ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Participation and benefits of continuing professional development (CPD) among public basic school teachers in Nkwanta North District

This study focused on continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers in the Nkwanta North District. The objectives are to examine the frequency at which basic school teachers encounter the contents of CPD activities, the benefit of involving in CPD activities, the challenges teachers have with participating in CPD activities and ways to improve CPD programmes for basic school teachers in the study area. The quantitative approach was employed for this study. The population for the study was 286, and a sample size of 86 teachers. The sampling strategy employed was the simple random sampling strategy. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and the statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS v.26. The study revealed that, majority of teachers participated frequently on school leadership, guidance and career development of teachers, subject areas of specialization and classroom management to improve teacher practice. However, these CPD activities were rarely done; networks through subject specific collaborative to exchange ideas and tap into expertise of ideas from colleagues, and staff retreats to develop goals and action plans targeting specific school needs and contexts. From the teachers' perspective, the major benefits they derived from CPD activities were related to the enhancement of their prestige, improvement of their confidence in delivering lessons in the classroom, and acquisition of new knowledge. The study further revealed that, lack of trained CPD facilitators to coordinate the actions of CPD, lack of resources or budget to implement CPD, and overload the teacher were some of the challenges associated with the implementation of CPD. The study concluded that CPD programme sessions within the study area must be made and emphasise to reflect school leadership, guidance and career development of teachers, subject area specialization, classroom management and curriculum implementation in order to resonate with teachers in the study area. It is thus recommended that, CPD content be based on teachers’ professional and scientific needs, rather than reliance on pre-planned external packages.

Source: UEW
Participation of students with visual impairments in physical education activities in Wenchi Methodist Senior High School, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to find out the extent to which students with visual impairments participate in physical education activities in Wenchi Methodist Senior High School in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Data were gathered from 60 students with visual impairments and 2 physical education tutors. One-on-one interview and a closeended questionnaire were used for the data collection. Data from the questionnaire were presented on Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0 (IBM SPSS 21.0), and descriptive statistical method was used to calculate the frequency and percentages for each item-by-item analysis. The hypotheses were analyzed using the independent samples t-test. The study revealed that, students with visual impairments participated in physical education activities such as, gymnastics, ball games, athletics and physical fitness activities. Again, instruction, instructional materials and rules were adapted to suit students during physical education activities. The study further revealed that, students faced some challenges, including poor motor skills, lack of confidence, adapted materials and adapted physical environment. Again, teachers used strategies such as verbal description of words, demonstrations and peer tutoring to include students in physical education activities. Finally, human and material resources were available for students’ participation. The researcher recommends that students with visual impairments should be encouraged participate in intensive physical education activities, with adaptations made to the environment, and more opportunities provided to reduce challenges among students, where one-on-one teaching and group teaching are used as a strategies to include students and more resources provided for including students in physical education activities in the school.

Source: UEW
The participation of teachers in the implementation of integrated science curriculum to enhance students academic performance- a case of Karaga Senior High School

The main purpose of the study was to assess the participation of teachers in the implementation of integrated science curriculum to enhance students’ academic performance in the Karaga Senior High School. Descriptive research design was used for the study. Quantitative research approach was used. The population comprised of science teachers (34 science teachers) and headmasters (2 headmasters) of Karaga Senior High School. Census sampling method was used to select all the 36 respondents for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather primary data. The data collected was analysed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. The study concluded that the role headmasters and teachers play in the implementation of the integrated science curriculum were participating in curriculum planning, guiding and learning, and the position of guidance and counselors. The determinants of integrated science curriculum implementation were the teacher’s method of teaching, the teachers’ knowledge of the other disciplines, and availability of resources. The instructional methods used to improve students integrated science academic performance were laboratory/experimental method and project method. The challenges teachers face in the implementation of the integrated science curriculum were inadequate funding, inadequate social studies teachers to implement the integrated science curriculum/Manpower, poor instructional leadership, inadequate teaching and learning materials (TLMs), insufficient time allocation, and the use of poor method of teaching. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education through the Karaga district education directorate should provide adequate teaching and learning materials to facilitate the implementation of the social studies curriculum.

Source: UEW
Participation of women in the local governance Kwahu South District

Ghana as a nation has made moves to make governance structures accessible to all through decentralization. This is believed to speed development both at the national and local level notably district. Mainly, decentralization aimed at having men and women equally participate in the local governance structures and processes. But gender representation has not seen the much sought equality of men and women in these structures. Over the years, there has been a male dominance in terms of number. This study sought to investigate about the representation of women in the local governance structures in the Kwahu South District. To reach this objective, a case study looked at issues on gender equality, traced out the trends on women’s participation, challenges faced by women, looked at institutional and stakeholders’ support of women, and proposed some remedies to these hindrances. The study revealed that though a quota system reserving 30 percent of the District Assembly membership to women is in place, this has not secured the much sought equal representation in the local governance structures. Since the creation of the district in 1998, the percentage of women elected and appointed has not gone beyond the quota mentioned above. Again, the trends of women represented though showing an increase has not seen women’s presence crossing 10 percent in the assembly, its subcommittees and unit committees. Among other remedies, the study proposed an intensive education of women on developmental issues and how crucial their role is. Also, policy makers are summoned to integrate women’s concerns and gender parity in the developmental goals of the district.

