ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of using improvised instructional materials to enhance academic achievement of form three biology students in the teaching of respiratory system at Tepa Senior High School

The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of using improvisation instructional materials to enhance academic achievement of form three Biology students in respiratory system at Tepa Senior High School. Research approach adopted for the study was quasi-experiment design. The instrument used to collect data for the study were questionnaire, document analysis, pre and post treatment test. The target population consisted of 300 students and 15 teachers, and the accessible population included 120 students and 10 teachers, the sampling technique used was simple random sampling. Study findings, though, the school has a biology laboratory, the school have inadequate standard practical materials for practical lessons, lack of skills for improvisation among most teachers of Tepa Senior High School, inadequate biology laboratories, used of laboratories for classroom because of large school population and inadequate classrooms, when the improvised materials was used in place of standard one due to inadequacy, the students’ achievement was excellent as experimental group scored the above average mark of 23.3% as against 3.3% in control group showing an improvement in their academic achievement when the treatment was used for experimental group . Summary and recommendations of findings, based on the research findings, the study recommends the following: Teachers of Tepa Senior High should be trained on how to at least construct basic improvisation materials, enough equipment and facilities should be secured for Tepa Senior High to ensure individualised practical activities, Management of Tepa Senior High School should ensure that teachers teach with improvised materials in absence of standard ones to enhance students understanding especially in respiratory system.

Source: UEW
The effect of using molecular models in teaching on the performance of SHS students in naming of organic compounds

This study investigated the problems SHS Chemistry students faced in naming organic compounds especially hydrocarbons by IUPAC rules at Zion College Senior High School in the Keta Municipality. The research work established if there was a significant difference between the performance of students taught by the traditional method and those taught using molecular models. It also considered whether if there was significant difference between the performance of boys and girls in the experimental class after the intervention. A total of 98 SHS2 chemistry students were targeted. Only 86 students took part in the research. After tossing, the science classes A and B became control and experimental class respectively. Both classes were taught with the same traditional method of teaching and a pretest was conducted. It was then followed with the intervention, that is teaching the experimental class using molecular model and the control class taught with the traditional method. Posttest was conducted and the results were collected after marking. The data collected were analyzed using frequency count, percentages and t-test. Statistically, the calculated P(T<=t) is 0.095 which is greater than the alpha value 0.05 implying that there is no significant difference between the performance of elective chemistry students taught with the traditional method and students taught using molecular models. In the light of this analysis therefore, the researcher failed to reject the first null hypothesis (Ho 1).In comparing the performance of boys and girls in the experimental class in the posttest, the researcher reject the second null hypothesis (Ho 2) formulated for the study. This is because the calculated P(T<=t) 0.034 is less than the alpha value 0.05.

Source: UEW
The effect of using plots and graphs to teach motion

This study evaluated the effect of using plots and graphs to teach the concept motion. The study established the effects of plots and graphs to teach motion. In this study the Researcher taught using charts, diagrams, plots and graphs and the students were taken through a lot of activities. The progress of students was monitored by the Researcher through the use of the activities and the evaluation questions. The study identified students feedback to the questions asked during the Intervention lessons and their contributions made during the lesson. The extent of the intervention strategy on students’ concept development in motion and ability to solve using basic formula was determined. The study employed an Action research strategy for the data collection. Charts, diagrams, plots and graphs were used as instructional strategy in teaching five lessons during the intervention period. The strategy was used to teach thirty (30) Form 2 Visual Arts students of the Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School in the Ketu North District of Volta Region of Ghana. This study used teaching and assessment of the learning outcomes as the main instrument for data collection. The findings were that student-teacher and student-student interactions increasingly improved as their ability to ask and respond to questions improved due to the instructional strategy employed as the lessons progressed. Besides, students’ participation in the calculations was increased as the charts, diagrams, plots and graphs were used to deduce the formulae. Finally, on the basis of the results obtained in this study, it is concluded that more graphics should be used in lessons so that the lessons can attract more senses for effective concept development in science.

