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ISSUE 1 JUNE 2012
Best In Class THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO QUALITY EDUCATION IN GHANA AND
BEYOND
“Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world” Maria Montessori
“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today” Malcolm X
Published by:
Kente Publishing, P.O Box AH1350, Achimota, GhanaTel: +233 241 763 626 or +1 416 877 4643Email: [email protected]: www.facebook.com/bestinclasswww.issuu.com/bestinclass/docs/june2012
Editorial
Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Mary AshunAssociate Editor: Mrs. Adriana Bedu-AddoEditorial Assistant: Irene Essel-Ferguson
Photography
Abena Apea
Marketing
Mrs. Adriana Bedu-AddoAbena Apea
Best In Class...
So much that lies beneath
Is often ours to discover
A continent so rich, so deep, so old
A people so wise, so warm, so bold
This illusion that you and I
can never discover
Is just that.
An illusion.
Because now, right here
We too can discover
This continent so rich, so deep, so old
In what, in all surety
Lies beneath Abena Apea
Dr. Mary Ashun, Editor-in-Chief,
Nowhere is this more true than in Education
Our children live in a very competitive world. When a child is
fortunate to have access to schooling, it is imperative that those making the choices for that child have information
pertinent enough for that education to be meaningful.
At Best In Class, we inherently understand this responsibility that parents have; we’re parents ourselves!
In compiling this timely information for the discerning parent, our hope is that
it will inform and not burden, present you with choices while empowering
you to make the right choice. Admittedly you could search for all this
yourself but why not let us do it all for you?
Let Us Be Your Source of Information
Our pages are filled with
information: school profiles to get you excited about the options available for
your child, parent perspectives on each of the schools profiled, educational articles to help you
partner with your child’s school, university options at home and abroad
as well as handy tips for helping your
child adjust to a new school, new friends and new teachers.
We want to hear from you!A publication is only as good as
the help it gives out. We would love to hear from you just as much as we
would love you to spread the word about this helpful resource.
Visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/bestinclass and ‘friend’ us. Keep up to date with us on
twitter where we will update you on events happening in schools in Ghana.
Information is indeed liberating...
Information Is (also) Power...
BEST IN CLASS
Page 5
CONTENTS
................................................................................News from the world of education ...... 6
................................................ High Tech vs. Low Tech: A Tale of Two Schools ..........7 Mother launches Bedtime Math...................................................................................8Selected Profiles of International Schools in Ghana............................................................9
Ghana International School........................................................................................10 Tema International School..........................................................................................11
The Roman Ridge School...........................................................................................12 SOS-Herman Gmeiner Int. Sch...................................................................................13Keeping You In The Loop.....................................................................................................14
Questions Parents Should Ask A Prospective School..............................................15 8 Tips for becoming an involved parent....................................................................16
Is your child not coping? How to spot the signs.......................................................17 What is a Learning Disability?....................................................................................18Choosing The Right University - A British Perspective.........................................................20
Spotlight on ‘The University Years’........................................................................................21 University of East London, UK.....................................................................................22
Ashesi University, Ghana..............................................................................................23 Redeemer University College, Canada.........................................................................24One-stop shop for Canadian University Scholarships...........................................................18
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF EDUCATION
In each issue, the editors at Best In Class
will share interesting stories from the
world of education. Whether it’s a mother
using a bedtime ritual to unlock her
children’s ability to understand math or a
school (in America) that intentionally
chooses to eschew technology, this is
where you’ll hear about it!
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF EDUCATION
High Tech vs. Low TechA tale of two schools...
The sixth-graders are lighting up the room with
their MacBook Airs, flipped open to Google, Wikipedia and YouTube for a physics
assignment. Their classroom is decked out
with touch-screen whiteboards, tablets and powerful WiFi connections
able to handle a school full of children online at once.
“Cool!” Nina Jenkins says, opening links to Web sites that take her deeper
into the study of acoustics. She’s making a small drum
by hand and will record herself playing it on iMovie. At the end, she’ll write her
reflections in 140 characters or less — in a tweet.
In the same week, about a dozen miles away, another set of sixth-graders is on a
similar lesson. Only they are in a spare, birch-hued
classroom that looks like a throwback to the Norman Rockwell era. There are no
computers here. The only tools being used are spoons
and forks tied together with purple yarn. The students listen to the clang of utensils
change pitch as the yarn is shortened and lengthened.
