A lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences Education, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Taiwo Yusuf, has advised lecturers to assume the role of counsellor, caring for the psychological and emotional needs of students.

Ms Yusuf made the call in her paper presentation at the 271st Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled: “Navigating the Nexus of Teacher Education, Curriculum Development and Social Studies.”

The don, who teaches in the Faculty of Education of the university, explained that such a practical role would help students improve poor grades in their courses.

Similarly, she observed the need for teacher education to include the training in emotional intelligence to equip prospective teachers with the skills to regulate their emotions and build healthy relationships with their students.

“As Social Studies teachers, they can help students comprehend how to discuss social issues, interact better, and employ emotional intelligence in all their dealings,” she said.

The expert examined how school factors of class size, teachers workload and qualifications impacted performance in examinations.

Ms Yusuf said, “These schools and teachers’ variables were related to classroom teaching and the extent each of these variables impacted learners. The results indicated these variables, such as class size, teacher workload and qualifications, influenced the performance of students in their examinations.”

She therefore advocated for a ratio of one teacher to 35 students in classes.

The don advised the federal government to integrate ICT training as part of the pre-service teacher education programme in Nigeria.

Ms Yusuf explained that such an initiative would prepare future teachers to effectively use technology in their classrooms.

She observed the need for teacher-education curricula to be designed to incorporate ICT tools and resources so that teachers could make them an integral part of the teaching and learning process.

“There is a need to provide schools with adequate ICT resources, including internet facilities and digital resources so that teachers can integrate them in their instructions,’’ she stated.

Ms Yusuf also underscored the importance of artificial intelligence in education, particularly in the development of teacher education and enhancing community development in sub-Saharan Africa.

(NAN)