Human resource development and its contribution to teaching and learning in the Tamale Polytechnic

Abstract

Human resource development is a combination of training and education that ensure the continuous improvement and growth of both the individual and the organisation. Human resource development which builds personnel capacities to handle various technical and managerial activities in most institutions in Ghana has been a source of worry. The study examined human resource development and its contribution to teaching and learning in the Tamale Polytechnic. Primary data were collected from 120 respondents using questionnaires while secondary data were sourced from books, journals and official documents. Purposive sampling and a descriptive research design was employed to get target group of 20 management and 100 teaching staff. Data were analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS 16.0).The research revealed that, training needs assessment was virtually non-existent in the Polytechnic. The type of training programmes organised for the teaching staff were not targeted at addressing specific skills gap needs of staff in the performance of their duties. Training needs were not organised regularly. HRD unearth individual potentials and capacity for enhanced performance. Human resource development enriches teaching skills and competencies as well as introduces new ideas into teaching and learning. It has been recommended that training needs assessment be conducted by management to inform teaching and learning. Secondly, management should develop coherent HRD policies that define a complete presentation of possible training and development activities for all categories of staff.