Nina Auslander-Padgham’s eyes widen with the
discovery, and she rushes back to her wooden desk to
write her reflections on the blank pages of a red hardcover journal.
At these two Washington area private
schools, separated only by a 20-minute drive, the two Ninas may as well exist on
different planets. They are growing up on opposite
sides of a gaping educational divide formed not by the usual school
fissures of economics and race. Theirs is a division
wrought by technology.The Flint Hill School in
Oakton is ultra-wired. Apple
hails it as a model for its embrace of devices.
Teachers here believe technology immersion will make their students more
excited about learning and better prepared for college
and careers. So they’ve given each child a device — starting with an iPad for
every preschooler and MacBook Airs starting in the
fifth grade.“Tech is like oxygen,”
said Shannan Schuster, Flint
Hill’s dean of faculty. “It’s all around us, so why wouldn’t
we try to get our children started early?”
The Washington Waldorf School in Bethesda is trying
its best to stay unplugged. Its teachers think technology is a distraction
and overhyped. They believe children are better
taught through real-world experiences in the school’s vegetable garden and
woodwork shop. Educators here fear that the immediate
gratification of texts and Wikipedia threatens face-to-face communication and
original thinking, so they ban cellphones, laptops and
tablets and require students to hand-write papers until high school.
“What is the rush?” said Natalie Adams, Washington
Waldorf’s faculty chair. “There is a time and a place for technology, but children
need to first relate to the physical world around
them.”The independent pre-K-
to-12 schools are able to
make such stark choices because of the flexibility
their private boards and budgets allow them. And though they may represent
the extremes, their experiences offer
touchstones for parents and educators unsure about the
promises of learning through technology for this ultra-
connected generation.Amid a sweeping fancy
for mobile devices,
Americans are wrestling to understand how technology
is shaping their lives. And nowhere is that more evident than in the debate
over how much we should expose our children to
technology.For parents, there are
no definitive answers.
Academic research seems to provide contradictory
findings.“We have to stop and
think if we are embracing
technology just because it is there and new or if it is the
best tool for what we want to accomplish,” said Michael Rich, director of the
Center on Child Media and Health at Harvard University.
For more on this story, click here.
What do you think? We’re dying to hear from you! Write to us at edbestinclass@gmail... your response could be published!
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF EDUCATION
Mother launches ‘bedtime’ mathwww.northjersey.com
Laura Bilodeau Overdeck wants to jumpstart children’s math skills using a familiar bedtime ritual.
Overdeck is chairwoman of the Advisory Board for Johns Hopkins’ Center for Talented Youth (CTY), vice chairwoman of the Board for Governor’s School of New Jersey and a trustee of Liberty Science Center and of Drew University. She recently launched Bedtime Math, a non-profit through which she emails and posts creatively worded math problems every day for parents to read their children before bed.
Provided free of charge, the problems use everything from animals and clothing to fantastical subjects such as "X-Ray Vision Carrots" to get children to count, add, subtract, figure out percentages and more. They are posted daily on www.bedtimemathproblem.org
The problems have different levels of difficulty for "wee ones" at preschool age, "little kids" in kindergarten through second grade and "big kids," in second grade onward. An answer key is posted with each set of problems.
Overdeck has an bachelor’s degree in astrophysics from Princeton University and a master’s degree in business administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In a phone interview with The Item of Millburn and Short Hills, she said the idea for Bedtime Math started at home.
"We’ve been doing this with our own kids for about six years," Overdeck said. "Our feeling was math should be on equal footing with the bedtime story."
When the family’s youngest child started clamoring for math problems of his own, Overdeck said that was when she knew the exercises should be spread further.
The website was launched two months ago, as well as an email distribution list of approximately 25 people. Word spread and more people asked to sign up, and between email subscribers and web visits, she estimates that the movement reaches around 5,000 people. Overdeck meets the challenge of constantly generating fresh math problems by keeping pages of ideas with her at all times and letting her children contribute.
By solving a math problems before bed, according to
Overdeck, her children – ages 3, 6 and 8 – feel more comfort with the subject and don’t "get stuck" as often when doing math homework.
