ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A study of grammar errors in the written exercises of the students of Seventh day Adventist senior high school of Gomoa Jukwa in the central region of Ghana

Many reports complained about grammar errors in the written exercises of SHS graduates in Ghana. This thesis work aimed to establish the types of grammar errors that SHS graduates commit, the causes of the errors and how best the errors could be addressed. Two (2) teachers and eighteen (18) students were selected through the purposive sampling technique for the study. The data collected were written responses from students and teachers through an administration of structured interview questions. The teaching syllabus for the English Language (Senior High School 1-4; 2007), English language textbooks and students’ exercises were also examined. The results showed that learners’ knowledge of morphosyntatic rules of the English language is insufficient. Besides, grammar errors in SHS graduates’ written exercises were caused by inadequate knowledge and understanding of the English language and grammar rules and lack of writing skills among students. Students’ poor use of the forms of the English language as well as the context of learning also caused grammar errors. The study suggests that grammar errors can be minimized when conscious teaching and learning activities are focused on the meaning and the forms of the English language. Also, some SHS graduates’ special needs in English grammar may be accomplished if students are assigned mentors. Among others the study concluded that educators should make conscious effort of assisting learners to be aware of morphosyntactic rules of the English language through regular practice of writing where correction and discussion of grammar errors should feature; for it is an alternative avenue for letting students to learn and understand the rules of English grammar.

Source: UEW
A study of leadership styles and management practices of headteachers of underperforming schools in Agona East District

The purpose of this study was to investigate the leadership styles of Headteachers of underperforming basic schools in the Agona East District, and to find out the management practices applied in the schools. This was a mixed method research that used the sequential explanatory mixed method design. The sample size (for the quantitative part of this study) was 45 respondents, comprising 15 Headteachers and 15 Assistant Headteachers selected through census frame, and 15 conveniently selected teachers. The qualitative phase involved 6 participants (3 from the Inspectorate Division at the directorate and 3 Assistant Headteachers – from the qualitative frame). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in the quantitative phase of the study, while a semi-structured interview was employed to gather data in the qualitative phase. The quantitative data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study identified the democratic, autocratic and laissez-faire styles of leadership as the most widely used by the headteachers. The headteachers' experience in leadership position as well as the desire to meet societal needs influenced them to be autocratic. Organizational culture emerged as most dominant factor influencing the use of democratic style and the use of laissez-faire style was influenced by one’s personality trait. The study concluded, among others, that most of the headteachers in the study area have little knowledge about styles of leading. Therefore, the study recommended, among others, training programmes in leadership to be organised for the headteachers to expose them to various styles which they could employ to manage their schools.

Source: UEW
A Study of non verbal communication cues and their uses in pre-school classroom interaction, a case study of Nsakina kindergarten

The ability to identify, understand and interpret non-verbal cues makes communication among people high quality and successful. In this study, special attention is paid to non verbal communication in the classroom, with emphasis on the non-verbal behaviour of teachers. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the role of nonverbal communication in preschool classroom interactions with a view to looking at how the adult can develop positive ways of responding to and using nonverbal communication to avoid frustration on the part of the children and to encourage inclusion and consequently a safe environment for learning. To this end, a naturalistic observation was conducted with a group of pre-schoolers between 2 and 4 years old, and the teachers involved during 6 different classroom activities over a period of two weeks. The participants for that morning’s observation therefore included all children in Nsakina M/A kindergarten as well as the teachers who reported for work in the centre within the period of observation. The findings of the study showed that teachers and children used nonverbal communication extensively in their interactions, but there were instances where children’s nonverbal signals were either not responded to or misinterpreted, leaving children unfulfilled. Because this study is qualitative, it should be made quantitative and scale up the number of kindergartens, that way a generalisation can be made on the various nonverbal communication cues that are used in the kindergarten. From the finding of the study, the interaction that took place was between teacher to child and child to child. A future study can focus on parent to teacher interaction, and parent to child interaction on nonverbal communication cues.

Source: UEW
A study of phonological processes in Wassa

This thesis presents some phonological processes in Amenfi and Fiase dialects of Wassa. Wassa is one of the unwritten and least studied languages in Ghana. The language belongs to the Niger Congo language family. The study is cast within the theoretical framework of autosegmental phonology. The approach applied in this dissertation is qualitative. Data for the analyses are drawn from both primary and secondary sources. The phonological processes discussed in this work include vowel harmony, labialization, palatalization, elision, insertion, compensatory lengthening and consonant mutation. Both dialects of Wassa operate a limited stem-controlled Advanced Tongue Root (ATR) vowel harmony system. There is also evidence of raising of the low vowel /a/ to mid back vowel in the same compound name in Amenfi. The phenomenon where plosives and affricates change into a nasal is a similar process in Amenfi and Fiase. Also, the phenomenon of consonant mutation where obstruents becomes voiced in the environment of nasals is very productive in Wassa. Bilabial lenition where bilabial /b/ lenites to [m] is also a phonological process in Amenfi dialect. Future affix deletion in the environment of first personal pronoun and deletion of the future and progressive in the environment of the negative are all similar phonological processes shared by both dialects. Finally, the past and progressive affixes are lengthened in both dialect

Source: UEW
A Study of Sekondi-Takoradi Residents’ Perception of Fire Fighting Operations by Ghana National Fire Service

This study investigated the perceptions of Sekondi-Takoradi residents in the Western Region, Ghana of the firefighting operations of the Ghana Nation Fire Service (GNFS) in the Metropolis. Being underpinned by the theories of perception, the study specifically sought to investigate how the residents perceive the firefighting operations of GNFS and examine measures needed to improve their operations. Using quantitative approach, survey was used to collect data from 120 respondents through purposive and systematic sampling procedures. The SPSS was used to analyze data gathered through frequencies, percentages and descriptive statistics. The study found that most of the residents were of the perception that the firefighting operations of GNFS in the Metropolis were unsatisfactory because of their slow response to calls on fire outbreaks. With the highest mean score of 4.95, it was revealed that the residents were of the opinion that availability of fire hydrant at vantage points was the most significant means by which GNFS could improve upon their firefighting operations. The next significant measure needed to improve their operations was the use of fire tenders with higher water capacities. The study therefore recommends that management of the GNFS must collaborate with Motor, Traffic and Transportation Unit of Ghana Police Service to put in place measures that will control presence of heavy traffic during fire outbreaks. This will ensure that there is always swift response to fire outbreaks so as to protect and preserve lives and properties during fire outbreaks.

Source: UEW
A study of self-efficacy beliefs in computer use of undergraduate maths students’ and its relationship to their computer experiences in SHS

This study investigated Self-efficacy Beliefs in Computer use of Undergraduate maths Students‟ and its Relationship to their Computer Experiences in SHS. The study used quantitative methodology which employed survey design as an approach of inquiry. Bandura self-efficacy beliefs theory was used as a conceptual model to assess the extent of students‟ computer competence and constructivist teaching and learning principle as a theoretical framework to assess SHS students‟ computer experience. The population was first year undergraduate maths students from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in the Ashanti Region during 2017/2018 academic year. The sample consisted of students from three programmes of study; BSc Statistics, BSc Actuarial Science and BSc Mathematics. A sample of 258 undergraduate students participated in the study (159 males, 97 females and 2 missing gender data). The researcher used questionnaire for data collection. The study revealed that, majority (75%) of the students had High self-efficacy beliefs in computer use and 25% had Low self-efficacy beliefs in computer use. Another notable finding made was that there was no gender difference in undergraduate students‟ self-efficacy beliefs in computer use. It was also found that majority (55%) of respondents had low computer experience in SHS and 45% respondents had high computer experience in SHS. Finally, it was observed that respondents with higher computer experience in SHS had high self-efficacy beliefs in computer use and respondents with low computer experience in SHS had low self-efficacy beliefs in computer use presently. The Pearson Correlation analysis showed that there was a relationship between undergraduate students‟ self-efficacy beliefs in computer use and their computer experiences in SHS. A more remarkable finding is the impact of the previous computer experience on current computer competence.

Source: UEW
A study of sexual harassment against female students in Senior High Schools The case of Winneba

The research was conducted to find answers to questions concerning the incidence of sexual harassment among Senior High School female students in the Effutu Municipality by examining student‟s knowledge on the forms, causes and impacts of sexual harassment among students. The objectives of the study were to examine students‟ level of knowledge about sexual harassment in schools, to assess students‟ perception about sexual harassment in educational settings and to assess the forms, causes and effects of sexual harassment on students in the school setting. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. Quota sampling was used to select a quota of 60 participants (female students) from each of the four institutions selected. Finally, in selecting the 60 participants from each school, the simple random sampling procedure, using the lottery method was used to select 20 female students from each level (Forms 1, 2 and 3) in each school for the study. Questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents. It was found that sexual harassment really occurs in the Senior Secondary Schools within the Effutu Municipality. It was revealed that though students had some basic knowledge of sexual harassment most of them did not understand and could not interpret what really constitutes sexual harassment. Most of the students indicated that their source of information on sexual harassment were from friends and relatives. It was also concluded that sexual harassment has negative impacts on students output and the school‟s image. School authorities should make sure that students know what kinds of behaviours are considered sexual harassment and school authorities should model sexual harassment prevention policy with students and involve them in defining this policy with words and examples that make sense to them.

Source: UEW
A study of students and teachers’ perception towards English grammar teaching and learning the case of three junior high schools in Walewale municipality

This study examined both teachers‟ and students‟ perceptions, and beliefs, as well as their attitude and motivation towards the teaching and learning of English grammar in Junior High Schools in the Walewale Municipality. To achieve the objectives, the mixed method approach and the convergent parallel design was applied. Questionnaire, interview, observation and focus group discussions were employed to collect data from the participants. Gardner‟s socioeducational model was used as the theoretical framework and data analyzed using descriptive statistics (SPSS) and thematic analysis. The results revealed that the students value the study of English grammar and also hold the belief that it is important for them to study and master grammar in order to use English language to communicate effectively. However, the students were also seen to perceive grammar to have many rules, full of exceptions, making the learning of grammar cumbersome. This has made the students to develop a negative perception towards the study of grammar in particular and English language in general. And this has in no small means contributed to the poor performance of students in the English language. It was observed that the negative perception of the students towards English grammar is also closely attributed to the fact that majority of the English language teachers rely heavily on the traditional approach to teaching grammar. Based on the results, it is suggested that English language teachers should try as much as possible to adopt appropriate strategies to teach English grammar and also motivate their students in the language classroom.

Source: UEW
A study of students’ attitudes and mathematics teachers’ self- efficacy in teaching and their relationships on students’ achievement in Dadieso senior high school

The study examined students‟ attitudes and mathematics teacher self- efficacy in teaching and their relationships on students‟ achievement in Dadieso Senior High School. Correlational design was employed in the study. Purposive and Stratified Random Sampling techniques were used to sample 225 respondents made up of 7 Form three (F3) mathematics teachers (6 males, 1 female) and 218 Form three (F3) students (123 male, 95 female). Attitude towards Mathematics Inventory was used to collect data on students‟ attitudes whereas data on their achievement was obtained through an Achievement Test. Teacher self- Efficacy Scale was used to collect data teacher‟s efficacy in teaching mathematics. Frequencies, percentages, Pearson‟s product-moment correlation and independent samples t- test were used for data analyses. The study revealed that most respondents had positive attitude towards mathematics in terms of its value and their confidence but also indicated anxiety towards learning mathematics. A significant positive medium correlation between students‟ attitudes and their mathematics achievement was established. The study also revealed significant small positive relationship between teacher self-efficacy and students mathematics achievement. Significant gender differences were specified on mathematics achievement. Male students performed better than female students in Mathematics with medium effect size. Recommendations were made to enhance students‟ positive attitudes and build higher level efficacy beliefs of teachers during in-service training.

