This paper outlines research undertaken during a study visit to The Gambia (2008) and our thinking about the value of this, and other such visits for education students. The qualitative methodology made use of interviews and reflective journals. We argue that such visits may have the power to transform peoples' values and, drawing on literature on…

This profile, in outline form, of the English language teaching situation in the Gambia discusses the role of English within Gambian society and within the educational system. The status of English as the only official language is noted, and its use as medium of instruction at the primary, secondary and teacher-training levels is examined. The…

During colonial times, education in Africa was based on the European system of education, and the European languages remained the only languages taught in schools. These languages were often taught by poorly trained teachers who passed their errors on to students. Major policy revisions and modifications in language education, teacher training,…

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) met with West African Commonwealth countries to furnish participants with information about the reasons for establishment of COL, its objectives, functions, and structure. Participants for the meeting came from The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. Opening sessions focused on COL and distance education as the…