"Bedtime Math isn’t an official "curriculum," she explained on her website. "It’s just a fun chance for kids to do math in their heads, so someday when they’re shopping and everything’s 20 percent off, they can figure out the sale price before the store closes."
Overdeck describes Bedtime Math as a movement, helping parents help their children discover an appreciation for math. She notes that often, parents had a bad experience with math and could pass their fear on to children.
Providing engaging problems with answers is "like a life raft," she said. "The movement is actually getting parents over that hurdle."
In the future, she hopes to add an app for smartphones and potentially a book to the Bedtime Math movement.
Tell us what you think at [email protected]. What innovative idea have you worked on with your own children?
Selected Profilesof
International Schools in Ghana
School ProfileGhana International School (GIS)
A warm welcome to Ghana International
School - a school with over 50 years of experience! Our students come from over 56
countries, they pursue both academic excellence and
personal development which will enable them to take a leading role in an
ever-changing world. We are proud of our
school community, which offers an excellent teaching and learning environment.
Students and staff work together in a warm, friendly
environment demonstrating an exceptional display of
dedication and harmony by living through our school motto of 'understanding of
each other.'
The school is situated in Accra, the capital city of
Ghana. The school complex is large, with the Administration and Senior
School based on one site whilst the Primary School is
based just across the road. There are also plans for further expansion within the
adjacent area. Our school provides
education of the highest quality, based on the British National Curriculum. Our
academic results are the best in Ghana. Education is
provided for children from 3 to 18 years.
There is strong competition for places, children are admitted under
three categories: Ghanaian, Long term expatriate (over
10 years) and Short term
expatriate. For more than fifty years, Ghana
International School has been the leader of quality British education in Ghana
for primary and secondary school age children.
We pride ourselves on giving the children in our care the firm foundation
they need, regardless of their race, colour or creed.
Our staff receive up to date training in the latest British teaching methods so rest
assured your child is gaining knowledge that can match
any other British curriculum-based school across the world.
In fact, our school has been accredited by the
Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of
Schools and Colleges
(NEASC) which signifies the high standards maintained
at the school. But we know that
school is more than just
books and exams. Its also about the right environment
for your child. Ghana International School has spacious modern facilities
that enable development, exploration and fun!
Understanding of each
We know how to act!
CONTACT US:
Second Circular Road, Cantonments Box GP 2856,
Accra, Ghana
Tel: 030 2777163 OR 030 2773299
Email: [email protected]
School ProfileTema International School (TIS)
Our school, founded in October 3 2003, offers
education to over 300 students from various backgrounds and
nationalities, from ages 12 to 18 in both the
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) programmes.
TIS started with a vision to ‘produce world class
citizens who respond to the needs of their community
and society at large’. Our
drive to make this dream a reality for our students,
parents, staff and founders is evidenced in the effort we make to listen, learn and
improve.
At TIS, we aim for every student to attain
their potential and be the best in all aspects of their lives. To do this, our
students are provided with the framework to develop
and acquire the skills necessary for the pursuit of problem solving
knowledge acquisition, continuous personal
improvement and a deep understanding of team dynamics – the hallmarks of
excellence worldwide.We have a dedicated
team of teaching and non
teaching staff who are committed to delivering a
brilliant and supportive environment for our students to excel.
Our Creative Action and
Service (CAS) initiatives such as community service projects, craft and jewelry
making, cookery lessons and beauty salon, language
clubs etc, provide students with the opportunity to develop life skills.
During our short number
of years, we have grown to provide world class facilities. Our 18 acre
campus comprises of 4 hostels, an ultra modern
library, laboratories for Science, Creative Arts, ICT and Modern languages.
Since sports is an
essential part of the education experience that we provide, a
multifunctional gymnasium and sports facility with an
Olympic sized swimming pool, tennis , squash ,
basketball and volleyball courts provides our students with the chance to
interact and develop these skills, whilst sharing
valuable experiences with each other.
