ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Mathematics tutors’ ICT integration into teaching and learning of mathematics in the Colleges of Education in Ghana

The study explored the extent of ICT integration in teaching and learning of mathematics among Colleges of Education (CsE) mathematics tutors in Ghana. It also investigated factors that influence ICT integration in teaching and learning of mathematics in the CsE in Ghana. This study utilized the Constructivist theory, Technology Acceptance Model and the Concerned Based Adoption Model as its theoretical frameworks. The study which included forty-four (44) CsE mathematics tutors utilized a descriptive survey as its research design. Data for this study were gathered using questionnaire. The findings of this study revealed that the extent to which CsE mathematics tutors’ integrated ICT in teaching and learning of mathematics was very little. But mathematics tutors to a large extent used calculator and ICT for general applications and to a little extent used computer in mathematics teaching and learning. The findings indicated that some of the activities that CsE mathematics tutors used ICT general applications for were in reporting students’ results, preparing students task and preparing their lessons. The findings also revealed that CsE mathematics tutors perceived no availability of computer in colleges as the main barrier to ICT integration in mathematics instructions. Further, the findings revealed that the factors (i.e. age, gender, educational level, year of completion of university and universities attended by the mathematics tutors) do not affect their ICT integration. Finally, the findings revealed that mathematics tutors hold a positive belief about the significance of ICT integration in teaching and learning of mathematics and hence most are in support of the view that administrators and mathematics departments should embrace policies that enforce ICT integration in mathematics instructions.

Source: UEW
Maxim of encouragement in the ESL classroom: A case of Zabzugu Senior High School

It is important to listen to instructor’s voice to be able to understand classroom practice. This is especially crucial in the SLA. Teachers’ mental images, thoughts, and processes employed when teaching are believed to provide interpretative frameworks or principles that they use to understand and approach their teaching. These principles, technically termed maxims; range from order, conformity, efficiency, involvement, planning, empowerment, accuracy, to encouragement. This work aims to explore the role of the maxim of encouragement. The primary focus is on the teacher as an extrinsic factor in the ESL classroom because s/he is reflected as the most noteworthy figure in second language acquisition. Specifically, the work seeks to identify how and what impact does encouragement has on learner’s participation in the ESL class in the form of student-teacher relationship in the ESL classroom, and the teacher’s role in the ESL classroom. Being a case study (Zabzugu Senior High School), this work opted for a qualitative approach. To attain the objectives of the study, ten (10) professional English language teachers were purposively selected. Responses were gathered through interviews, questionnaires, and observation checklists. Findings were grouped into two themes; student-teacher relationship in the ESL classroom and classroom atmosphere during ESL lesson. The study generally revealed that positive encouragement plays a vital role in teaching and learning as it enhances effective learner participation which eventually improves learner performance. This was because most of the teachers this understudy wanted and exhibited a positive attitude towards a friendly but formal relationship with students in the ESL classroom. The data equally revealed that the majority of the teachers expressed a desire for a relaxed atmosphere but a little over half of them demonstrated a relaxed atmosphere during their teaching periods. The study, therefore, calls for a paradigm shift from the ‘traditional angle’ of language teaching to the all-embraced communicative language teaching (CLT).

Source: UEW
Maximizing the Sustainability of Cement Utilization in Building Projects through the Use of Greener Materials

Greener technologies and sustainable developments are currently among the main tools used by many industries in shaping the world for a better future. The construction industry that is known to have numerous negative impact on sustainability is now wide awake on sustainable measures which can aid in reducing its negative impact. In this work, green cement was produced from pyroprocessed clay (PC) at 800�C and mixed together with Portland cement. This paper presents both laboratory tests and some field applications of green cement application. Laboratory tests performed included setting times, compressive strength, and shrinkage. Field applications of the green cement are shown. Results from the work showed that well-proportioned greener cement gained strengths between 11% and 30% more than Portland cement at standard curing period of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. However, in real statistical terms, there was no difference between Portland cement and green cement strength performance. Shrinkage from both total and autogenous tests also showed insignificant differences between the two cements. The study recommends the use of green cements with pozzolanic origin than only Portland cement as a way to maximize sustainability in building projects. � 2016 Mark Bediako et al.

