Ghana: A Baseline Study of the Teacher Education System (CIE, 2000, 67 p.): Chapter 1: Basic Education in Ghana: An Overview: 1.1 Introduction

Ghana: A Baseline Study of the Teacher Education System (CIE, 2000, 67 p.)

Chapter 1: Basic Education in Ghana: An Overview

		1.1 Introduction
		1.2 National Indicators
		1.3 Recent History of the Basic Education System
		1.4 Structure and Characteristics of Basic Education
		1.5 Participation in Basic Education
		1.6 Pupil-Teacher Ratios
		1.7 The Quality of Basic Education
		1.8 Education Expenditure
		1.9 Teachers
		1.10 Conclusion

1.1 Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of basic education in Ghana. It describes the structure of basic education, trends in enrolment and participation, patterns of expenditure across educational levels, and key policy reforms. Issues concerning the quality of teaching and learning are discussed highlighting the importance of teachers and teacher education. The background information contained in this chapter informs the critical analysis of the Ghanaian teacher education system in subsequent chapters, and, in particular, an evaluation of its role in the development and improvement of basic education.