All this is done with one aim, to enable our students
assume their place as world class citizens competing in an ever shrinking global
village
Tema, Ghana
CONTACT US:
P.O. Box CO 864, Tema, Ghana
Tel: +233 303 305134 Principals Office: +233 303
910106Fax: +233 303 305135Email: [email protected]
School ProfileThe Roman Ridge School
At The Roman Ridge School we aim to offer your
child the highest quality of education in Accra based on the British Preparatory &
Public School system, whilst being firmly rooted in
Ghanaian life and culture. The educational philosophy behind The Roman Ridge
School programme is based on the pillars of
Responsibility, Discipline, Excellence, Morality,
Integrity, and Leadership, and, is centred on a solid foundation of Christian
values. Through the school’s
unique course of study and extra-curricular
programmes, your child will be exposed to a world-class learning environment, learn
from a diverse group of pupils and staff, and
graduate as a well educated individual armed with the skills, knowledge, discipline
and character to tackle and excel in the subsequent
phases of his/her education,
and life. The mission of
the school is to develop its pupils to
believe in themselves
by nurturing and developing,
incorporating and applying
their talents, gifts, abilities and
character. Pupils will be
encouraged to develop
into individuals, who
welcome new experiences and engage new interests.
With a first class educational programme in
place, pupils will benefit immensely from their years
at The Roman Ridge School, and will, one day, make a significant impact in
the world and lives of those who come across them.
Based on the firm belief that every child is an individual with the potential
for excellence, we have instituted the following
measures to guarantee the successful delivery for our educational programme:
Small Class Sizes* Individual Pupil Attention*
Highly Qualified and Dedicated Staff * A Full Programme of Sport &
Extra Curricular Activities * Pupil, Teacher, Parent
Interaction * Firm Discipline * Good Manners * A Sound Christian
Framework * A Caring
Environment * Educational Career Choices * A Solid
Ghanaian Cultural Base * Supervision from 7:55 AM to 5:00 PM
CONTACT US:
LocationNo. 8 Onyasia Crescent, Roman Ridge, Accra, Ghana
P. O. BOX GP21057
Accra, Ghana.Tel: +233 302 780456 +233 302 780457
Fax: +233 302 780458Email: [email protected]
School ProfileSOS-Herman Gmeiner Int. School
In SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International
College, students and teachers engage in the quest for knowledge, skills,
attitudes and understanding that will prepare our
students to live and thrive in an increasingly uncertain world. We empower our
students to make the difficult choices they will
face in life, here in school
and beyond.Our SOS-HGIC staff
work hard to make our core values a part of everything
we do. We give academic success and transition to
university undivided attention. Our rich extra-curricular programmes
constitute a strong complement to our
academic endeavours. Our boarding environment provides students the
opportunity to live in a multicultural setting where
they learn to appreciate their own cultural heritage
while respecting
those of others. A wide variety
of activities are provided
for all students to develop their
talents and abilities and
to reach their full potential.Through this
important work, our
students develop a strong
intellectual curiosity and a love for
learning; an awareness of their common humanity and
compassion to give to society through service.
QUICK FACTS
Curriculum: IGCSE,
Int. BaccalaureateScience labs: 4
Classrooms: 16
Computer labs: 3
Art Studio: 1
Multimedia Lab: 1Student to Faculty
Ratio: 7:1
IB Courses: ~30
IB Diploma pass rate:
93%Class size: 5 - 20
students
UniversityAdmissions:
~100% e.g. Ashesi
University, University of Ghana, University of
Cape Town, others
University of
Toronto, University of
Victoria, Leeds
University, Sussex
University, University of Southern Queensland,
Amherst, Bates,
Columbia, Dartmouth,
Harvard, Macalester, MIT,
Princeton, Stanford, Swarthmore, Tufts,
Vassar, Wesleyan,
Williams, Yale, and
many more.
CONTACT US
P.M.B., Community 6, Tema, Ghana
Location: School Road, Community 6, Tema, Ghana.
www.soshgic.edu.gh
Keeping You In The Loop
*Stuff You Need to Know
*Questions You’ve Been Asking! *Rumours you need quelled! *Tips to keep you involved
What is a learning
disability?
My teacher hates me!
Just Turn The Page!
Questions Parents Should Ask A Prospective School:Do you have continuous professional development for your teachers?
Quality of Education is directly linked to Quality of
Educators. As such, any vision for school excellence
should take into account the fact that we know our teachers are knowledgeable
individuals with a passion for reaching students and
helping them to learn. What we should aim to do is to allow them, using their
different strengths, to become quality educators.
