The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) has successfully concluded its first-ever Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW), a four-day professional development programme designed to strengthen the teaching skills of faculty and enhance student learning outcomes. The Instructional Skills Workshop is an internationally certified programme renowned for its peer-based model, designed to refine teaching practices and improve student engagement and success. The sessions were held on 11th, 15th, 16th, and 17th September 2025 at the University in Wa.
Bringing together ten participants from eight faculties and schools, the workshop created a vibrant, collaborative environment where educators engaged in hands-on learning, peer feedback, and reflective practice, the hallmarks of the internationally recognised ISW model. “This first cohort was truly exceptional. Their dedication to reflective practice and their support for one another created a powerful learning community,” said Professor Kenneth Peprah, Lead ISW Facilitator. “We witnessed remarkable growth in each participant’s confidence and instructional skills over the four days. This investment in our educators directly enriches the academic experience of our students.”
Participants designed and delivered short lessons while receiving constructive feedback from peers and facilitators. Key areas covered included: writing clear and measurable learning objectives; incorporating active learning techniques; designing inclusive and accessible lesson plans; strengthening facilitation and presentation skills and using formative assessment to gauge understanding.
“The peer feedback process was invaluable. I leave this workshop with a renewed passion for teaching and strategies I can apply immediately,” said Ewurah Suleman Kandia Mahama, a participant. Dr. Robert Yakubu Adjuik added that the workshop provided “a rare space to experiment, reflect, and grow as an educator within a truly supportive team.”
Certificates were awarded to: Mohammed Abdul-Basit, Yussif Rahamata, Dr Thomas Azagsia Agana, Dr Dennis Kamaanaa Sumbo, Dr Robert Yakubu Adjuik, Rashid Dadulilahi Ishmail, Abdul-Moomin Adams, Ewurah Suleman Kandia Mahama, Sherif Issahaque, and Faustina Nankuri.
Facilitators included Prof. Kenneth Peprah, Prof. Dennis Puorideme, Prof. Raymond Aabeyir, and Dr. Samson A. Aziabah. Backstopping the facilitation were two ISW trainers: Dr Gillian Grose and Dr Cynthia Korpan, volunteers of Academic Without Borders.
The success of this maiden ISW underscores SDD-UBIDS’s commitment to teaching excellence and faculty development. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the University plans to host additional ISW sessions in upcoming academic terms.
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Issued by:
Directorate of University Relations
Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS)
Wa, Upper West Region
www.ubids.edu.gh