Source: UEW
Participatory communication and local development- a study of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly

The study investigated the communication channels used in the governance structure of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly in its engagement with the local and community members. A qualitative approach based on the case study design was used for the investigation. Data was collected and analysed using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions; and analysis of data was conducted using the participatory communication and stakeholder theories as the theoretical framework. The in-depth interview was conducted with four Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly officials and with two Assembly members. The focus group interview on the other hand, was conducted among five groups with eight members in each group and these were people who have lived in the setting long enough and understood the phenomenon understudied. The study therefore adopted the purposive sampling techniques where the research participants were intentionally selected and they provided relevant information that met the purpose for the study. The study contends that though participatory communication is one of the channels highly recommended for use by the District Assembly actors, the process of the Assembly’s engagement with local communities lacks adequate communal participation that can effectively lead to empowerment of the local people in the governance process. This hindrance eventually leads to an undermining of local and community participation in local governance- the key to a functional decentralized government system.

Source: UEW
Participatory communication in csr a study of two oil and gas companies in Ghana

This study investigates the use of participatory communication strategies in the 2016 CSR projects of Kosmos-energy Ghana and Total Petroleum Ghana. The study examined the operationalisation of CSR in these companies and investigated the use of participatory communication strategies in CSR execution. The study was guided by the participatory communication theory and the stakeholder theory. The approach was qualitative anchored on a multiple case study of the purposively selected participants. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and documents from the two companies were also used. The study found that 2016 CSR initiative of Kosmos-energy Ghana focused on social investment and relationship building while Total Petroleum Ghana operationalisation was empowerment of local talent and responsibility. Further the study revealed that both the 2016 CSR of Kosmos-energy Ghana and Total Petroleum Ghana 2016 CSR utilised the participatory communication strategies. This research will assist organisations to understand better some of the reasons for involving local stakeholders’ when planning, executing and evaluating their CSR initiatives.

Source: UEW
Partner support and women's contraceptive use: insight from urban poor communities in Accra, Ghana

Background: Despite the benefits associated with contraceptive use, there is a low prevalence of contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana. Previous studies have partly and consistently attributed the low prevalence of contraceptive use to partner opposition. However, little is known about the influence of men in contraceptive related choices of their partners, particularly within the context of urban poverty. This study examines the influences of partners on women�s contraceptive choices. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional household survey data of 1578 currently married women and women in a union of reproductive ages 16�44�years. Women who were pregnant and those trying to be pregnant were excluded from the analysis. The dependent variables for the study were�current use of any contraceptive method, types of contraceptive methods and types of modern contraceptive methods. The independent variable for the study was a woman�s report of partner support in contraceptive related choices. A binary logistic regression model�was used to examine the associations between partner support in contraceptive related choices and contraceptive use of women. Results: The results of the study show that partner support of contraceptive related choices has a significant influence on contraceptive use of women. Women who indicated support from their partners were more likely to be current users of any contraceptive method, yet were less likely to use modern contraceptive methods. Conclusion: The study highlights the need to involve men in family planning programs and research, as well as educating them on the various contraceptive modern methods�and the side effects. � 2022, The Author(s).

Source: UEW
Patient-public engagement strategies for health system improvement in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic scoping review

Background: Actively involving patients and communities in health decisions can improve both peoples� health and the health system. One key strategy is Patient-Public Engagement (PPE). This scoping review aims to identify and describe PPE research in Sub-Saharan Africa; systematically map research to theories of PPE; and identify knowledge gaps to inform future research and PPE development. Methods: The review followed guidelines for conducting and reporting scoping reviews. A systematic search of peer-reviewed English language literature published between January 1999 and December 2019 was conducted on Scopus, Medline (Ovid), CINAHL and Embase databases. Independent full text screening by three reviewers followed title and abstract screening. Using a thematic framework synthesis, eligible studies were mapped onto an engagement continuum and health system level matrix to assess the current focus of PPE in Sub-Saharan Africa. Results: Initially 1948 articles were identified, but 18 from 10 Sub-Saharan African countries were eligible for the final synthesis. Five PPE strategies implemented were: 1) traditional leadership support, 2) community advisory boards, 3) community education and sensitisation, 4) community health volunteers/workers, and 5) embedding PPE within existing community structures. PPE initiatives were located at either the �involvement� or �consultation� stages of the engagement continuum, rather than higher-level engagement. Most PPE studies were at the �service design� level of the health system or were focused on engagement in health research. No identified studies reported investigating PPE at the �individual treatment� or �macro policy/strategic� level. Conclusion: This review has successfully identified and evaluated key PPE strategies and their focus on improving health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. PPE in Sub-Saharan Africa was characterised by tokenism rather than participation. PPE implementation activities are currently concentrated at the �service design� or health research levels. Investigation of PPE at all the health system levels is required, including prioritising patient/community preferences for health system improvement. � 2021, The Author(s).