Most school districts and schools have a scheduled number of days in the
school year that are devoted to Research & Development.
Research has shown us that the process of learning must be continuous to allow an
individual to be effective in the transfer of that learning.
An organization that provides a more continuous, seamless flow of learning for
teachers, will better resolve issues involving change (e.g.
Learning new software, Incorporating learning profiles into lesson
planning).
What are some key indicators of effective
professional development?
RELEVANCE: The world is changing at a very rapid
pace and teachers have to work and teach at that same pace to keep up with
students. Technologically, our students tend to be far
more ‘wired’ than we are, having access to various technologies (e.g. Internet,
Smartboard©, First Class Client ©) and having access
to resources to help them in their learning. By creating a set time each week, we can
learn something new, thereby equipping teachers
who are not only aware of the needs and socio-economic impact of various
resources on our students but who are also ready to
face the challenge of educating a cohort that learns differently.
MEASURABLE IMPACT AND EFFECT: All
the teachers I have spoken to indicate that they feel
enabled, refreshed and motivated after a Research
& Development session. Several have worked in school environments where
the length between R & D days was too long to allow it
to have a sustaining effect. Qualitatively, teachers are far more relaxed during R &
D and their levels of participation indicate that
there is genuine interest in achieving learning goals. Classroom visits conducted
by administration indicate that many of the suggested
strategies and learning tools are increasingly being used effectively in the classroom.
During these supervisory visits, the following areas
can be used as quantitative indicators of whether or not the learning goals for
teachers are being achieved.
1) Are lessons constructive and do they
show inclusiveness?2) Strong pedagogy:
how are lessons structured? Does the teacher appear organized and is he/she
aware of time?3) Creativity: Is this
obvious in the lesson design? Is the classroom environment welcoming and
are innovative tools being used?
4) Enthusiasm: Does the teacher show an enthusiasm for learning, for subject
area, for students?5) Presence: How does
the teacher manage the class? What expectations does he/she have for
student behaviour? Is he/she attentive to student
concerns and behaviour?
The effect of these
continuous Research & Development seminars is
that teachers are continually being encouraged and provided with the tools to
help them succeed in the classroom.
M.A
Let’s hope they can answer in the affirmative!
8 Tips For Becoming An Involved ParentI promise to:
1. GET A PLAN AND STICK TO IT.
Set a specific “quiet time” every day for homework or general reading.Collect all needed materials before starting.
2. BE A CHEERLEADER.Some children do poorly in school because they see
themselves as unworthy. For a child to feel good about learning, he must first feel good about himself. Encourage your child by praising him for his
efforts. Express interest in his school work.
3. MAKE NO EXCUSES. Avoid giving your child a reason
for making excuses. Even if you think your child will feel better if you do so, never say this sort of thing: "Some people just don't have a head for math."
Your child may think that you think she isn't able to handle a task. Success in a future job
will require your child do the best she can. You will not help your child by encouraging her to make excuses whenever it is convenient.
4. LIGHT A FIRE. Be enthusiastic! It can be contagious. Don't give the message that
homework is a boring chore. Children who do well enjoy learning.
5. MAKE LEARNING
"REAL." The best learning is hands-on. Show how school work skills are needed and used in
day-to-day life. For example, a child who
helps make a meal learns fractions, telling time, reading
and multi-step problem solving. Show your child what is under the hood when you work on the car.
6. SET THE RIGHT MOOD. Make your home a place where it is easy for your child to learn. Keep books, magazines, catalogs and writing materials
at easy reach. Make sure that your child has a place to study. This could be in the child’s room, in the kitchen, or in another place where the
lighting is good, and it’s quiet.
Be near enough to answer questions that your child has.
Limit your child's TV viewing to no more than 5 hours per week. Suggest programs that have useful tie-ins to schoolwork, such as shows about history,
computers or animal life. Discuss these shows with your child. Help him see the connection to his school work.
7. ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT GROWTH. Eventually a child must take charge of her own learning.
This means that it is important for you to "let go" when your child pursues hobbies and starts reading for her own enjoyment.
