ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Personality factors, career beliefs and career

The current study examined the influence of the Big Five Personality Factors, Career Beliefs and Career Maturity on Career Decision-Making Difficulties. The theory of circumscription and compromise, self-concept over lifespan, social learning theory of career decision-making and the big five model underpinned the theoretical framework. The study used mixed methods by employing an explanatory sequential mode as a design. A sample of 494 students in various undergraduate programmes of the University of Ghana were selected through stratified, proportionate, simple random and systematic random sampling techniques for the quantitative phase. Using a purposive sampling method, ten (n=10) students were selected for the qualitative phase. All students completed the big five inventory, the career beliefs inventory, career maturity scale and the career decision making difficulties questionnaire for the quantitative phase and through one-on-one interviews for the qualitative phase. Reliability was established using Cronbach‘s alpha. Validity was established through face validity, content validity and construct validity. Factor Analysis was used to determine the dominant items in the standardized questionnaires before the final analysis was carried out. The Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, bivariate as well as multiple regression analytical techniques while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Robustness of the qualitative study was built through prolonged engagement, persistent observation, triangulation and member check. Findings of the study established that personality factors predicted career decision-making difficulties with conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness being the most influential predictors. Also, career beliefs predicted career decisionmaking difficulties with my current career situation, factors that influence my decision and effort I am willing to initiate improving self, were the main predictors of career decision making difficulties. Career maturity was found to be negatively correlated with career decision-making difficulties. Age and Sex were statistically not significant differentiators on career decision-making difficulties. From the study findings, it concluded that, personality factors are important in the career decision making process of undergraduates of the University of Ghana. Therefore, it was recommended that, Management of the University of Ghana should formulate policies that mandate students to visit the Careers and Counselling Centre in order to assist students to manage their careers based on self-assessments, education, training and labour market information.

Source: UEW
Personality factors, career beliefs and career maturity on career decision-making difficulties among students of university of Ghana, Legon

The current study examined the influence of the Big Five Personality Factors, Career Beliefs and Career Maturity on Career Decision-Making Difficulties. The theory of circumscription and compromise, self-concept over lifespan, social learning theory of career decision-making and the big five model underpinned the theoretical framework. The study used mixed methods by employing an explanatory sequential mode as a design. A sample of 494 students in various undergraduate programmes of the University of Ghana were selected through stratified, proportionate, simple random and systematic random sampling techniques for the quantitative phase. Using a purposive sampling method, ten (n=10) students were selected for the qualitative phase. All students completed the big five inventory, the career beliefs inventory, career maturity scale and the career decision making difficulties questionnaire for the quantitative phase and through one-on-one interviews for the qualitative phase. Reliability was established using Cronbach‘s alpha. Validity was established through face validity, content validity and construct validity. Factor Analysis was used to determine the dominant items in the standardized questionnaires before the final analysis was carried out. The Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, bivariate as well as multiple regression analytical techniques while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Robustness of the qualitative study was built through prolonged engagement, persistent observation, triangulation and member check. Findings of the study established that personality factors predicted career decision-making difficulties with conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness being the most influential predictors. Also, career beliefs predicted career decisionmaking difficulties with my current career situation, factors that influence my decision and effort I am willing to initiate improving self, were the main predictors of career decision making difficulties. Career maturity was found to be negatively correlated with career decision-making difficulties. Age and Sex were statistically not significant differentiators on career decision-making difficulties. From the study findings, it concluded that, personality factors are important in the career decision making process of undergraduates of the University of Ghana. Therefore, it was recommended that, Management of the University of Ghana should formulate policies that mandate students to visit the Careers and Counselling Centre in order to assist students to manage their careers based on self-assessments, education, training and labour market information.

Source: UEW
Personality Traits as Predictors of Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Engagement among College Students in Ghana: A Dimensional Multivariate Approach

The study explored personality traits as they predicted self-regulated learning and academic engagement among college students in Ghana. A sample of 652 (return rate was 87.0%) was drawn from an accessible population of 17,396. Adapted versions of Taiwanese Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (22 items; ? = 0.84), University Student Engagement Inventory (15 items; ? = 0.81), and Big-Five Personality Inventory (30 items; ? = 0.70) were used for the data collection. The data collected were analysed using multivariate multiple regression. The study revealed that student-teachers exhibited lower levels of self-regulated learning and academic engagement. Again, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness aspects of the personality traits predicted self-regulated learning and academic engagements of students. Findings from this study serve as a beacon for teacher education programs in Ghana to scale up their efforts in ensuring that preservice teachers are able to self-regulate their learning. As preservice teachers who will soon be practicing, they cannot help their students self-regulate their learning if they themselves have low levels of self-regulation and engagement. Students' success can only be realized when learners are able to manage their own learning and engage in academic activities. � 2022 Inuusah Mahama et al.

Source: UEW
The perspective of parents and teachers on the challenges of kindergarten education in the Afigya Kwabre District

This study was done to investigate the stakeholders’ perspective of early childhood education (ECE) in the Afigya Kwabre District. A quantitative research approach methodology and simple random sampling was used for the survey. Two hundred and eighteen (218) respondents consisting of 100 parents of ECE pupils and 118 teachers took part in the survey. The questionnaire for the quantitative survey, involving teachers and parents showed an overall Cronchbach’s Alpha of 0.82, which means the data collection instruments had high degree of internal consistency and reliability. The study revealed several challenges facing ECE in Afigya Kwabre District such as, failure of the District Education Directorate (DED) to follow through with ECE policies and programmes guidelines, lack of infrastructure at ECE schools, unqualified teachers handling ECE, large class size sometimes resulting in overcrowding, and low level of salaries, of ECE teachers. The study recommends that the ECE teachers and other ECE staff should be adequately and meaningfully motivated in the form of paying them sustainable salaries and providing them with professional and additional responsibility allowances and low interest rate loans to enable them take care of their basic needs. This will go a long way to forestall the problem of qualified teachers refusing posting to kindergarten schools.

Source: UEW
The perspective of parents and teachers on the challenges of kindergarten education in the Kassena-Nankana West District of Ghana

This study was done to investigate the stakeholders’ perspective of early childhood education (ECE) in the Kassena-Nankana West District (KNWD). A quantitative research approach methodology and simple random sampling was used for the survey. Two hundred and eighteen (218) respondents consisting of 100 parents of ECE pupils, 118 teachers took part in the survey and the questionnaire for the quantitative survey involving teachers and parents showed an overall Cronchbach’s Alpha of 0.820, which means the data collection instruments had high degree of internal consistency and reliability. The study revealed several challenges facing ECE in KNWD such as failure of the District Education Directorate (DED) to follow through ECE policies and programmes guidelines, lack of infrastructure at ECE schools, unqualified teachers handling ECE, large class size sometimes resulting in overcrowding and low level of salaries of ECE teachers. The study recommends pragmatic actions be undertaken to address the challenges facing ECE in the district.

Source: UEW
Perspectives of Senior High School teachers in Sekyere South District of Ashanti on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes organised for them

This research explored the Perspectives of Senior High School Teachers in Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programmes Organised for them. It was a qualitative research underpinned by interpretive philosophical thought which employed a case study approach to collect data using semi-structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview. In the first phase, Proportional Stratified Random Sampling technique was used to select 57 SHS teachers from the 5 public senior high schools in the Sekyere South District to respond to the questionnaire, while the second phase involved semi-structured interviews with 10 CPD providers selected using the Purposive Sampling technique. The data gathered was analysed thematically since the two instruments generated similar themes. The study indicated that, the CPD programmes were very useful to the teachers since they improve their professional skills, content knowledge and impact positively on students‘ performance. The research also indicated that teachers in the district access CPD in the form of workshops, mentoring, annual conferences, and study leaves however their access to these programmes was hindered by financial constraint, wrong timing, and inadequate resource materials. It further revealed that the main sources of the teachers‘ inspiration for accessing the CPD programmes were acquisition of professional skills and knowledge coupled with the correlation between the CPD programmes and classroom practice. The research concluded that CPD programmes in the Sekyere South district are irregular and are not well organised so the SHS teachers need further training in teaching methodology to help improve the quality of education in the district. Therefore, the study recommends that CPD should be made a policy in the schools and a budget should specifically be drawn for the CPD programmes by the School authorities in order to guarantee its regular organisation and improvement to ensure significant professional development of the teachers so as to enhance meaningful teaching and learning in the district. Besides, the study recommended that, teachers should select topics for the CPD programmes since they are the direct beneficiaries and are also fully aware of their CPD needs as well as that of their students.