Source: UEW
Mbabun a wɔwɔ Sekunde na Takoradze hɔn Mfantse kasa ho Sohyio-pragmatsese mpɛnsapɛnsamu

Nhwehwɛmu yi yɛ nhwehwɛmu a ɔfa mbabun a wɔwɔ Sekunde na Takoradze hɔn Mfantse kasa a wɔdze dzi dwuma wɔ hɔnho nkɔmbɔdzi mu ho. Nhwehwεmu yi dze Praemari na sekendri mboanosεm dzii dwuma na ɔnam nyiyimu akwan a ogyina botae do paaw ne nsɛnyianofo. Nhwehwɛmu yi no mboanosɛm kɛse noara fi ekuwekuw nkɔmbɔtwetwe a nhwehwɛmufo no nye nsɛnyianofo no nyae. Nhwehwɛmu no kɔr do nkurow anan a hɔn nyina wɔ Sekunde na Takoradze mansin ahorow no mu. Dɛm nkurow ahorow yi nye Asamansudo, Ekuase, Efea – Kuma na Amanfol. Kurow kor biara mu no, nsɛnyianofo baasa na nhwehwɛmufo no paaw hɔn wɔ hɔ. Ԑtseno – pragmatsese tsiɔri nye tsiɔri a nhwenhwɛmufo no gyinaa do dze yɛɛ mboanosɛm no ne mpɛnsapɛnsamu. Ↄdaa edzi wɔ mboanosɛm mpɛnsapɛnsamu no mu dɛ mbabun a wɔwɔ Sekunde na Takoradze hɔ ntseasee ahorow a wɔdze Mfantse nsɛntɔw na nsɛmfua ahorow bi nntse dɛ dza Mfantsefo nkaa no nyina gye to mu no na ansaana obi bɛtse hɔn kasaa ase no, gyedɛ ɔka hɔn fɛkuw no ho. Ↄsanee daa edzi so dɛ dɛm kwan yi a wɔfa do kasa yi ma wɔda nsew fi afofor so hɔn ho.

Source: UEW
Mbɛbusɛm a ɔfa mfantse ekuayɛ ho mpɛnsampɛnsamu

Nhwehwɛmu yi pɛnsapɛnsa mbɛbusɛm a ɔfa Mfantse a ɔka Kwa kasakuw a wɔka no wɔ Mfinimfin Mantɔw mu ekuafo ho a ɔdze Conceptual Metaphor Theory pia mpɛnsampɛnsamu no ekyir. Nhwehwɛmu yi pɛnsapɛnsa mbɛbusɛm a Mfantse ekuafo dze dzi dwuma wɔ hɔn kuayɛ mu, nsɛntsitsir a ɔda edzi wɔ mu na kasasu a ɔda edzi wɔ mbɛbusɛm no mu. Minyaa mboanosɛm no nyinara fii praemri na sɛkɛndri. Prarmri dze no menam nkɔmbɔtwetwe a menye me nsɛnyianofo no twetwee na mara me nyimdzee dɛ meyɛ Mfantsenyi a meka Mfantse kasa do. Sɛkɛndri mboanosɛm no so minyae fii mbuukuu ahorow mu. Nhwehwɛmu yi da no edzi dɛ Mfantsefo ekuafo wɔ mbɛbusɛm a ɔfa ekuayɛ ho; fitsi asaase do nsiesie, ekuadze no nduae, eduadzewa no ndɔwho, otwaber na no ntɔnee mu. Mboanosɛm no da no edzi dɛ dɛm mbɛbusɛm yi da Mfantsefo adwenmusɛm a wɔwɔ no wɔ ekuayɛ ho edzi. Nsɛntsitsir a ɔda edzi wɔ mu no bi nye abotar, edwumadzen, owurayɛ, nkabɔmu na dza ɔkeka ho. Kasasu ahorow a ɔda edzi wɔ dɛm mbɛbusɛm yi mu bi nye nsawɔwdo, sɛ-nyimpa, ntotoho, na adze. Nhwehwɛmu yi hwehwɛ dɛ no nhunmu no bɔboa dze nyimdzee aka nyimdzee a ɔwɔ wiadze mfɛndzenan nyinara mbɛbusɛm ho.