One way to encourage independent growth is to maintain the daily "quiet time" even during vacations and
weekends. Introducing your
child to hobbies, even something as simple as reading the baseball box scores in the
sports section of your newspaper, is a good way to make non-homework learning fun.
8. USE THE SCHOOL. Get to know your child's
teachers and what they expect. Compare your goals for your child to those of the teachers.
Make sure that your child knows of your interest in his school. This will send the message that what he is doing is important.
Tell teachers of special events, such as a recent family death,
divorce or move, that may influence how your child does in school.
Remember there is no
substitute for being an involved parent!
* Your child has a hard time
staying with one thing—both at home and at school.
* Your child is doing well in many areas, but has one area that is very
difficult. For example, she always gets B’s in reading and writing, but is doing poorly in math.
* Your child is repeatedly “in
trouble” - for disrupting class, not completing in-class work, or fighting at school.
* Your child reports that no one at
school “likes her,” and seems to have no real friends.
* You know your child could do
better, but he “just doesn’t apply himself” or “is just lazy.”
* Your child complains that she cannot see the board clearly.
* Your child has great difficulty writing. For example, he can tell you
what he wants to write, but can’t seem to get it on paper.
*Your child’s handwriting is very poor, and does not improve.
* Homework time has become a
battle at home.
* You have a feeling that
“something” is getting in the way of your child’s doing his best.
Talk to your child’s teacher. If it is a problem that needs attention, she has probably seen it too, and together, you can both work to make your child a successful learner!
Is your child not coping? How to spot the signs.
What is a Learning Disability? Excerpted from
www.medincinenet.com
‘Learning disability’ is a general term that describes specific kinds of learning problems. A learning disability can cause a person to have trouble learning and using certain skills. The skills most often affected are:
reading,writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, and doing math
Learning disabilities (LD) vary from person to person. One person with learning disabilities may not have the same kind of learning problems as another person with learning disabilities. One person may have trouble with reading and writing. Another person with learning disabilities may have problems with understanding math. Still another person may have trouble in each of these areas, as well as with understanding what people are saying.
Researchers think that learning disabilities are caused by differences in how a person's brain works and how it processes information. Children with learning disabilities are not "dumb" or "lazy." In fact, they usually have average or above average intelligence. Their brains just process information differently.
The definition of "learning disability" just below comes from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA is the U.S federal law that guides how schools provide special education and related services to children with disabilities.
There is no "cure" for learning disabilities. They are life-long. However, children with learning disabilities can be high achievers and can be taught ways to get around the learning disability. With the right help, children with learning disabilities can and do learn successfully.
IDEA's Definition of "Learning Disability" :
". . . a disorder in one or
more of the basic
psychological processes
involved in understanding or
in using language, spoken or
written, that may manifest
itself in an imperfect ability to
listen, think, speak, read,
write, spell, or do
mathematical calculations,
including conditions such as
perceptual disabilities, brain
injury, minimal brain
dysfunction, dyslexia, and
developmental aphasia."
However, learning disabilities do not include, "...learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage."
So with knowledge of what a learning disability is, how can a parent tell if a child is symptomatic?
What is a Learning Disability continued...There is no one sign that
shows a person has a learning disability. Experts look for a noticeable difference between how well a child does in school and how well he or she could do, given his or her intelligence or ability. There are also certain clues that may mean a child has a learning disability. We've listed a few below. Most relate to elementary school tasks, because learning disabilities tend to be identified in elementary school. A child probably won't show all of these signs, or even most of them. However, if a child shows a number of these problems, then parents and the teacher should consider the possibility that the child has a learning disability.
When a child has a learning disability, he or she:
* may have trouble learning the alphabet, rhyming words, or connecting letters to their sounds;
* may make many mistakes when reading aloud, and repeat and pause often;
* may not understand what he or she reads;
* may have real trouble with spelling;
* may have very messy handwriting or hold a pencil awkwardly;
* may struggle to express ideas in writing;
* may learn language late and have a limited vocabulary;
* may have trouble remembering the sounds that letters make or hearing slight differences between words;
* may have trouble understanding jokes, comic strips, and sarcasm;
* may have trouble following directions;
* may mispronounce words or use a wrong word that sounds similar;
* may have trouble organizing what he or she wants to say or not be able to think of the word he or she needs for writing or conversation;
* may not follow the social rules of conversation, such as taking turns, and may stand too close to the listener;
* may confuse math symbols and misread numbers;
* may not be able to retell a story in order (what happened first, second, third); or
* may not know where to begin a task or how to go on from there.
