes from: the Dambai College of Education website lists the programmes but publishes no course lists, and the UDS site does not publish one for affiliated colleges either. The course list is from the Primary Education course structure on COE Resources Hub, which draws on T-TEL materials. The descriptions of each course below are general briefs based on the course titles, so check your course outline or synopsis for exact content and how marks are shared between continuous assessment and exam.
The Seven Courses
|
Code |
Course |
Credits |
Type |
|---|---|---|---|
|
EDU 151 |
Foundations of Education in Ghana |
3 |
Theory + practical |
|
EDU 153 |
Inclusive School Based Inquiry |
3 |
Theory + practical |
|
EDU 155 |
STS: Beginning Teaching I |
3 |
School practice |
|
MATH 151 |
Introduction to Learning, Teaching and Applying Number and Algebra |
3 |
Theory + practical |
|
ISC 151 |
Introduction to Integrated Science I |
3 |
Theory + practical |
|
LLS 151 |
Introduction to Language and Literacy |
3 |
Theory + practical |
|
GST 151 |
Foundations of Social Studies and TVET |
3 |
Theory + practical |
EDU 151: Foundations of Education in Ghana
What it is: the big picture of education in Ghana: how the system grew, the main reforms and policies, the philosophies behind teaching, and what is expected of a teacher.
How to pass: build a timeline of the major reforms and policies and learn who or what drove each one. Expect essay questions, so practise explaining why something happened, not just when. Use examples from your own school days.
How to learn: read a short section after each lecture and write a five-line summary in your own words. Form a study group and quiz each other on the timeline and key terms.
EDU 153: Inclusive School Based Inquiry
What it is: learning to look closely at what happens in a classroom, ask a question about it, collect simple evidence, and use it to improve teaching, while making sure every learner is included.
How to pass: learn the steps of a simple inquiry (question, observe, collect data, reflect, act) and apply them in your tasks. Submit assignments on time and use real classroom examples.
How to learn: practise on small things you can see, such as who answers questions in class and who stays quiet. Keep a notebook of observations and what you learned from them.
EDU 155: STS: Beginning Teaching I
What it is: your first supported school experience. It is practical (no lecture hours), where you observe lessons, assist the class teacher and begin to try out teaching.
How to pass: attend every placement day, be punctual and dress professionally. Keep your journal or portfolio up to date, since reflection on what you saw is usually what gets marked. Follow your mentor's feedback and show you acted on it.
How to learn: watch how experienced teachers open a lesson, manage noise and close a lesson. After each visit, write down one thing to copy and one thing to do differently.
MATH 151: Number and Algebra (Learning, Teaching and Applying)
What it is: the number and algebra content of basic school maths, plus how children learn it and how to teach it.
How to pass: practise questions every day, since maths is learned by doing. Redo every worked example without looking, then do past questions under time. Show all your working to earn method marks.
How to learn: fix the basics first (place value, fractions, operations, patterns), then move on to algebra. When you solve a problem, ask yourself how you would explain it to a Primary 5 pupil. Teaching a classmate is the fastest test.
ISC 151: Introduction to Integrated Science I
What it is: a broad introduction to science ideas (living things, materials, energy and the environment) taught in a connected way for future basic school teachers.
How to pass: learn key terms and definitions precisely, draw and label diagrams, and link each idea to everyday examples. Practical or activity work counts, so take part in every practical session.
How to learn: make flashcards for terms, redraw diagrams from memory, and try a small home experiment for each topic. Revise little and often rather than the night before.
LLS 151: Introduction to Language and Literacy
What it is: how children develop language and learn to read and write, and the starting points for teaching literacy in English and a Ghanaian language.
How to pass: know the main ideas on how children acquire language and the building blocks of early reading and writing. Write clear, well-organised answers, as your own writing is part of what is judged.
How to learn: read a little every day, in English and in your Ghanaian language. Summarise passages aloud, and practise sounding out and explaining simple texts as if teaching a young child.
GST 151: Foundations of Social Studies and TVET
What it is: the meaning and purpose of Social Studies (citizenship, environment, culture, community) together with the foundations of practical and vocational skills for basic education.
How to pass: learn the key concepts and be able to link them to real situations in Ghana. Use current local examples in your answers, and complete any practical or project tasks properly.
How to learn: connect each topic to something you have seen in your community. Discuss issues with classmates, since this course rewards explaining and giving examples.
Study Habits That Work Across All Seven
- Go to class and sit near the front. Most of what is examined is taught there.
- Review the same day. Ten to fifteen minutes after a lecture saves hours later.
- Study in short blocks of 45 to 60 minutes with short breaks, and pick the hardest course for your freshest time of day.
- Practise, don't just reread. Answer past questions, quiz yourself and explain ideas aloud.
- Keep a weekly timetable that includes school placement days, assignments and revision.
- Start assignments early and ask your lecturers about anything unclear before deadlines, not after.
- Study in a group once a week to test each other, and keep sleep and meals regular during exams.
Sources
- Dambai College of Education: Regular Programmes
- Dambai College of Education: About Us (confirms affiliation to the University for Development Studies)
- COE Resources Hub: B.Ed. Primary Education course structure
