The Head of the Department of Human Resource Management at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Yaw Oppong, has charged distance education students to pursue soft skills to prepare them adequately for the job market.
According to him, academic qualification was important, but he was quick to add that the acquisition of soft skills would help increase their chances of employment ahead of their colleagues.
Prof. Yaw Oppong speaking at the event
Prof. Oppong was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 15th Annual Delegates Congress of the Distance Education Students Association (DESAG) held at the School of Medical Sciences Auditorium-UCC.
The two-day congress was on the theme: " Unleashing Potential: Empowering Distance Students with Soft Skills for Success in a Contemporary World.”
According to him, skills like critical thinking, creative thinking, social and interpersonal would shape their life for the forseable future.
He appealed to the management of the College of Distance Education (CoDE) to review its curriculum to include 21st century skills not only in course outlines, but also in context and delivery.
Prof. Oppong asked the College to engage industry players to develop specific topics and skills development applications.
The Head of Department implored CoDE to incorporate case studies that stimulate critical thinking, problem solving , generation of ideas and decision making.
The Provost of the College, Prof. Anokye Mohammed Adam, welcomed the delegates and urged aspirants to conduct their campaigns with civility to win the hearts and votes of the voters.
He announced that the College's Board had endorsed a proposal for assessment method that would integrate 21st century skills.
Prof. Anokye Mohammed Adam addressing the congress
" Effective 2022/23 Academic Year, Continuous Assessment will include one quiz and mandatory group presentation," he continued.
The Provost observed that CoDE was putting measures in place to rectify Incomplete (IC) results for project work and teaching practice for affected students.
Prof. Adam pointed out that UCC through the Teaching Practice Unit had developed a platform for onsight computation of scores.
He explained that video lecture recordings for all modules were ready and available for use and would be accessible both online and offline soon.
A section of delegates at the congress
The Provost indicated that CoDE was working assiduously to introduce doctoral programmes.
Prof. Adam Implored aspirants to be measured with their electoral promises and wished the Congress a success.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, who chaired the ceremony, admonished students to demonstrate discipline, hardwork, and commitment towards academic activities to achieve their goals.
Prof. Rosemond Boohene delivering her address at the congress
She urged them to dream big and aspire for greatness irrespective of their background, saying " Beyond the sky is the students limit".
