ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of school performance appraisal meeting on teachers performance in basic schools in Afigya Kwabre District of Ashanti region

The study was conducted to assess the effects of School Performance Appraisal Meeting (SPAM) on teachers’ performance in Basic Schools in Afigya Kwabre District. Descriptive survey using questionnaire and interview was adopted. Purposive sampling technique was used to select all thirty-six (36) Junior High Schools (JHS) where SPAM was conducted from a total number of eighty-five (85) public basic schools in the Afigya Kwabre District. The mixed method approach was employed. Purposive sampling was used to select the District Director of Education, one (1) experienced Circuit Supervisor and nine (9) Head teachers. Census sampling was used to select all the teachers in the thirty-six (36) schools SPAM was held. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics: frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. For qualitative data, content analysis was done based on identified themes and categories of responses. The interview was transcribed for interpretation and results presented in narrative form. Findings of the study included; teachers’ needs and interests were not assessed prior to SPAM. Teachers continued to improve on their performance and funding was a great challenge. The conclusions were; teachers were still interested and attended SPAM programme organised for them. The effects of SPAM activities on teachers’ performance depended on the availability of teaching and learning resources, appropriate physical infrastructure and supervision, and availability of funds and logistics are likely to improve the quality of SPAM organisation in the Afigya Kwabre District. The study recommends that the needs and interests of teachers are assessed at the school level. Stakeholders should provide the necessary teaching and learning resources and assess long term funding sources for SPAM programmes.

Source: UEW
Effects of scrap metal management on the people of the Kassena Nankana municipality in the Upper East Region of Ghana

This study investigated the effects of scrap metal management on the environment and residents of theKassenaNankana Municipality in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Generation of solid waste and for that matter scrap metal is inevitable and hence the urgent need to adopt prudent and sound scrap metal management strategies to deal with the situation. The main aim of the study was to assess scrap metal management strategies and their effects on the environment and the people in the KassenaNankana Municipality. The study employed mixed methodology which allows the use of questionnaires and observation to collect relevant data for the study. The study specifically explored the impacts of scrap metal on the people of the study area, methods adopted for scrap metal management and economic benefits of scrap metal. The study reveals that scrap metal is a challenge in the municipality but thatsome people have been able to turn the challenge into an opportunity through the management strategies. Scrap metals have created employment for the collectors, dealers and recyclers which help them to earn some income. Scrap metal management strategies adopted include, collection and storage, reuse and recycling. Therefore, the study recommends that the Municipal assembly should support the recyclers with capacity building training and finances to expand their businesses and be more effective.

Source: UEW
The effects of security and performance risks on customers’ intention to utilize electronic banking based on unified theory of acceptance and use of technology

The study investigated factors that affect the intention to use electronic banking (E-banking) in Effutu Municipality. The study added security risk and performance into the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to investigate the intention to use E-banking. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design with a quantitative approach to collect data from participants. A total number of 364 customers were conveniently selected from banks in the study area. The respondents‟ data were analyzed using linear multiple regression, means and percentages. The close-ended questionnaire was used as the research instrument in the study. The findings revealed that: (i) security risks, performance risk, effort expectancy, and social influence factors have an influence on intention to use E-banking. (ii) surprisingly, facilitating condition does not influence E-banking acceptance, (iii) the study revealed that security risk is the most important factor to determine the intention to use E-banking and (iv) the findings indicated that internet banking is the most demanded E-banking services in Effutu Municipality. The findings of this study could inform policymakers about factors that positively influence customers‟ intention to utilize E-banking, which might lead to the evaluation of the current E-banking services.