Source: UEW
Patterns of classroom interaction in an English language lesson a case study in the Denkyembour District

This study aimed at investigating the patterns used in classroom interaction as well as how the patterns enhance teaching and learning in English language lessons in senior high schools in the Denkyembour District. Utilizing a qualitative research approach that employed a case study, interview, classroom lesson recordings, and focus-group discussion were employed to gather data from 526 participants (520 students and 6 teachers of English) and analysed thematically. The findings revealed that the teachers apply at least six identified interactional patterns in their classrooms: teacher-whole class, student-teacher, student-student, teacher group, student-group, and student-whole class interaction, with teacher-whole class interaction being the most dominant used pattern. The results also showed that the various interactions help to develop students‘ communication skills, increase their language stock, and promote cooperative learning. Others are to strengthen social relationship with students and improve their retention of concepts they learn. Moreso, it came out that the patterns build confidence in learners, while anxiety and boredom were seen to have greatly reduced. The patterns also made it possible for teachers to receive prompt feedback from their learners, as well as assisted the teachers in the identification of students‘ weaknesses. Based on the findings, it is recommended that teachers design their techniques and activities to encourage greater involvement in the classroom and integrate different learning styles to increase complete participation, interaction, and successful teaching and learning.

Source: UEW
Peace processess in Alavanyo and Nkonya area

This thesis explored the peace process in the Alavanyo-Nkonya area. The main objectives were to examine the nature of the peace process in the Alavanyo-Nkonya area; the actors in the peace process; the conditions militating against the peace process and the measures that are needed to achieve a positive peace in the Alavanyo Nkonya conflict area. The thesis employed Saunders’ (1999) Public Peace Process and multi-track diplomacy approach as a theoretical framework to understand how various professional and community groups are involved in the peace process. The data were collected primarily through qualitative methods; observation and interviews. In all, a total of 15 interviews were conducted with people distinctly involved in the peace building process using the Snowball and purposive sampling techniques. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. From the analysis, the study found that the peace process has a checkered history beginning from local peace setters taking the initiative through the traditional and formal courts. Later it became a public process involving track one actors (Formal State agencies - Commissions, Committees, the District Assembly and the Regional Coordinating Council), and several civil society and community groups including professional mediators, faith based organizations, youth and women groups. The principal conditions militating against the peace building process in the conflict area were identified to be peddling of rumours which created new escalations, inadequate funds and logistics for convening committee meetings and workshops, interference from conflict beneficiaries, ethnic and political interference from various actors. The study concludes that community ownership of the peace building process is the key principle that can support the building of a positive peace.

Source: UEW
Pedagogic foundation of art education in Ghana

This paper is one of the discourses to holistically evaluate university art education curriculum in Ghana. The faculty of any course is responsible for setting the climate or tone for the dissemination of information. This is at times compounded by advancement in the technology used in the teaching and learning process. The problem of this study was to investigate the pedagogical underpinnings of art education in Ghana against the 21st century teaching and learning skills requirements. This exploratory research utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings indicated that majority of the respondents agreed that the faculty used variety of teaching methods and again, faculty employs technology to their advantage in making sure that students understand the concepts they impart and by the appropriate means available. Currently there is little mix in the Department of Art Education as most of the members of faculty are on the lecturer level. Keywords: pedagogy, art, education, evaluation and 21st century skills.

Source: UEW
Pedagogical Approaches to African Pianism Models for Beginner to Advanced

Most compositions for the piano by African composers have been centred on complex rhythms and movement patterns that allow only pianists who are advanced to be able to play and enjoy them. Such pieces are usually difficult to be given to Beginners and Intermediate players for concert performances and examinations. This thesis then explored and collected samples of such existing piano works to establish the difficulty level, create African piano works for some proficiency levels and which are models for African Pianism. It sought to establish a directional and instructive conceptual model for composing step-to-step African piano works for modern art music composers to create such works intended for wide range of performers. Rooted in the bibliographic, analytic and creative designs, data were collected using theoretical research, and document analysis. 23 existing pieces were explored and collected through bibliographical search from works of purposefully selected African scholar composers whose works have been consistently used for performances and examinations. 18 pieces which were found to be of Advance level through analysis were re created in abridged versions for the Beginner and the Intermediate. The study brought into existence not only a conceptual model for composing pedagogical pieces in African pianism but also reduction of original African Piano compositions which are models from the various proficiency levels - Beginner, Intermediate and Advance. This, it is envisaged, will create more interest in piano playing among many enthusiasts and amateurs. The thesis not only explores or works within the creative musicology paradigm, it also privileges original insight, sensibility, and yet without sacrificing analytical understanding. It highlights and contributes to the process of decolonization in African pianism in context of the African musical tradition and the development of its identity. The reductions are a major resource for expanding the number of piano players in many institutions offering music as a result of usage of short phrases and rhythms and abridged harmonic textures. It is, therefore, recommended that more pedagogical pieces are created using the pedagogical conceptual model for writing African Piano works for the various proficiency levels to aid easy practice and enjoyment

Source: UEW