Source: UEW
Effect of using the graphical solution techniques on senior high school students’ performance in solving linear inequalities

The study investigated the effect of graphical solution technique on students’ performance in solving lineal inequalities, and their motivation to use the method in learning mathematics. The study used the mixed method design where samples of 65 senior high school students were through convenient and purposive sampling proceudres. An innovative lesson design using the graphical solution technique was used to teach an experimental group 34 students while 31 students were also taught using the traditional methods. Achievement tests (pre-test and post-test), questionnaire and interview guide were the main instruments used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data in the quasi-experimental strategy of inquiry. The results indicated that about 77% of the students were not aware of the uses of graphical solution technique in solving linear inequalities. The results from the pre- and post- tests also indicated that the use of graphical solution technique as a tool in learning linear inequalities had a positive effect on students’ performance in solving linear inequalities. The means scores between the control and experimental groups in the post-test was not statistically significant, i.e., p > 0.05. The interview conducted on experimental group also revealed that students really motivated to learn with the graphical solution technique. Students’ were also motivated to learn on their own due to the interest they had from learning with the method. Recommendations were made based on the need for stakeholders in education such as the Ministry of education, Ghana Education service, parents and teacher education divisions to develop and implement programs to equip new teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills in graphical solution to teaching inequalities and mathematics in general.

Source: UEW
The effect of VHPI on pre-service teachers’ geometric thinking and motivation to learn geometry

This study investigated the effect of the van Hiele Phase-based Instruction (VHPI) on Pre-service Teachers’ (PTs) geometric thinking in terms of the van Hiele Levels and how the VHPI can motivate PTs to learn geometry. It further investigated how College of Education (CE) Mathematics tutors facilitate geometry teaching and learning consistent with the van Hiele Levels of geometric thinking. The study utilized mixed method approach involving quasi-experimental design in which two Colleges of Education (CsE) were randomly assigned as control and experimental groups. A sample of 150 PTs and 5 CE Mathematics tutors from the two CsE were randomly selected for the study. Van Hiele Geometry Test (VHGT) was administered to all PTs as pre-test. VHPI was used to teach PTs in the experimental group after which 9 of them were interviewed while the control group was instructed by traditional instruction. The same test was then given to the PTs as post-test. Observations were also done on geometry instruction of 5 CE Mathematics tutors. Chi-square results found that PTs in both groups showed increment in their post-VHGT as compared to the pre-VHGT. However, PTs in the experimental group achieved better levels of geometric thinking compared to those in the control group. Findings also revealed that VHPI highly motivated PTs to learn geometry by eliminating dullness and making learning easier and fascinating. However, much of the geometry teaching and learning strategies of CE Mathematics tutors are not structured in a way that support the development of geometric thinking as described in the van Hiele theory. In conclusion, VHPI was found to promote effective geometry teaching and learning.

Source: UEW
The effect of virtual laboratory resources and flipped classroom instructions on senior high school students’ acquisition of science process skills .

The successes of students in science in the West Africa secondary school certificate examinations over the years have been very discouraging. Studies have revealed that it is partly due to the poor science process skills possessed by students. Indications in the literature revealed that possession of good science process skills could help improve students’ performance in science in West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination. This study therefore evaluated the basic and integrated process skills possessed by Winneba Senior High School Students and improved it using virtual laboratory resources and flipped classroom instructions. The action research method was employed, and the research approach employed was the mixed method approach grounded in the pragmatist research paradigm. A sample of 51 science students participated in the study. The instruments used were questionnaire, observation, interview, and tests. The research was conducted in three phases, the pre- intervention phase, intervention phase and post-intervention phase. Six research questions were answered. Findings of the study showed that: most students were not proficient in the basic and integrated process skills and the use of virtual laboratory resources and flipped classroom instructions was able to improve the proficiencies of the sampled students. The study concluded that students basic and integrated process skills were improved, in that, students measured accurately, students observed with all their five senses, students communicated effectively and used the other basic and integrated process skills effectively. It was recommended that teachers should make themselves available to new technologies and teaching methods such as virtual laboratory resources and flipped classroom instructions. They should always be around to supervise students when they are using the virtual laboratory resource to learn because some students may use the computers for something else rather than learning. Teachers should always monitor students after flipping the class to make sure that students have learned what they were supposed to learn. Science enhancing and student-centered strategies may be applied by science teachers or instructors to improve the performance of students by emphasizing basic process skills and by giving them group activities that need collaborative effort. The schools should support in the areas of building more rooms for science-related activities like laboratories and e-classroom. The Ghana Education Service should select experts in computer software and hardware from Ghana and send them to countries where this mode of instruction and resources are used as a form of learning and teaching. For more comprehensive findings, further studies on the same area of concentration may be conducted for improving Science education where the students will benefit.

