Title:
FACTORS AFFECTING TEACHING, LEARNING AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF GRAPHIC DESIGN TECHNOLOGY: TAKORADI TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY – GHANA

Authors:
Eric Kwadwo Amissah (PhD),Ghana

Abstract:
This study was carried out to evaluate factors affecting teaching, learning and academic performance of the Graphic Design Students in the Department of Graphic Design Technology, Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology, Takoradi Technical University in Ghana. The objectives of the study were to identify the factors and analyse their effect on teaching, learning and academic performance of the Graphic Design Students. An expert purposive sampling method was employed. The research design employed was qualitative since the nature of this study is dependent solely on a wide range of observations, document reviews, verbal data from experienced, course lecturers and experts well-knowledgeable in Graphic Design and Students. Data for this study were collected from two key sources, namely: primary sources through interaction and observation and secondary sources through literary sources. Thematic and descriptive analyses were employed to present and analyse the data. The study concluded that lack of adequate spacious studios, laboratories equipped with state of the art equipment, materials, Course Lecturers and Technicians who are experts in their areas of specializations are the key factors affecting teaching, learning and academic performance of the Graphic Design Students. The study recommended that Takoradi Technical University Governing Council, in collaboration with the Takoradi Technical University Management should resource the Department of Graphic Design Technology with spacious studios and laboratories, equipped with state of the art equipment and materials, provide modern printing equipment to aid in acquisition of hands-on skills, competences and managerial aptitudes by the students, offer employment to Course Lecturers and Technicians who are experts in their areas of specialization and source funding from the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Education in order to augment Takoradi Technical University’s effort in the provision of adequate material, physical and human resources needed to train Graphic Design Students holistically to improve their academic performance.