Source: UEW
Effects of shell powder size and content on the properties of polycaprolactone composites

In this work, the effects of particle size and content of clam shell powder (CSP) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of clam shell powder-polycaprolactone (CSP-PCL) composites were studied. Accordingly, shell powder with particle size of 50, 100, 200, and 400 meshes, and CSP content of 30, 40, 50, and 60 wt%, respectively, were utilized to prepare CSP-PCL composites. The interface structure and properties of CSP-PCL composites were investigated by infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile tests. The results showed that the tensile properties of the composite materials correlated with the particle size and content of the filler. For instance, the smaller the particle size of CSP (400 meshes), the better the tensile properties of the composite. What is more, the tensile properties of the composites were negatively affected by the amount of CSP content. In terms of microstructure, shell powder particles could disperse uniformly in the PCL matrix, and the CSP-PCL composites with polyurethane prepolymer as compatibilizer gave a better compatibility. � 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Source: UEW
Effects of single mother parenting on the boy child in Wassa Amenfi east municipality

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the effects of single mother parenting on the boy child in Wassa Akropong within the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana. The study adopted the description survey research design using the mixed method approach. The purposive sampling technique was used to sample a total population of 89 participants comprising 30 teachers, 38 boy children and 21 single mother parents. Instrument used for the study was two sets of self designed questionnaire for teachers and boy children and one interview guide for single mother parents. The researcher’s supervisor validated the instrument. Reliability was established with Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.72. Data was analysed using frequency and percentages and presented in Table, bar chats and pie charts. It was also found that single parenting homes have diverse moral influences on boy-children. Diverse answers were obtained from teachers as to whether the children were rebellious to rules. It also came to light that majority of the boys engage in drug abuse but not often while some of them drop out of school. Sometimes there are delays in getting school supplies. Again, sometimes the children are not supervised in the house concerning their academic work. Furthermore, the results show that most boys from single mother homes adopts varying coping strategies to cope with their academic work including endangering their lives in an attempt to stay in school by engaging in these economic activities. Based on the findings it was recommended among other things that the Municipal Assembly should solicit for help from NGOs to aid single mothers and to support them financially. Government should set up education funds to support boys from single mother homes. The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) should intensify education on family life and family planning to help parents reduce the number of divorce cases.

Source: UEW
Effects of single mother parenting on the boy child in Wassa Amenfi East Municipality

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the effects of single mother parenting on the boy child in Wassa Akropong within the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana. The study adopted the description survey research design using the mixed method approach. The purposive sampling technique was used to sample a total population of 89 participants comprising 30 teachers, 38 boy children and 21 single mother parents. Instrument used for the study was two sets of selfdesigned questionnaire for teachers and boy children and one interview guide for single mother parents. The researcher’s supervisor validated the instrument. Reliability was established with Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.72. Data was analysed using frequency and percentages and presented in Table, bar chats and pie charts. It was also found that single parenting homes have diverse moral influences on boy-children. Diverse answers were obtained from teachers as to whether the children were rebellious to rules. It also came to light that majority of the boys engage in drug abuse but not often while some of them drop out of school. Sometimes there are delays in getting school supplies. Again, sometimes the children are not supervised in the house concerning their academic work. Furthermore, the results show that most boys from single mother homes adopts varying coping strategies to cope with their academic work including endangering their lives in an attempt to stay in school by engaging in these economic activities. Based on the findings it was recommended among other things that the Municipal Assembly should solicit for help from NGOs to aid single mothers and to support them financially. Government should set up education funds to support boys from single mother homes. The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) should intensify education on family life and family planning to help parents reduce the number of divorce cases.

Source: UEW
Effects of social media on students’ writing the case of Mount Mary College of Education

This study aims at assessing the effects of social media language (net language) on the formal writing of Mount Mary College of Education students. A total of 150 students made up of 60 males and 90 females who study English language and French were used for this research. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The Initialism Theory which was modified by David Crystal was used as a framework for this study. Respondents‟ whatsapp screen shots, marked quiz papers and group assignments were analysed. The study concluded that social media do affect respondents‟ formal writing when they write individually. However, it does not affect students when they work in groups. Another conclusion that was drawn from the study was that respondents use all kinds of social media language such as clipping, abbreviation, alphanumeric homophony, vowel deletion, and graphone among others. The study revealed that most of the respondents use social media or internet language when typing on social media to facilitate their communication process.

