Neglecting Quality Assurance Practices in Colleges of Education in Ghana is too Expensive to Attempt: Analysis of Sociological Variables

Abstract

This study sought to find out the state of the structures of quality assurance practices in Colleges of Education in Ghana. It specifically explored the sociological variables and the challenges associated with ensuring quality assurance practices in the management of the Colleges of Education. The design for the research was non experimental descriptive survey and data were gathered through the use of questionnaires. There were 3 sets of questionnaires one for each group namely principals, tutors and students of five colleges of education. Each of the questionnaires were validated and their reliability tested with a Cronbach’s co efficient alpha of 0.829 for the students and 0.914 for the tutors. The results were an indication of good reliability estimate. In all, 5 principals, 180 tutors and 1,153 students were given the questionnaires. Findings from the study suggested that students admitted to the Colleges enter with poor grades. The libraries are also not well-equipped for students and tutors to support quality teaching and learning. The study also found out that the professional experience of tutors in the Colleges was excellent. Based on the findings, it is recommended that, firstly, admissions should be based on the Ghana Tertiary Education (GTEC) requirements for tertiary institutions. Secondly, principals should be encouraged to attend institutional management courses to improve upon their management styles. Thirdly, adequate financial resources should be allocated to the Library so that current books, journals and reference books can be purchased to improve teaching and learning. Fourthly, quality assurance units should be established in the Colleges to ensure quality.