“The God Sent Wonder” lecturer: Dr. Aborampah Amoah-Mensah
Dr. Aborampah is a hardworking, intelligent and unique lecturer. He stands out among all the lecturers who have taught us from levels 100 to 400. He is one lecturer who has impacted the lives of many students through the following:
1. Innovative Teaching Methods
He is an innovative lecturer who knows what method to apply depending on the circumstances prevailing in class. His combination of both pedagogical and andragogy approaches makes his teaching styles unique. He insists on class participation. He learns from students and students also learn from him. As he terms it, when you chop off the head of a snake and the tail is just a string, meaning, he does not beat about the bush—–he goes straight to the salient points and leaves the chaff. Thus, he summarizes the main pointsto enable students have an in-depth understanding of the topic. What surprises the class is that he does not fumble and beat about the bush. He has unique abilities to answer any question and he compels students to ask questions by pointing at anyone. His normal adage is“when you are taught by me and you do not understand, then consult your pastors, mallams or soothsayers to know your destiny”. In fact, he descendsso low to the level of the class that his class is always full. Students are eager to be present. If you miss his class, in fact you have missed a lot. He is one of the lecturers who complete their course outlines very early.
2. Motivation of Class
Dr. Aborampah knows what to do to keep the class ‘alive’. He spurs on the class by praising students, sharing jokes or educating students about general issues within and outside Ghana, such as, general current affairs, economic, geographic, religious, socialand cultural. For example, he educates the class about a group in India, Amazon Forest and Africa who do not wear clothes. He also tells a history about towns such as Elmina, Asebu, Moree and Kormantse, He educates the class about ethnic groups such as Akwamu, Guans and Asantes.
3. Instills Discipline in Class
He is one lecturer who instills discipline in students. The class pays particular attention when he is teaching and there is no interruption whatsoever. Though, he instills discipline in the class, students have the liberty to contribute or participate in class discussions. He insists that the class abhors unproductive activities and behaviours in order to ensure effective teaching and learning.
4. Ensures Decency and Modesty in Dressing
He avers that decency and modesty are religious and societal cardinal principals. Men and women should not wear any dress that is obscene, outrageous or suggestive. Also, the corporate world expects studentsto dress decently and modestly in order not to attract a lot of attention. Dr. Aborampah adds that students are not to show opulence and extravagance in school.
5. Application of What is Being Taught
Dr. Aborampah insists that students should apply the theoretical issues that they are taught in real worldsituations. His usual proverb is “asem reba a, franka nsi so” which literally translates, “solutions to problems are not predetermined unless they occur”. These are manifested in his examples, assignments and examination questions.
6. Time Management
Time management is very important to business students. You cannot attend Dr. Aborampah’s class late. What about submission of assignments and appointments with him.? If one is to submit anassignment at 9am prompt and one is late a second, do not dare to submit it because it will not be accepted. In addition, if one is to meet him at 2pm, one should be there before or exactly at 2pm. No excuses areaccepted for attending classes, submission of assignments and appointments late. It has changed out attitude to time. No more Ghana time.
8. Assignments
Dr. Aborampah is the master of assignments in the entire School of Business. He does not organize quizzes. In fact, assignments should be promptlydelivered. Assignments are like “wͻfa nanti kuro, wo mia a, εyε ne ya, sε wͻ a mia nso a εkuro be tu no”,which literally translates, when you are dressing the sore of a nephew, it is painful but if you do not dress italso, the leg will rot. The class has gained a lot doing assignments. The following reasons are used to buttress our points:
a. Assignments have increased our typing speed. Some of us previously type at a snail’s pace but doing theassignments, our speed in typing has increased;
b. They have also improved our research skills. It is easier for us now to search for information and identifythe cogent or important points for our assignments, report writing and class presentations;
c. Testimonies of our predecessors show that those working in organizations as well as those pursuing further studies abroad have no problems at all with the mounting pressure writing reports or doing assignments. Whilst students from other universities even in Ghana are struggling to do their assignments, those who have passed through the hands of Dr. Aborampah have little or no difficulty at all; and
d. Students are able to remember what they researchedabout and thereby improving their performance in all courses.
9. Public Speaking
One attribute of Dr. Aborampah is to inculcate the habit of public speaking in students. He calls students at random to ask questions in front of the class, an approach, students have appreciated especially those who are introverts. This enables students to overcome their fears as they faced crowd and increase their confidence level to avoid shivering, speaking too fast and fidgeting.
10. Dr Aborampah is a Students’ Friendly Lecturer
He is very ‘aggressive’ in class but very friendly when you meet him outside or in his office. He is one lecturer who gives students attention in and outside the classroom. He demonstrates this by greeting students, asking about their general wellbeing, listening to their problems and helping them to find solutions.
11. Solving the Divine Biblical Equation 1+1=1(Genesis 2:21-24)
This Biblical equation is the one which is called the last straw that broke the camel’s back. This mathematical equation has been a mystery to many Christians and of course non-Christians in general for centuries but God in his own wisdom gave Dr. Aborampah the wisdom to solve this equation.