Source: UEW
The meals preparation pattern of boarding schools and its impacts on the health status of students. A case study in the Ashanti region

This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the kind of meals provided for boarding students in Senior High Schools in Ghana; examining meal preparation patterns and the hygienic practices in the schools’ kitchen and assessing the relationship between meals and the health status of students. The main aim was to provide baseline data on the pertaining food safety practices in boarding schools in Ghana for future improvements. The research covered all the three year groups of the school but was centered more on the third year students because of their experience and academic maturity. The study utilized a simple random stratified sampling, to select 100 students (40 girls and 60 boys) and 12 school authorities including 5 assistant cooks and 1 matron and six (6) other members of staff, comprising the management, teaching staff, storekeeper and the bursar. It was revealed that the majority of the students were happy with a number of the meals provided them. However, some breakfast meals were identified as being too light to be taken without any pastry. The study identified that daily three-square meals provided were prepared under fairly good hygienic environment and condition and those meals were served at regular intervals. The study however identified cooks’ occasional negligence on some basic hygienic practices such as how to avoid wiping sweat with napkins, regular hands washing. The researcher, in view of the findings concluded that students were generally safe from foodborne diseases while in school. The researcher therefore recommends that regular and effective in service training for the kitchen staff be organize on food safety practices.

Source: UEW
The meals preparation pattern of boarding schools and its impacts on the health status on students_a case study on Zabzugu Senior High School

This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the kind of meals provided for boarding students in Senior High Schools in Ghana; examining meal preparation patterns and the hygienic practices in the school‘s kitchen and assessing the relationship between meals and the health status of students. The main aim was to provide baseline data on the pertaining food safety practices in boarding schools in Ghana for future improvements. The research covered all the three year groups of the school but was centered more on the third year students because of their experience and academic maturity. The study utilized a simple random stratified sampling, to select 100 students (40 girls and 60 boys) and 12 school authorities including 5 assistant cooks and 1 matron and six (6) other members of staff, comprising the management, teaching staff, storekeeper and the bursar. The first objective which sought to assess the kind of meals provided for boarding students in Senior High Schools in Ghana. It was revealed that the majority of the students were happy with a number of the meals provided them. However, some breakfast meals were identified as being too light to be taken without any pastry. The study identified that daily three-square meals provided were prepared under fairly good hygienic environment and condition and those meals were served at regular intervals. The study however identified cooks‘ occasional negligence on some basic hygienic practices such as how to avoid wiping sweat with napkins, regular hands washing. The researcher, in view of the findings concluded that students were generally safe from foodborne diseases while in school. The researcher therefore recommends that regular and effective in service training for the kitchen staff be organize on food safety practices.

Source: UEW
Mechanical properties and natural durability along the stem of Cleistopholis patens (Ngo ne Nkyene) wood and its feasibility for structural use and furniture construction

The over-dependence on the primary timber species has resulted in increased focus on research in the Lesser Used Species (LUS). Cleistopholis patens is an LUS commonly found in Sierra Leone and Ghana, yet it is commercially underutilized. This study assessed some physical, mechanical, and natural durability of C. patens against termites in comparison with other known commercial species. Three C. patens trees, collected from Assin Akropong Forest Reserve near Assin Fosu in the Central Region of Ghana were used for the study. Moisture content along the stem ranged from 12.38 - 13.81 % from butt to top. The basic density Values showed that C. patens is a low-density species with a range of 198.7 – 273.2 Kg/m3 from top to butt along the stem. The mean Modulus of Rupture, Modulus of Elasticity, Compression parallel to grain and shear parallel to the grain along the stem (from top to butt) were, 44.58 - 53.92 Nmm-2, 7268 - 8200 Nmm-2, 22.76 - 28.87 Nmm-2 and 5.508 - 7.678 Nmm-2, respectively. The mechanical strength properties values suggest that C. patens generally has a low strength for the butt portion and very low strength for the top and middle portions. The mean natural durability (i.e. mass loss) for the various sections along the stem ranged from 87.75 to 100 % (from butt to top) suggesting that C. patens is a nondurable timber. Generally, the mean values for the butt portion was significantly different (P < 0.05) from the other portions (middle and top) in all the parameters that were studied. The butt portion of C. patens thus have better usability potentials than the top and the middle and must be exploited for various applications such ceiling joist, interior joinery and wall partitioning. However, additional protection with preservative treatment would be required where outdoor applications are necessary. The use of the middle and top portions should be accompanied by preservative treatment in all possible applications (indoor and outdoor purposes).