If a child has unexpected problems learning to read, write, listen, speak, or do math, then teachers and parents may want to investigate more. The same is true if the child is struggling to do any one of these skills. The child may need to be evaluated to see if he or she has a learning disability.
Is there any treatment for learning disabilities?
The most common treatment for learning disabilities is special education. Specially trained educators may perform a diagnostic educational evaluation assessing the child's academic and intellectual potential and level of academic performance. Once the evaluation is complete, the basic approach is to teach learning skills by building on the child's abilities and strengths while correcting and compensating for disabilities and weaknesses. Other professionals such as speech and language therapists also may be involved. Some medications may be effective in helping the child learn by enhancing attention and concentration. Psychological therapies may also be used.
www.medicinenet.com
Choosing The Right UniversityA British Perspective...
Excerpted from www.thecompleteuniversit
yguide.co.uk
The chances of finding a
perfect match can be a challenge despite over 150
universities and university-level higher education colleges in the UK and the
wide range of courses available. You will almost
certainly need to decide what is most important to you.
Do you want the best course or one that is
quite good but offers the options you really want?
Do you want the ideal
work
placement or the course with the least continuous
assessment?It is all a matter of
priorities which you feel are
important for you, after all you will be the one who has
to study on the course and you maybe living there for over 3 years or more.
So choosing the the right course at the right
university for you will require some work.
The more research you
put into the process the more you will get out of
the final decision because you will know
you have done your
homework.A happy student makes
for happy lecturers and happy parents.
Once you have done all
the reading, visiting and talking you can complete
your UCAS application in the full knowledge that
you have made a
fully informed choice that you
are happy with.It is good
experience for life
and future job applications.
This will then free you up
to focus on your studies and ensure that you hit the
grades which will actually get you to your university and your course of choice.
So how do you go about choosing a university?
For some, the choice of subject and type of course
will narrow down the number of possible universities to just a few.
If you want to study veterinary science, there are
only seven places you can go in the UK.
If you want to study
Burmese, there is only one.For many, though,
particularly if you are interested in one of the major subjects such as
English, chemistry, law or
mechanical engineering, there may be 30 or more
similar courses so do your homework.
It is costly to change
courses or change universities, let alone
difficult to break the news to your parents and friends.
Research into the
reasons why students leave universities early in the
course often finds that choosing the wrong course was an important factor.
It is crucial to do good research and decide
carefully. When the decision is made, stick with it, do your work and watch the
rewards come in.
All the best!
Spotlight on ‘The University Years’ University of East London, United Kingdom
The University of East London (UEL) is a global
learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-
wide. Our vision is to be an enterprising, international
university bringing transformational opportunities to individuals,
communities and businesses in our region,
through diversity, partnership and excellence in teaching and research.
We’re a global learning community, proud of our
diversity, with a worldwide alumni network of over
37,000 members.
Students at UEL don’t
conform to the usual stereotypes. Many of our
students are from non-traditional backgrounds. Many are over-21 on entry,
and many are the first in their families to attend
university.This diversity of
background, cultures and
life experience enriches student life not just in the
classrooms and seminars, and also on campus.
UEL is also a leader in the field of distance learning, and as such one of
the top three providers of e-learning and distance
learning programmes in the UK.
Rockson Atakole (2006
MSc Public Health) is the group representative for the
Ghanaian alumni group and can be reached at [email protected]
University of East LondonStratford Campus, Water Lane
London E15 4LZ
Tel: +44 (0)20 8223 3333
Email: [email protected]
Spotlight on ‘The University Years’ Ashesi University College, Ghana
Ashesi University is a coeducational institution
whose goal is to educate African leaders of exceptional integrity and
professional ability. By raising the bar for higher
education in Ghana we aim to make a significant contribution towards a
renaissance in Africa.The university, which
began instruction in March 2002 with a pioneer class of 30 students, has quickly
gained a reputation for
innovation and quality education in Ghana.
