Renowned academic Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann has called on educators to rethink traditional teaching approaches, suggesting that declining lecture attendance reflects a rapidly evolving learning environment rather than student indiscipline.
In a viral video shared on X by Thevokofficial on April 6, 2026, Prof Kaufmann questioned the concerns raised by lecturers over students missing classes. She argued that the focus should be on the value delivered in the classroom.
She emphasized that educators should first determine whether students who skip lectures are still able to succeed in their examinations. If they can, she noted, it raises important questions about the relevance and effectiveness of conventional teaching methods.
“Have you considered that we are in a different world now?” she asked, highlighting that many students increasingly turn to online platforms to access high-quality instruction from some of the best professors globally.
Prof Kaufmann also pointed out that many students already hold certifications in subjects being taught at universities, having gained knowledge through digital learning channels. Consequently, students now expect lectures to offer additional value beyond what is readily available online.
“When they come to your class, they want to see value addition,” she stated, urging lecturers to adopt more engaging and practical approaches to encourage participation.
She further observed that many young people are proactively building skills outside the traditional classroom to remain competitive in today’s global job market.
Prof Kaufmann called for a broader shift within the education system, stressing the need for adjustments from both educators and learners, as well as the creation of an ecosystem that recognises and rewards practical outputs.
