Browsing by Author "Biney, Robert Kwaku"

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    A bookcraft manual for schools
    (1991) Biney, Robert Kwaku
    The teaching of bookcraft in schools and colleges has suffered many setbacks Teachers have blamed the dwindling interest in book- craft on the scantiness of government grants voted for visual arts in schools and colleges. This situation has affected the teaching of bookcraft. But there is sufficient evidence that materials for book- craft can be procured or acquired cheaply within the local environment. Tools and equipment can be adopted from local resources. It is sad to observe that even those few art masters who profess to teach bookcraft have lost touch with the methodology due to long periods of inactivity. The researcher is of the opinion that the best approach in resolving the problem is to design a manual that will deal with the acquisition of materials and their preparation for use. It should also explore the environment for tools and equipment and how to adapt them. Such a manual should also deal with a step-by-step methodology on bookcraft. Much of the success of the teaching of bookcraft rests with the teacher. He must disabuse his mind of the idea that only imported materials and equipment facilitate effective teaching and mastery of skills. The ability to explore the environment and solve problems associated with materials and tools is in itself creative. Various methodologies have been identified and analysed but only those that fall within the capabilities of the Junior and Secondary School student have been included in the scheme of work suggested. It has also taken cognisance of the materials and tools available locally in the design of the manual. It should be able to provide the fundamentals which after the six years of secondary school course can make the student competent to enter into the book binding trade or pursue an advanced course in the craft. The manual shall find readership among teachers, students and all those actively engaged in the book binding trade. Those who want to carry the functionality of bookcraft further to its aesthetic heights shall find the manual an invaluable companion.