Source: UEW
Effect of vitamin c supplementation on keet mortality, growth performance and blood profile of indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in ghana

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin C supplementation on keet mortality, growth performance and blood profile of indigenous Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in Ghana. The study was carried out for a period of two months. Three hundred and sixty day old keets of the Pearl breed of Guinea fowl were used under a completely randomized design divided into four groups (VC0, VC10, VC20 and VC30) each with 3 replications of 30 keets. s. The experimental birds were supplemented with Vitamin C dissolved in drinking water at a dose of 0, 10, 20 and 30 mg/bird/day for groups VC0, VC10, VC20 and VC30, respectively. Feed consumption increased with an increase in vitamin C vitamin supplementation. Birds supplemented with 30 mg/bird/day of vitamin C gained most weight and had the best feed conversion. The values for hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells and white blood cells were higher in birds fed supplementary vitamin C. Survivability increased with vitamin C supplementation. � 2018, Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved.

Source: UEW
Effect of work-family conflict on employee creativity. evidence from University of Education, Winneba

Creativity is an essential part of organizational innovation, which drives economic wealth. However, the emergence of the dual-career couple means that family support has been limited and the employee has to deal with the effect of time constraint, the strain associated with it, and the psychological effect of behaving differently at work and home. The research was undertaken to show the effect of “work-family conflict” on workers’ creativity with three specific objectives. To achieve this, the study used quantitative methods to collect data from respondents. The study identified a significant negative connection between work-family conflict and employee creativity. It was also found that the support of family members plays a positive role in employees' ability to balance work and family life demands and career progression. The responses received from respondents in the study revealed that indeed employees face a lot of challenges in the area of being creative at work because of work-family conflict issues. It is therefore recommended that the University should consider implementing more worklife balance friendly policies such as setting up daycare centers close to university buildings to enable employees to focus on the work at all times. The University community should also be restructured to accommodate flexible working hours that will assist employees to balance their work and family life. These policies will go a long way to facilitate the balance between work and life and consequently, help employees to bring their creative skills to bear.

Source: UEW
Effect of work-life balance policies on stress management, a case of some selected National Health Insurance Scheme Offices within the Kumasi Metropolis

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of work-life balance policies on stress management: a case study of some selected National Health Insurance Schemes within the Kumasi Metropolis. The objectives of the study were to asses the worklife balance policies and their effects on stress management and to find out the effects of stress on job performance of selected National Health Insurance schemes/offices within the Kumasi Metropolis.The descriptive research design was used for the study. This research employed quantitative research approach. The population for the study was one hundred and twenty-nine (129). Purposive sampling technique was used to select all the ninety-seven (97) respondents used as the sample size for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather primary data. Computer data analysis such as SPSS was used to analyse data. The study indicates that the available and implemented welfare policies/practices at the NHIS were full time work, part time work, job share, study leave, maternity leave, amongst others. Moreover, stress can lead employees into job dissatisfaction, employee turnover, increase in the number of errors made in the job, and deteriorating relationship with co-workers, friends and family. The study recommended that the Management of the NHIS should develop management training in leadership, interpersonal skills, dealing with change and developing teamwork by organising periodic workshops, conferences and in-service training programmes to enhance employee’s expertise and reduce stress, amongst others.

