Education Must Move Beyond Memorization in the Age of AI, Say Experts

Genevieve Mensah / September 29, 2025

Education experts Anis Haffar and Dr. Nefertiti Puplampu say artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education and must drive a shift from rote memorization to problem-solving and innovation. Speaking on Springboard your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Haffar explained that AI has made the old model of cramming facts obsolete. “We don’t need to memorize information anymore. AI gives us the information we need, but we must know how to articulate our needs and use it meaningfully. The students must now be in the driver’s seat,” he said. He pointed to learner-led education models such as the International Baccalaureate, which require students to apply creativity, activity, and service to real-world challenges. “Education must have an application component. At the end of the day, your degree is the solution or service you provide that makes life easier for others,” he added. Dr. Puplampu, Head of the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning, highlighted the urgent need to align curricula with industry and societal demands. She warned that while students are adapting quickly to new technologies, many educators are struggling to keep pace. “The pace of change is so fast that the same person who started teaching under one model is now being required to adjust to new demands. If educators and policymakers don’t retool, the system will reject innovation,” she said. She further explained that learner-centered methods not only improve retention but also empower students to lead. “When students are given the chance to teach, apply concepts, and engage in real-world projects, retention rates can reach as high as 90 percent. It’s not about teachers knowing everything anymore. It’s about creating environments where students can think critically and solve problems,” she noted. Both speakers agreed that AI should be seen as an enabler, not a threat. According to Dr. Puplampu, AI-driven tools can help teachers personalize instruction and scale innovative teaching models globally. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. By Genevieve Mensah

We’ve Trained Young Minds to Pass Exams, Not to Engage with the Real World – Kow Aboagye-Ghunney.

Biology and Integrated Science teacher at West Africa Senior High School, Kow Aboagye-Ghunney, says Ghana’s education system must shift from theory-based learning to practical experiences that prepare students for real-life challenges. “We teach these children how to grow crops, and they come out and pass their exams, but if you put them beside a tomato plant, they can’t identify it,” he said. “I want to be part of the change I want to see.” Mr. Aboagye-Ghunney made the remarks during an interview on Ghana Grows Edwuma with host Yaa Bitha. The episode focused on how he introduced climate-smart farming into classroom instruction by starting a school farm that teaches students modern, hands-on agricultural practices. The farm, supported by the school’s leadership and staff, uses drip irrigation, plastic mulch, and power tillers in place of traditional hoes and watering cans. Students also receive training on installing irrigation systems and learn the theory behind using drones for pesticide application. “The students know how to prepare land using hand tractors. Nobody holds a hoe here. That’s what puts many young people off Agric, the hard labour,” he explained. He added that exposing students to safe and modern farming practices could help shift mindsets and career choices. “I hope that when they grow up, they’ll choose this path and produce safer food for us all,” he added. About Ghana Grows Edwuma Ghana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah