ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Comparative content analysis of categories of exercises in mathematical tasks in two Ghanaian senior high school mathematics textbooks

This study was an attempt to Compare the Categories of mathematical tasks in two SHS mathematics textbooks namely AKIOLA core mathematics series (ACM) and the Enriched mathematics (ECM) textbooks for SHS. It specifically sought to find out the categories of exercises in mathematical tasks as well as the categories of steps in mathematical tasks and whether or not there were differences between the categories of exercises and steps in the ACM textbooks and ECM textbooks. In all, eight (8) SHS core mathematics teachers from two senior high schools were involved in the study. The researcher used a content analysis guide, content analysis codebook, an interview guide, a task analysis codebook and two observation checklists to find out the categories of mathematical tasks in terms of exercises and steps in the ACM and ECM textbooks. The results of the descriptive statistics indicated that there were differences in the categories of exercises in mathematical tasks presented in the textbook 1, 2 and 3 all in favour of the ACM textbook 1, 2 and 3 (ACM textbook 1: (WEX = 1057; EXX = 2863 and REEX = 545), (ECM textbook 1: (WEX = 414, EXX = 1026 and REEX = 29). (ACM textbook 2: ((WEX = 970, EXX = 1336, REEX =443), and (ECM textbook 2: (WEX = 242, EXX = 483, REEX = 30). (ACM textbook 3: WEX = 282, EXX = 323, REEX = 226), and (ECM textbook 3: (WEX = 151, EXX = 406, REEX = 30) in favour of the ACM textbook 3. The results of the descriptive statistics indicated that there were differences in the categories of steps in mathematical tasks presented in the textbooks 1, 2, and 3 all in favour of the ACM textbooks (ACM textbook 1: (SST = 1095; DST = 207 and MST =3136), (ECM textbook 1: (SST = 156, DST = 58 and MST = 1356) (ACM textbook 2: ((SST = 499, DST = 124, MST =2126), and (ECM textbook 2: (SST = 39, DST = 67, MST = 649) in favour of the ACM textbook 2. (ACM textbook 3: SST = 40, DST = 6, MST = 787), and (ECM textbook 3: (SST = 21, DST = 45, MST = 521) in favour of the ACM textbook 3. Hence the study concluded that there were differences between the categories of mathematical tasks in the ACM textbooks and the ECM textbooks in terms of exercises and steps in favour of the ACM textbooks. The study observed that there was collaboration between the profile dimensions in the SHS syllabus and the SHS mathematics textbooks. Based on the conclusion, the study recommended that more mathematical tasks that are of the category of MST should be included in the SHS textbooks since MST aid problem solving in mathematics.

Source: UEW
Comparative effect of cooperative learning and cooperative learning with instructional manual on students’ performance in mechanics concepts

The study examined the effect of cooperative learning strategy with instructional manual as against cooperative learning strategy only on SHS students‟ performance in Mechanics concepts in Physics in Berekum Municipality, Brong Ahafo Region. The research design employed in this study was the quasi-experimental using pretest and posttest equivalent control group design. Samples of ninety three (93) SHS 2 students drawn from two intact classes were used for the study. An instrument known as Mechanics Concepts Test (MCT) was used to gather data for the study. Mean, standard deviation, mean gain and effect size analysis were used to answer the research questions, while independent sample t-test was used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that students taught using cooperative learning strategy with instructional manual performed better on the Mechanics Concepts Test (MCT) than those taught using cooperative learning strategy only. There was no gender difference in performance on the use of cooperative learning strategy with instructional manual. Based on the result obtained, it was therefore recommended that teachers must be encouraged to use cooperative learning strategy guided by instructional manual to teach physics and other science subjects at the SHS.

Source: UEW
The comparative instructional effectiveness of print-based and video-based instructional materials for teaching practical skills at a distance

Print-based instructional materials have been more popular than any other medium for teaching practical skills during the delivery of technical and vocational education and training via distance learning. However, the approach has its shortcomings and in recent times alternatives have been sought. The comparative instructional effectiveness of one such alternative is the focus of this paper. The study sought to examine the instructional effectiveness of video-based instructional materials vis-à-vis traditional print-based instructional materials for teaching distance learners of a Block-Laying and Concreting practical skills programme. An experimental design was used and participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: Users of video-based instructional materials or users of print-based instructional materials. A researcher-designed performance test and an achievement test of 20 multiple-choice items were used to collect data from 34 participants who used print-based instructional materials and 35 participants who used video-based instructional materials to learn practical skills. The instruments were based on the instructional objectives of lessons on mortar and wall finish. Pilot test data for the achievement test yielded Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84. Descriptive statistics and t-test at a 0.05 level of significance were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that the two instructional materials were pedagogically equivalent in terms of theoretical knowledge acquired. Practical skills acquired, however, were significantly higher among users of video-based instructional materials. Finally, users of video-based instructional materials displayed significantly superior craftsmanship. Keywords: Achievement test; block-laying and concreting; instructional effectiveness; open and distance learning; open schooling; performance test; practical skills; print-based instructional materials; technical and vocational education and training (TVET); video-based instructional materials

Source: UEW
The Comparative Instructional Effectiveness of Print-Based and Video-Based Instructional Materials for Teaching Practical Skills at a Distance

Print-based instructional materials have been more popular than any other medium for teaching practical skills during the delivery of technical and vocational education and training via distance learning. However, the approach has its shortcomings and in recent times alternatives have been sought. The comparative instructional effectiveness of one such alternative is the focus of this paper. The study sought to examine the instructional effectiveness of video-based instructional materials vis-à-vis traditional print-based instructional materials for teaching distance learners of a Block-Laying and Concreting practical skills programme. An experimental design was used and participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: Users of video-based instructional materials or users of print-based instructional materials. A researcher-designed performance test and an achievement test of 20 multiple-choice items were used to collect data from 34 participants who used print-based instructional materials and 35 participants who used video-based instructional materials to learn practical skills. The instruments were based on the instructional objectives of lessons on mortar and wall finish. Pilot test data for the achievement test yielded Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84. Descriptive statistics and t-test at a 0.05 level of significance were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that the two instructional materials were pedagogically equivalent in terms of theoretical knowledge acquired. Practical skills acquired, however, were significantly higher among users of video-based instructional materials. Finally, users of video-based instructional materials displayed significantly superior craftsmanship.

Source: UEW
A comparative study into the qualities of both foreign (India) and locally manufactured corn mill plates by artisans at Suame – magazine in Kumasi

The aim of this research was to investigate into the qualities of both locally manufactured (from Suame Magazine in Kumasi) and foreign (India) corn mill grinding plates and to recommend if there are new technologies that could be employed to further enhance their qualities. The researcher made a brief description of the different forms of casting with more emphasis on sand casting. This was followed with an in-depth literature review of relevant material related to the subject matter. Five (5) corn mill grinding plates, three local and two foreign plates were randomly selected for investigation. The researcher limited the number to five because of financial constraints – the cost of testing and secondly most of the plates had similar qualities. The microstructure of each plate was observed using optical microscope attached to a computer. The qualities of corn mill grinding plates depend on the chemical composition and the casting process used, therefore, the chemical composition of the plates were determined using an emission mass spectrometer. Additionally, the hardness of each plate was determined using the Leeb hardness tester. It was observed from the results obtained through the various tests on the specimen that the locally produced corn mill grinding plates have a better quality as compared to the foreign (India) in terms of chemical composition and hardness. One significant observation made was that, even samples from the same foundry shop varied in terms of qualities and this was attributed to the uncontrolled charging of raw materials into the furnaces. The researcher strongly recommends capacity building in terms of training from the ITTU to artisans engaged in casting to improve their skills. Further to the above, a concerted effort should be made to ensure that only white cast iron is sorted and fed into the furnaces.

Source: UEW
A comparative study of academic learning time of physical

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to compare teaching effectiveness of beginner and experienced Physical Education teachers in the Volta Region of Ghana. It specifically examined how the class time is managed using Academic Learning Time- Physical Education as a tool.The population for the study was made up of Physical Education teachers and Senior High School students in selected districts and municipalities of the Volta Region. Participants were seven (7) experienced and seven (7) beginner PE teachers at the Senior High School. Thirty-five minutes regular lesson of each teacher were video recorded in their natural setting and ALT-PE observational instrument was used to do the analysis. Context level, learner involvement behaviours and ALT-PE scores were compared for the two groups of teachers. MANOVA results show no significant difference in students’ behaviour and course content activity between groups. Only experienced teachers spent significantly more time with warm-up, strategy and scrimmage. Students in the classes of beginner teachers spent significantly more time with on-task, motor appropriate and inappropriate unsuccessful behaviours, but students in the classes of experienced teachers spent significantly more time with off-task behaviours. The results however indicated no significant difference between the groups. It seems fair to suggest that beginner and experienced PE teachers should decrease the time onmanagement, transition, waiting, and theoretical explanations, while allocating moretime on physical activity (Practice). The low ALT-PE percentages may be credited to class size, type of activity andamount of equipment, teacher behaviour, class structure and organization. Fromthis study it seems that teacher should try to decrease management, waiting, and transition percentages and organize lessons with the primary goal of improving successful engagement time of students.

Source: UEW
Comparative study of free-hand cutting and patterns in the garment industry

Garments are constructed by using free-hand cutting or pattern. Clients now demand better products as they have difficulties with the fit of garment made by their informal dressmakers and tailors. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of free-hand cutting and the use of pattern on perfect fit of garment. Mixed method approach was adopted. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was used for this study. The total target population was 1377 which included registered road side dressmakers and tailors, fashion designers and fashion students of public tertiary institutions at Kwadaso Municipality, Sunyani East Municipality and Asafo area in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. A sample size of 302 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Questionnaire, focus group interview, and observation were used to gather information from the respondents. The study found that with free-hand cutting method, garment look elegant on the body, brings out the good style in garment, and provides special features to garment. The finding also showed that garment made with pattern brings out the original style, promotes variations of styles, and fits well on the body. The results showed that garment made with pattern fits better as compared to free-hand cutting. Based on this it was concluded that garment constructed with both free-hand cutting and patterns brings out the perfect fit of garment with patterns slightly on top. It was recommended that Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) should encourage and train their members on the use of pattern and this would improve and manifest in the high standard on fit of garment among the dressmakers and tailors in the informal setting in the near future. Also, the informal dressmakers and tailors should training of their apprentices to develop interest in the use of both free-hand cutting and pattern right from the onset.

Source: UEW
Comparative study of glass beads produced among the Asante and Krobo of Ghana

There has been increasing predictability of the factors that influence the choice and perception of glass beads. This research tends to compare and analyse the similarities and differences in the glass beads produced among the Ashanti and Krobo of Ghana. The research adopted qualitative research approach using a case study research design. The study areas were Atwima Akropong and Kumasi in the Ashanti Region and Somanya and in the Eastern Region. Data needed for the study was gathered from traditional glass bead producers, bead users, youth and glass bead traders. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were employed and the sample size was twenty five. Both structured and semi-structured interviews as well as participant observation were the data collection tools used for the study. The results were analysed thematically, interpreted and presented in simple descriptive statistics. The research revealed that customers of traditional glass beads preferred Krobo beads to Ashanti glass beads. The demand for glass beads produced by the Krobo motivates glass bead producers to produce in larger quantities. The study reveals that the preference for old beads is powered by the perception that they are authentic and more durable than recent versions of glass beads. The factors that inform the choice of glass beads are its appearance, attractiveness, beauty and proper finishing styles. The study also revealed that glass beads produced in the Ashanti region were currently used for funerary articles whilst glass beads produced by the Krobo were designed for several occasions such as birthday parties, engagement, puberty rites, and funerals, among others.The study recommends that glass bead producers especially the Ashanti are encouraged to produce new techniques of glass beads that can be used for several occasions and to attract customers all over the world. Further, the areas where glass beads are being produced should be educated on economic and aesthetic significance of glass beads in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Comparative study of motor performance of students with hearing-impairment and students without hearing-impairment in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to compare the motor skill-related physical fitness levels of the hearing-impaired and non hearing-impaired students of Volta School for the Deaf and St. Francis Junior High School in the Hohoe municipality. A cross-sectional design was used in conducting this study. This type of design utilizes different groups of people who differ in the variable of interest, but share other characteristics such as socio-economic status, educational background, and ethnicity. The target population for the study was the students of Volta School for the Deaf and all basic school students in the Hohoe municipality. In all, hundred participants were used for the study; fifty with hearing impairment and the other fifty without hearing-impairment. Volta School for the Deaf was selected purposely for the study because it was the only school for the deaf in the region and for that matter in the Hohoe municipality while a simple random sampling technique was used to select St. Francis Junior Secondary School from among mixed schools in the municipality that had students without hearing-impairment. The University of Illinois Test Instruments designed by American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) in 1986 was used to collect data. The t test and descriptive statistics on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software were used to analyse the results of the assessment conducted on the participants. An alpha level of 0.05 for two-tail was used. The result showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups in the use of power, speed and reaction time but there were differences in coordination, agility and balance.

Source: UEW
A comparative study of Odwira and Ohum festivals among the Akwapim

Ghana is endowed with rich traditions and cultures. Some of these traditions and cultures are normally showcased during festivals. Each year festivals are held in various parts of the country to celebrate the heritage of the people. A festival is considered as one of the vital elements in the advancement of culture. Hence, in order for a community to facilitate its cultural growth agenda, it must pay much attention to the activities undertaken during festivals. The Odwira and Ohum festivals, which are celebrated by the people of Akuapem, possess educational, social and religious benefits and more importantly serve the function of transmitting traditional knowledge within the ethnic group. Most people, especially the youth who participate and observe the festivals, have little or no idea about the similarities and differences between these two festivals as far as the activities, arts and cultural values attached to these festivals are concerned. This project aims at a comparative study of Odwira and Ohum festivals which are celebrated by the people of Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study sought to give an account of the celebration of Odwira and Ohum festivals as well as the artistic aspects of the two festivals and the effects they have on the people of Akuapem. The research also sought to establish the similarities and variations in these two festivals (Odwira and Ohum) and recommend the educational aspects contained in them for preservation. The research adopted the qualitative research design in gathering data for the study by using purposive sampling method in selecting the respondents of the study, whereas interviews and observations were the instrumentation used in collecting the data. The descriptive and analytical designs were employed in describing, analyzing and interpreting the data collected based on the objectives of the study. It recommended for the younger generation to visit the various palaces and residences of the chiefs and queen mothers to find out the philosophies and significances of the various rites and rituals that characterize the celebration of Odwira and Ohum festivals. It was recommended that the Akuapem Traditional Council should have a museum or gallery to keep the artworks used in these festivals and train personnel to educate people about the role such artefacts play in the festivals and the artistic elements in relation to their culture. These and other recommendations are meant to encourage the study of the artistic aspects of the two festivals (Odwira and Ohum) their effects on the people of Akuapem and the similarities and variations in these two festivals and the need for the educational aspects in them to be preserved.

Source: UEW
Comparative study of performance properties of ordinary portland cement (OPC) and pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks

The study compared the performance properties of OPC and pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks in existing structures. Properties like compressive, water absorption, density and weights were determined and assessed to see how they enhance performance and its effect on durability of existing structures. Field survey research and experimental research designs were employed for the study. The study sampled eleven (11) research scientists at CSIR-BRRI and thirty-five (35) building contractors working with pozzomix cement and ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). 25 pozzomix cement and 25 OPC sandcrete blocks were used for experiment at CSIR-BRRI laboratory. Questionnaire, laboratory test and observation were used as data collection instrument. Comparatively, the performance properties of OPC and pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks were inconsistent with defects in some of the structures observed. Densities of OPC sandcrete blocks were averagely higher than those of pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks with both above the standard minimum density of 1500kg/m3 Compressive strength of OPC and pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks failed to meet the required minimum standard respectively, for all curing ages, but pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks performed better than OPC sandcrete blocks. The study further revealed that OPC sandcrete blocks have lower water absorption rate than pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks. Therefore, using both OPC and pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks for construction works will be economically, eco-efficiently and technically beneficial to Ghanaian construction industry with 18%-20% cost reduction on materials. It is recommended that the commercialisation and use of pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks can go hand in hand with OPC sandcrete blocks for all construction works with regard to standard specification in the construction industry.

Source: UEW