Source: UEW
Effects Of Social Media Platforms On Students Academic Performance Of Kumasi Girls Senior High School And Prempeh College

Social media platforms have become an interesting part of student life as a result of their features and mediums of usage. It is against this premise that this study sought to investigate the effects of social media platforms on the performance of students in Kumasi Girls Senior High School and Prempeh College. The study employed the descriptive survey design with a sample size of 200 senior high school day students from the two schools. The instrument used in data collection was the questionnaire. The results were presented using percentages and frequencies in addition to means and standard deviations. The study found that the majority of respondents used Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Google + and Messenger. The study again revealed that SHS students used social media platforms to a large extent. In addition, many students were of the view that social media platforms had a negative effect on their academic performance as they distracted them from their studies since they became addicted to it. Lastly the study discovered that social media platforms can be used to enhance students’ performance in diverse ways. Based on the findings, it was recommended that there should be a strict enforcement of rules in senior high schools with regard to the use of social media platforms and there should be counseling for addicted students. Again, there should be the promotion of the social media platforms usage by both teachers and students for academic purposes.

Source: UEW
Effects of socio economics challenges on pupils’ attendance in Ayieta junior high school, Sandema at the Builsa North Municipality

The study was conducted to examine the effects of socioeconomic challenges on pupils’ attendance in Ayieta Junior High School, Sandema in the Builsa North Municipality in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The objectives of the study were to discuss the causes of socio-economic challenges confronting pupils, examine the effects of socioeconomic challenges on pupils’ attendance and to find out measures which could be adopted to reduce socio-economic challenges affecting pupils’ attendance. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population was pupils and parents of Ayieta Junior High School at Builsa North Municipality. Simple random sampling was used to select 81respondents, consisting of 10 parents and 71 pupils for the study. Structured questionnaire was used for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such frequencies and percentages. Reliability test yielded Cronbach Alpha of 0.78. The study found that poverty and parental neglect are the major causes of socio-economic challenges that affect pupil’s attendance. School feeding improvement and was the major measures suggested to mitigate the menace of socio-economic challenges impeding pupils’ attendance to school. It is recommended based on the study that the Parent Association and the Ghana Education service should organize training workshops on various income generating ventures to enable parents to fulfill their financial obligations in their children’s education to promote attendance to school.

Source: UEW
Effects of socio-economic factors on public basic school students in the Kenyase circuit of the Kwabre East Municipality

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of SEFs on students’ education in public basic schools in the Kenyase Circuit of the Kwabre East Municipality. The objectives of the study were to identify the nature of Socioeconomic Factors prevalent in the Kenyase circuit, examine the impact of Socioeconomic Factors on students education and to establish measures that could be used to improve the impact of Socioeconomic Factors on students education at Kenyase circuit of Kwabre East Municipality. Descriptive research design was used for the study. The target population was 1140 teachers and students of public basic schools in the Kenyase circuit. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 287 respondents for the study. Structured questionnaire was used for the study. The reliability test yielded Cronbach Alpha of 0.77. The data were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and analyzed descriptively and presented using percentages and frequencies. The study found that the nature of socioeconomic factors on students’ education were that students who perform better in school have parents who receive higher income from their jobs. The impact of socioeconomic factors was the provision of lights, lantern, textbooks and serene atmosphere and provision of congenial home environment. Measures to improve students’ education were the provision of School Feeding Program and provision of allowances to needy but brilliant students. It is recommended based on the findings and conclusions that parents should strive to provide their children of school going age with convenient home environment effective studies to improve performance.

Source: UEW
Effects of strain and non-genetic factors on growth and reproduction, egg quality and carcass characteristics of indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

Little scientific research has been carried out on local Guinea fowls to estimate average values of traits and effects of genetic and environmental factors on these traits. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of strain and non genetic factors on growth, reproduction, egg quality and carcass characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl. The study was carried out at the Poultry Section of the Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti campus, Ghana, from 2015 to 2016. Four strains of local Guinea fowls; namely Pearl, Lavender, White and Black were used. Three non-genetic factors were considered; season of hatch, generation and sex of bird. Data were collected on 603 local Guinea fowls to estimate average values of traits. Data were analysed with the General Linear Procedure (GLM) of SAS. Results obtained showed that parental generation was significantly(p<0.05) higher than the first filial generation in 6 months body weight, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The female birds had significantly (p<0.05) better 6 months weight, daily weight gain and daily feed intake than the male birds. The strains of the birds significantly (p<0.05) influenced the growth indicators. Lavender strain had the highest (240.57±9.73) total weight gain compared to black (214.65±12.64), white (212.75±15.06) and pearl (207.265±7.1) strains. Parental generation (37.9±3.98) had significantly (p<0.05) better egg weight than the first filial generation (37.64±0.93). Hatchability and fertility were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by strain of birds. Pearl had the highest (66.77±1.93) fertility than black (59.36±4.8), lavender (58.11±3.75) and white (56.83±4.59). The highest (27.29±2.05) hatchability was recorded by pearl, followed by black (25.73±5.09), lavender (18.83±3.98) and white (12.5±4.89). Parental generation birds (13.7±0.24) had significantly (p<0.05) better yolk weights than first filial generations birds (13.2±0.21). White strains had significantly (p<0.05) had highest (79.04±2.49) Haugh unit, followed by lavender (77.67±2.03), black (76.51±2.49) and pearl (71.14±1.2). Generation had significant (p<0.05) influence on live and dressing weights. The interaction of sex and strain had significant (p<0.05) influence on live, heart and intestine weights. Strain had significantly (p<0.05) influence on moisture and carbohydrate. In conclusion, the genetics (strains) and non-genetics factors (Sex, season and generation) influence the growth, reproductive, egg quality and carcass quality of local guinea fowl, hence the effects of these factors must be considered in genetic selection of indigenous Guinea fowls.

Source: UEW
The Effects of Student Absenteeism and Truancy on Student Academic Performance in Selected JHS Schools in the Oforikrom Sub-Metropolis

This study investigated the effects of student absenteeism and truancy on academic performance in three selected JHS schools in the Oforikrom Sub-Metropolis. The study adopted the mixed research approach to gather and analyse relevant data; which involved both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The total number of respondents were fifty (50) students who exhibit absenteeism and truancy behaviours, two (2) head teachers and five (5) teachers from the Aprade, Weweso and Anwomaso Basic Schools. All respondents were purposively sampled based on their knowledge on the phenomenon studied. The study found that about fifteen (15) factors resulted in the absenteeism and truancy behaviours of students. The highest factor was the attitude of teachers (poor engagement in learning in classroom). Other included illness, ignorance, family problems, economic hardships, poor head teacher-student relationship, poor attitude towards absence, negative school atmosphere, adaptation to school, and individual reasons, among others. The study also found that the academic performance of such students was low. The study further showed a decreasing performance of students who exhibit absenteeism and truancy with an average grade of 30 for the 2017/2018 academic year. Chi-square test to establish whether there is an association between absenteeism and truancy behaviours of students and academic showed a statistically significant association between academic performance of students and absenteeism and truancy behaviours with a computed Chi-square statistic value of 4.437 with (Asymp.) and p-value of 0.035. Based on the findings, the study recommended the need for effective cooperation between family of victims and schools to address such behaviours. Also, the study suggested that elective courses should be varied depending on the interests and needs of students and suitable environments for these courses should be prepared at schools.

Source: UEW
The effects of student-centred approach on basic practical skills of pre-service teachers at Ola College of Education, Cape Coast

The study is an action research aimed at assessing the effects of student centred approach on basic practical skills of pre-service teachers at OLA College of Education – Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. A class of forty female pre service teachers were used for the study. The main purpose of the study was to adopt the student-centred approach which is a teaching strategy that attempts to assist students to discover their own knowledge through an activity to acquire basic practical skills for teaching at the basic school level. Practical lessons and teacher made test were the instruments used to assess the impact of the student-centred approach on the pre-service teachers after they had gone through five main lessons on basic practical skills in science. Data collected from the study was analysed qualitatively and conclusions were drawn. Notable among the findings of the study was that, the student centred approach allowed students to have equal opportunity to interact and manipulate teaching and learning materials. The students were able to cut, mount, draw and label given specimen among other practical skills. In view of the findings, it was concluded that it is possible to improve students’ basic practical skills through the use of student-centred approach since it strengthens students’ motivation. The recommendation made was that all pre-service science-teachers in all colleges of education be given a one semester course training on basic practical skills in science in order to equip them for the teaching of science.

Source: UEW