Ashesi is the first university in Ghana to adopt and blend the Liberal Arts
method of education with majors in Computer
Science, Management Information Systems and Business Administration.
The university is anindependent, private,
not-for-profit institution. Our Faculty are world-class:
Full time faculty: 19Adjunct faculty: 10 per
semesterFaculty Interns: 10 per semester
Visiting Faculty: 1 Fulbright Scholar currently in
residenceAdministrative Staff: 40
Ashesi University College is
accredited by The National Accreditation Board of
Ghana.
Ashesi University CollegePMB CT 3, Cantonments,
Accra, Ghana Phone: +233.302.610.330 Fax: +233.302.610.340
www.ashesi.edu.gh
Spotlight on ‘The University Years’ Redeemer University College, Canada
We’re an undergraduate
university that is known for providing a quality liberal arts and sciences university
education and fostering a spiritually vibrant and caring
community of learning on a beautiful and environmentally friendly
campus.We’re also recognized
for the scholarship and creative activity of our qualified faculty and the
interesting and engaging academic, artistic, athletic,
musical and theatrical events that we sponsor as
part of our mission of
Christ-centred teaching, research and service to the wider community.
Our academic programs in the fine arts, humanities,
sciences and social sciences, as well as in business and teacher
education, are taught in the context of a commitment to
a comprehensive vision of Christ’s lordship and redemptive work. We seek
to give expression to this commitment in all the
programs and support services of the university.
Small classes and a low
student-faculty ratio allow students to be mentored by faculty. Experiential and
cooperative education programs enrich the
educational experience, while off-campus programs allow students to
experience different cultures. Professional and
dedicated staff encourage student development in a variety of co-curricular
programs.
Discover All Things In Him...
Redeemer University College 777 Garner Road East
Ancaster, ON L9K 1J4 905.648.2131 | 877.779.0913
www.redeemer.ca
Athabasca University Student AwardsCarleton University Entrance ScholarshipsCentennial College Academic Scholarships
Concordia University International AwardsConestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning ScholarshipsDalhousie University Entrance ScholarshipsDeVry Institute of Technology ScholarshipsEmily Carr Institute of Art and Design Financial Aid and AwardsFairleigh Dickinson University - Vancouver International Student ScholarshipsGeorge Brown - Toronto City College International Student Scholarships
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Scholarships and AwardsHuron University College International ScholarshipsILAC - International Language Academy of Canada Scholarships for Academic Achievement King's University College at The University of Western Ontario Scholarships, Awards and BursariesLaurentian University Financial AidMemorial University Scholarships / Bursaries / Awards
Niagara College Scholarships and AwardsQueen's University ScholarshipsSheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning International Student Leadership AwardThompson Rivers University International Student Athletic Scholarship
Trent University Finances and ScholarshipsUniversity of Alberta Undergraduate Scholarships and AwardsUniversity of Calgary International Undergraduate Awards
University of Lethbridge Scholarships for International StudentsUniversity of Manitoba Scholarships and Bursaries
University of Ontario Institute of Technology Global Leadership AwardUniversity of Regina Scholarships and Awards
University of Saskatchewan Scholarships for International StudentsUniversity of Toronto ScholarshipsUniversity of Waterloo Entrance ScholarshipsUniversity of Western Ontario Student Financial ServicesUniversity of Winnipeg ScholarshipsVancouver Island University (formally Malaspina University College) International Student ScholarshipsYork University Scholarships for International Students
ONE STOP SHOP FOR CANADIAN UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Deciding on which university is right for you can sometimes come down to how much money it’s going to cost you. Below is a clickable, quick, alphabetical list of universities and the links to their scholarship pages. (Since hyperlinks change often, don’t be discouraged if you click to a dead end...there are many
more to look through!)
Kente Publishing’s Summer Offerings Conniving Mother-in-laws, oil deals gone wrong, sassy heroines who try to navigate the
blending of their Ghanaian heritage with foreign upbringing…its all in here! Boy heroes who go into space and walk on water? …Well, that’s all here too!
SILVERBIRD LIFESTYLE STORE
Accra Mall (Upstairs)
For more information (024) 176 3626
Read more!
Kente Publishing
JUNE 2012
Best In ClassTHE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION
