William V. S. Tubman University has intensified efforts to improve teaching, research and professional practice through a three-day faculty refresher workshop that brought together 106 instructors from across the institution.
The training, held August 18–20, brought together faculty from the university’s six colleges and Access College Program. It focused on modern teaching methodologies, academic integrity, research, examination management, professional ethics, mental well-being and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
University authorities said the initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen faculty capacity at the beginning of each academic semester and ensure instructors remain equipped to meet the changing demands of higher education.
Osman B. Moigua, Director for Standards for Teaching and Learning, said continuous professional development is essential to maintaining effective teaching standards.
“When we strengthen our lecturers, we also strengthen our classrooms. When we strengthen our classrooms, we strengthen our students. When we strengthen our students, we also strengthen our university, and when we strengthen our university, we strengthen our society,” Moigua said.
Frank Sio Doe, a mathematics instructor at the Dr. Elizabeth Davies Russell College of Education, described the workshop as an important opportunity for faculty members to review teaching approaches and share professional experiences.
“It is very good to come together for each faculty member to share their experience during the refresher workshop,” Doe said.
Academic integrity was a major component of the training, with faculty introduced to Turnitin, a plagiarism-detection platform designed to promote originality in academic work. Sessions also covered Tubman University’s Research Policy and electronic academic resources, including EBSCO.
Dominic L. Miller, a faculty member of the College of Education, said continuous professional development helps instructors remain effective. He described the university’s approach as a “trickle-down effect,” whereby knowledge gained by individual faculty members through conferences and professional programs is shared with colleagues and ultimately benefits students.
The workshop also examined the responsible use of artificial intelligence in teaching and administration. Dr. Tukunlane Benson and Abraham W. Z. Amaning facilitated discussions on using AI ethically while maintaining academic integrity and professional standards.
Teaching methodologies and assessment were also addressed. Faculty members examined competency-based curricula, effective examination management and strategies for supporting students transitioning from secondary school to university.
The training further covered professional ethics, collegial conduct, stress management, mental well-being and work-life balance.
Mrs. Temitope Esther Olajide of the College of Arts and Sciences said subject-matter expertise alone does not always guarantee effective teaching, emphasizing the importance of modern pedagogical approaches in developing students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
At the closing ceremony, Mrs. Neonora Ade Barclay of the Access College Program praised the administration for organizing the training, describing it as the beginning of a “new era” for the university’s faculty.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Professor Maria Fe D. Gueta thanked the administration for supporting the Division for Academic Affairs and pledged continued advocacy for resources needed to strengthen teaching and learning.
University authorities said strengthening faculty capacity is expected to improve classroom instruction, student learning, research quality and Tubman University’s contribution to Liberia’s national development.
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