Source: UEW
The effect of workplace stress on employee performance_ a case study of the judicial service of Ghana in the Ashanti region

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of workplace stress on employee performance. The study however concentrated on employees in the Judicial Service of Ghana in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. The study was divided into three objectives that is; identify the effect of organisational level stress on the performance of employees, identify the effect of individual level stress on the performance of the employees, to identify perceived coping strategies adopted by employees in the Judicial Service in reducing their stress levels. The study was quantitative in nature and was a descriptive survey. Data was collected with the help of a structured questionnaire and a simple random sampling technique was used to sample seventy (70) respondents for the purpose of the study. The results of the study showed that, organizational level stressors had a positive non significant influence on the performance of employees and individual level stressors had a positive non-significant effect on the performance of employees in the Judicial Service. Also, it was found that stress is present in the Judicial Service assuch employees use coping strategies such as physical exercise and attending of social activities to cope with the stress. It was recommended that; the management of the Judicial Service consider the results of the study in providing education on the effects of stress on the performance of the employees and also, proper and healthy working conditions should be provided along with all required resources and information. Further studies can consider studying how other variables such as training and development affects employee performance.

Source: UEW
The effect on block pattern making and modelling on garment manufacturing a case study of Anlo Technical Institute and Comboni Vocational Technical Institute in the Volta region

Fashion designer or garment manufacturers including tailors create design without using block pattern making and modeling or dress stand to achieve exquisite result in garment manufacturing. Their negative perception was that it is a time wasting on the part of sewing. The aim of the study evaluates the effect on block pattern making and modelling on garment manufacturing at Anlo Technical Institute and Comboni Vocational Technical Institute in the Volta Region. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were adopted. Questionnaire, interview and observation were the instruments used to collect data on the problem. A total of 155 respondents, comprising 25 instructors and 130 students were randomly sampled. The data collected were analyzed using frequency distributed tables. The study found that the instructor and students had knowledge about block and pattern making and modeling, idea as to how to block patterns and modeled toile, and knowledge on drafting and modeling tools and equipment. The study revealed that procedure for measurement taking is too long, flat pattern drafting is paper and time wasting are the challenges faced in making block pattern and modeling at Anlo Technical Institute and Comboni Technical Institute includes. Based on this conclusions were drawn and it was recommended that individual fashion designers should get closer to those colleagues who are well versed in block pattern making and modelling to help them in times of need to enable them get acquainted with skills to meet current trends in fashion and designing. Tertiary institutions that are vocational and technically inclined should encourage the use of block pattern making and modelling for trainees to progress practically and if possible academically to enable them get in-depth training in the field of fashion.

Source: UEW
Effective communication and organisational practice a case study of the Wenchi educational directorate

This work explored effective communication and organizational practice at the Wenchi Educational Directorate. Using the qualitative research approach anchored on purposive sampling method, the study used data collection tools like focus group discussion, interviews, and document analysis to establish that when employees are empowered, motivated, respected and appreciated, it makes them own the organization and therefore put in much effort to increase productivity. Drawing concepts from the Barnlund’s communication transactional model, the study concluded that the Wenchi Educational Directorate used different communication approaches to reach its publics. Feedback at the directorate is immediate because all the communication mediums and methods are employed. The study recommended that the image of teachers should be uplifted financially for them to feel valued and hence put in their best. Also, the current disciplinary measures put in place by the government in the various institutions should be revised to commit and make pupils/students responsible to avoid property destruction and future murder incidents.

Source: UEW
Effective dressmaking apprenticeship curriculum : A strategic approach to acquiring employable skills in the Volta region, Ghana.

The role of effective apprenticeship is useful to develop capabilities valuable to entrepreneurs and leaders now and later. Thus, promoting the effectiveness of fashion apprenticeship is important to guarantee competitive advantage for enhanced employability and performance by apprentices. This study examined effective dressmaking apprenticeship curriculum; a strategic approach to acquiring employable skills in selected dressmaking shops in the Volta region, Ghana. Data was collected from 80 masters/madams and apprentices at dressmakers’ shops in the Volta region, Ghana. The purposive sampling method was employed, and structured questionnaire and semi- structured interview aid in data collection. SPSS is used to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed that fashion apprenticeship curriculum usage is minimal, although it offers enormous benefits to the transfer of employability skills and fashion apprenticeship effectiveness. It was recommended that, the fashion industry and those responsible for apprenticeship programs encourage and enforce the use of fashion apprenticeship curriculum through continuous enhancement process and proper management to ensure transfer of valuable knowledge for employability and competitiveness.

Source: UEW