Source: UEW
Perspectives of spousal rape in the Effutu Municipality.

Spousal rape, a deeply sensitive and often overlooked form of intimate partner violence, has significant implications for the well-being and rights of individuals involved. The purpose of this study was to analyse the Perspectives of men and women on the prevailing spousal rape in the Effutu Municipality. The study sought to shed light on the underlying causes, and the human rights effects experienced by victims. To address this multifaceted issue, the research employed a qualitative research approach with interviews and a comprehensive literature review to triangulate findings. A purposive sampling in addition to a convenience sampling technique was utilized to select three married individuals from each of the four zonal councils in the Municipality to represent the study's participants. This selection was used to ensure that participants provided rich, relevant data specific to the study's focus on married individuals in the Municipality, reaching data saturation. Convenience sampling was employed to address practical considerations, enabling efficient recruitment of participants. The combination of these techniques allowed the study to achieve comprehensive, in-depth insights while maintaining practicality and feasibility. The study revealed that Perspectives about spousal rape in the Effutu Municipality are influenced by cultural norms, gender dynamics, and socio-economic factors, often leading to victim-blaming and a lack of recognition. Furthermore, the study identifies a range of causes of spousal rape, including power imbalances within marital relationships, cultural factors and limited access to education and resources. The study also uncovers the devastating human rights effects of spousal rape, including physical and psychological trauma, diminished autonomy, and restricted access to social, economic, and health resources. These consequences highlight the critical importance of recognizing spousal rape as a violation of fundamental human rights and of implementing measures to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of spousal rape in the Effutu Municipality, highlighting the need for a holistic approach that includes policy changes, community education, and support services to combat this issue and protect the rights and well-being of all individuals involved.

Source: UEW
perspectives of the youth on inter-ethnic marriages in the Tafo-Pankrono municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of the youth who engaged in inter-ethnic marriage in the Tafo-Pankrono Municipality. The qualitative approach and case study design were adopted for the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to select twelve participants for the study. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that youth in inter-ethnic marriage view inter-ethnic marriage as a blend of culture, costly endeavour and have cultural and social significance. They also viewed inter-ethnic marriage as having misconceptions and inheritance issues. Findings also indicate that the youth engaged in inter-ethnic marriages because of the understanding of their partner‘s ethnic group, love and care for one‘s partner, rejection from own ethnic group and career opportunities. Moreover, the study revealed the following challenges: distance challenge, financial challenge, bias and discrimination, communication challenge and the challenge of meeting cultural demands. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Tafo-Pankrono Municipal Assembly should collaborate with local cultural organisations and community leaders to organise cultural integration workshops in the Municipality. These workshops should focus on promoting the understanding, appreciation and acceptance of diverse ethnic group. The study also recommends that marriage Counselors should incorporate cultural integration discussions into counseling sessions, providing couples with guidance on navigating cultural differences.

Source: UEW
Perspectives on inter-personal violence and its implications on human security in selected communities of Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana

The study aimed at exploring perspectives on interpersonal violence and its implications on selected communities in Kasoa. The objectives of the study were to explore the inducers of interpersonal violence in Kasoa, ascertain the implications of interpersonal violence on human security in Kasoa and to examine the stakeholders’ reactions to interpersonal violence in Kasoa. The study was guided by the Human Needs Theory and the Social Ecological Model with an empirical review of related literature. The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm, it also employed the qualitative research approach with a case study design. Kasoa was the study area, the researcher drew accessible population from 3 communities, thus, Opeikuma, Zongo and Ofaakor, with a focused on Assembly members from the three communities and personnel of the Ghana Police Service, victims of interpersonal violence, thechair of the Municipal Security Council, and chiefs, food vendors, storeowners and mobile money merchants with a sample size determined by data saturation. Data for the study was collected using face to face interviews with the semi-structure interview guide. The data were analyzed qualitatively using the thematic approach to data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that, economic factors, the use of drugs, influence from peers, the dismissal of trained security officers, family background, and community influence, lack of formal education, get-rick-quick tendencies and psychological statewere the factors inducing interpersonal violence in Kasoa. The findings also proved the adverse effect of interpersonal violence on human security and reactions of stakeholders to bringing interpersonal violence in Kasoa to check. The study recommended that stakeholders should create job avenues and economic opportunities for the youth.It also recommended that human security should be incorporated into the school curriculum at all level of education and stakeholders should intensify measure to curb crime in Kasoa.

Source: UEW
Perspectives on the English language curriculum of the common core programme and its implementation

The English Language Curriculum of the Common Core Programme was implemented in January 2022 amidst a litany of challenges. The purpose of the study is to assess stakeholders’ perspectives on the English Language Curriculum of the Common Core Programme. The study adopted the qualitative research approach and used a semi-structured interview guide to obtain primary data. The study used the social constructivism theory of learning as its theoretical framework. The study revealed that societal needs, technology, deficiencies of the previous English Language Curriculum, ideology of the ruling party and leadership idiosyncrasies, national and international framework, global trends and dynamics informed the development of the English Language Curriculum. The study found that while important components of the English Language teaching such as prescribed textbooks and the library period have been excluded from the curriculum, teaching learning materials, summary writing and school infrastructure have also been sidelined. These omissions are however impeding the smooth implementation of the curriculum. The study however revealed substantially that the curriculum is adequate for the teaching of the English Language in the Ghanaian classroom because it is well suited for training learners in the English Language for national life; it has simple language and well organised scope and structure. The study also found that the effectiveness of the pedagogical approaches for teaching and learning and the modes of assessment project the curriculum as fit for purpose. The study further revealed that ineffective communication and public education, unqualified teachers and wrongful pedagogy due to insufficient resources deter the smooth implementation of the curriculum. As a consequence of the surfeit of challenges that hinder the implementation of the curriculum, the study recommends intensification of public education on the curriculum, inculcation of vital societal values in curriculum development for learners, inclusion of important teaching and learning aids in the curriculum and a reduction on over-politicization of educational issues to ensure smooth implementation of the curriculum.

Source: UEW
Phenomenological study of discriminatory practices experienced by foreign students in Ghanaian tertiary institutions a case study of Nigerian students studying in Central University

studying in Central University. This study sought from the five Nigerian students studying in Central University the kinds of discriminatory challenges they faced as they pursued their studies, the impact it had on their studies and what could be done to mitigate it. The major findings of the study revealed that the Nigerian students had reported only a few instances of discrimination, with the majority occurring off campus. It also appeared that the effects was not detrimental to their identity and wellbeing. However, the few respondents who had been discriminated against saidit had not affected them in their education.The discrimination was fromfellow Ghanaian students and not the administration of the school per se. The Nigerian students also called for a reduction in their fees and an improvement in their academic and social facilities on campus. Despite this situation, the studentssaid they were happy with their overall academic experience and will recommend Central University to anyone.

Source: UEW
A phenomenological study of international students in US graduate programs through the lens of personal growth initiative construct

Humans, unlike other creatures, have an inherent desire to develop and grow. This desire to grow, Personal Growth Initiative, is an intentional way that humans cognitively and behaviorally navigate their environment and resources to effect change. While many researchers argue that this construct works only in individualistic cultures, others contend that the construct is applicable to collectivist cultures as well. We therefore undertook an exploration of the lived experiences of eight international students from predominantly collectivist cultures, through the lens of the Personal Growth Initiative theory. Using a phenomenological qualitative methodology, we interviewed these doctoral students via semi-structured interview questions. Results of the data indicated that participants cycled through the four factors in the construct to handle both successes and challenges in school. Recommendations for international students' offices and recruitment agencies are provided. � 2020 Nova Southeastern University. All rights reserved.

Source: UEW