Source: UEW
Mechanisms by which the inclusion of natural fibres enhance the properties of soil blocks for construction

Soil blocks are widely used for construction, especially in less economically developed countries. Addition of agricultural waste fibres has been shown to improve the properties of these blocks, however unlike most composites the fibres are not bound to the soil matrix. Therefore, the reinforcement mechanisms are different and not well characterised. This article investigates these mechanisms through a series of experimental studies to inform the development of better guidance for practitioners, and hence improve housing for low-income communities. The microstructural characteristics were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, computerised tomography scan, optical microscope analysis and pull out testing. It was established that fibres in the soil matrix are randomly distributed with gaps between the fibres and soil matrix due to fibre shrinkage during drying of the blocks. It also found that natural fibres in soil matrix can either be pulled-out or rupture under load depending on the depth of fibres embedment in the soil matrix. � 2017, � The Author(s) 2017.

Source: UEW
Media and sports, gendered coverage of female football stories in the Ghanaian print media

This study sought to investigate how the Ghanaian print media frame or portrays female football stories in Ghana. The study was based on the Agenda Setting, Framing and Feminist theories. The study used qualitative method for the data collection and analysis. Two sports newspapers, the Graphic Sports and the Finder Sports, were selected and content analysed for the study. The study showed that the Ghanaian print media often portrayed female footballers and coaches as mentally weak with no focus and drive; female footballers were also mostly mentioned in reference to males mostly when they were successful. These types of portrayals can perpetuate gender bias and stereotypes, undermine the true agile ability of female footballers and coaches, and give the audience the idea that male football is more important than female football. The study also showed that female football stories were often ignored, sidelined and even relegated to the background because they were seen as lesser in skills and knowledge. The study concludes that in Ghana, there is gender bias in the media representations of female football, regardless of their increased participation and string of successes. This mode of reportage sets a particular agenda for female football stories to be relegated to the background and sets back the opportunity to build an audience for female football. This will go a long way to silence female footballers, female coaches and their accomplishments altogether. The results from this study also provide a foundation for those who wish to further explore and raise awareness on framing of female football.

Source: UEW
Media coverage of covid-19 in Ghana a study of selected radio stations in the Cape Coast Municipality

This study assessed media coverage of COVID-19 in Ghana by focusing on two selected radio stations (Kingdom FM and Radio Central) in the Central Region. The study sought to identify the sources of information on COVID-19 shared by the selected radio stations, the frames used by the selected radio stations in the coverage of COVID-19 and the challenges encountered by journalists of Central Radio and Kingdom FM during the coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the agenda setting and framing theories through a multiple case study, data was gathered from purposively sampled journalists and editors through structured interviews. Data obtained are subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that journalists relied on multiple sources of information, namely, medical experts, government officials, social media, external media organisations and community members. It also emerged that journalists at the selected radio stations used the refutation of misconception frame, global pandemic frame, and the war frame in covering the COVID-19 pandemic. This study further revealed that journalists found it challenging to appropriately report issues surrounding the pandemic in a way that invoked public action without causing fear and panic. They also did not have the training and resources for effective reportage, especially during the first wave of the pandemic. The study concludes that during the coverage of COVID-19, journalists used words and terminologies that resonated with their audiences. In doing so, they allowed themselves considerably more leverage in what they asked of the public, such as compliance with harsher measures.

Source: UEW
Media coverage of female parliamentary candidates in Ghana, case study of the Daily Graphic and the Ghanaian Times newspapers (July 2016 –December, 2016)

Media coverage of female politicians has been observed to portray women with gender frames that are negative. This study investigated the coverage of female parliamentary candidates in the 2016 election in Ghana. The Daily Graphic and the Ghanaian Times newspapers were analysed to determine the frequency of media coverage of female parliamentary candidates as well as prominence given by the media to female parliamentary candidates. The study also content analysed how the Daily Graphic and the Ghanaian Times Newspapers framed female parliamentary candidates in their reportage. `In all 90 publications from both the Daily Graphic and the Ghanaian Times newspapers were selected for the study. The Daily Graphic newspaper was made up of 59 stories and the Ghanaian Times made up of 31, bringing the total number to 90 publications. The editions spanned from July 1, 2016 to December 7, 2016. The study found that in terms of overall distribution of frequencies of coverage of parliamentary candidates, the two newspapers gave less coverage to female parliamentary candidates. The study also revealed that the two national newspapers selected for the study within the period of July 1, to December 2016 did not fare well in the area of prominence to the coverage of female parliamentary candidates during the 2016 parliamentary election. The papers published only two female parliamentary candidates’ stories on their front pages, thus one each. The findings established that both the Daily Graphic and the Ghanaian Times newspapers framed the female parliamentary candidates stereotypically based on the descriptions of female parliamentary candidates in their reportage. The study is underpinned by the framing theory (Goffman, 1994), the Agenda Setting theory (Walter Lippmann, 1992) and the Liberal Feminist theory (Betty Friedan, 1963). The study also recommends to Civil Society and gender based organisations to institute Award Schemes for Media houses or Journalists who cover more activities aimed at increasing the participation of women in politics

Source: UEW
Media framing of the collapse of banks in Ghana the case of UT Bank and Capital Bank

This study assessed the framing of the collapse of UT Bank and Capital Bank on myjoyonline.com and ghananewsagency.org. The study specifically sought to ascertain the main issues that dominated online reportage on the collapse of UT Bank and Capital Bank as well as how the collapse of the two banks was framed by ghananewsagency.org and myjoyonline.com. It also investigated the factors that influenced the choice of frames adopted by journalists in reporting the collapse of the two banks. The study was conducted using the qualitative approach. The research design used was qualitative content analysis which involved the content analysis of both news articles published on myjoyonline.com and ghananewsagency.org from August to December 2017 and interview responses of four journalists from Myjoyonline.com and Ghana News Agency.From the analysis, eight issues were revealed to have dominated the news coverage, namely revocation of banking licenses, GCB takeover and receivership, Banking capital inadequacy, Effects of the bank collapse on the banking industry, Banking regulation, Fate of displaced workers, corporate governance irregularities and Calls for investigations. Four major were revealed: frames; politics, crises, industry correction and legal frames demonstrating how the collapse of both banks was reported. Journalists in both organisations were influenced by their organisational philosophy, news sources and resources at their disposal. The journalists relied on diagnostic frames to delineate the problem at hand. The study concludes that the frame building process in both organisations was influenced by internal and external factors with implications for news content.

Source: UEW
Media framing of women in political and non-political spaces an analysis of how newspapers framed women leaders in Ghana from 2009 to 2010

This study examined the media coverage of women leaders in political and non-political spaces. The study identified the frames used in news coverage and the degree to which the representations reinforce the theoretical assumptions that the media engage in symbolic annihilation in representing women leaders. Again, the study sought to discover the reason behind the frames from the perspective of the journalist. The research also analysed the perceptions of the women leaders towards these frames. In addition, the study determined whether the frames employed are dependent on the particular space occupied by the woman leader. The study informed by framing analysis, employed Ethnographic Content Analysis (ECA), a research design that combined both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyse data from three Ghanaian newspapers: Daily Graphic, Daily Guide and The Ghanaian Times. Another source of data analysed is interviews with the journalists who wrote the stories as well as women who were covered in the news stories. The findings of this study provide evidences of strong socio cultural gender constructs that impede women‟s access to and performance within leadership roles. Critical to challenging this status-quo is media identification and promotion of a female leadership norm, for women to be seen as human beings who have leadership qualities that is equal to but may not necessarily be similar to the male norm.

Source: UEW