According to Education Minister Dr. Habibatou Drammeh, about half of the teachers at lower basic schools in The Gambia can't teach reading and math properly. She told the National Assembly that her ministry started giving extra tests to Gambia College graduates because of this problem. The tests ensure that new teachers actually know what they need to teach grades 1 through 7.
Dr. Drammeh answered questions from Latrikunda representative Yaya Sanyang, who asked why graduates need another test after finishing college. She explained that classroom checks found many teachers speak poorly when teaching lessons, make spelling mistakes, miss punctuation marks, and format letters and essays incorrectly when teaching writing.
The minister, who used to work at UTG as director of student affairs, called the new testing system "bold, timely, and necessary." She believes teachers play a key role in shaping the country's future, which means they must meet certain standards before teaching children. The extra test works with Gambia College to keep teaching quality high.
Dr. Drammeh answered questions from Latrikunda representative Yaya Sanyang, who asked why graduates need another test after finishing college. She explained that classroom checks found many teachers speak poorly when teaching lessons, make spelling mistakes, miss punctuation marks, and format letters and essays incorrectly when teaching writing.
The minister, who used to work at UTG as director of student affairs, called the new testing system "bold, timely, and necessary." She believes teachers play a key role in shaping the country's future, which means they must meet certain standards before teaching children. The extra test works with Gambia College to keep teaching quality high.