Source: UEW
A study of teachers’ use of language on junior high school Students’ conceptual understanding of some mathematics Concepts

The purpose of the study was to explore the influence of language use on Junior High School students’ understanding of the conceptual understanding of some mathematical concepts used by teachers in and out of Mathematics context. It is believed that acquisition of mathematical ability is a subtle process, but dialogue between the learner and teacher is imperative and this depends on effective communication. The study was a descriptive survey that used the mixed methods approach. Direct classroom observation, focus group interview, as well as content analyses of the participants’ verbatim classroom talk, and questionnaires were used for data collection. The findings have revealed that instructional language in Mathematics classroom at the JHS can be a major influence on the level of students’ understanding and retention of Mathematics concepts. Evidence was seen in Mathematics teachers’ lack of explicit awareness of functional values of some Mathematics concept; Minus verses Negative’, ‘Simplify verses Reduce’, ‘Average verses Mean’, ‘Breadth verses Breathe’, ‘Whole verses Hole’, ‘Similarity verses Congruence’, etc which lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation of mathematical tasks. It was recommended that rigorous in-service training on appropriate use of mathematical language should be organized for basic school teachers to equip them for effective teaching and learning of Mathematics in Junior High schools in Ghana. Mathematics experts with education background should also be employed by the government to write Mathematics textbook with appropriate vocabulary of language.

Source: UEW
Study of the choice of courses in construction trades- case study of Asuansi Technical Institute

The main aim of the study was to investigate the study of the choice of courses in construction trades, using Asuansi Technical Institute in Central Region as a case study.The study employed a case study research design. Quantitative research approach was used. The population for the study was four hundred and ninety-one (491). The population of the study was made up of construction students and tutors at the Asuansi Technical School in the Central Region of Ghana. The random and purposive sampling techniquetechniques was used to select 214 participants for the study. The study found that the choice of courses in construction trades pursued were, building construction technology, architectural drafting technology, plumbing and gas fitting technology, wood construction technology, furniture construction and design technology in that order. The factors that influenced students to choose specific construction trades were; the performance and ability to study the construction trade, parents’ cultural influences on subject choice, the availability of educational materials, and good wages, salary, and conditions of Service. The difficulties associated with career choice in construction trades included; narrow and static range of skills offered, restricted opportunity for learning to work effectively, the minimal knowledge of materials (behaviour and characteristics) and processes may affect the quality, lack of standardised training and independent testing makes it difficult to control the quality of the training, and high cost of training craft skill. The study recommended that the Government in collaboration with professional construction regulatory bodies should make policies that will regulate craft skill training and certification in the construction industry.

Source: UEW
A study of the elements of orality and performance in selected poems from Niyi Osundare’s the eye of the earth and songs of the marketplace

This thesis examines the elements of orality and performance in modern African poetry, particularly Osundare’s selected poems. The aim is to observe how Osundare uses the elements of orality in selected poems in The Eye of the Earth and Songs of the Marketplace volumes to present the African human experience. The theoretical framework for this research is the formalistic approach. The analysis is based on ten selected poems each from Osundare’s The Eye of the Earth and Songs of the Marketplace volumes and the elements of orality and performance explored. The study reveals that the poet combines orality with performance. The elements of orality covered in both volumes are proverbs, riddles, Oriki (Yoruba panegyric), local names, music and dance, repetitions and refrains and the personal pronouns that signal dialogue; the curse prayers; Babalawo- the traditional priests; the pantheon of gods; dirge and incantations among others. However, in The Eye of the Earth, the elements of performance are explicit - the poet suggests that various kinds of musical instruments be employed and the volume is also about the non - human nature. In Songs of the Marketplace, performance is implicit - deductions are made from the combination of word structure. Songs of the Marketplace is about people - the human nature. The study is therefore relevant for pedagogy, in the teaching and learning of literature and in the area of academia, for the analysis of orality and performance in African literature.

Source: UEW
The study of the entropy generation in a thin film flow with variable fluid properties past over a stretching sheet

This research inspects the liquid film flow of the nanofluid in a permeable medium with the consequence of thermal radiation over a stretching sheet. The viscidness and thermal conduction of the nanofluid varies with temperature in such a manner that the thermal conductivity considered in direct relation while the viscosity considered inversely proportional to the temperature field. The invariable magnetic field applies vertically to the flow field in the existence of entropy generation. For the above-mentioned nanofluid study, Buongiorno�s model is used. The leading equations are changed into a set of third- and second-order nonlinear coupled differential equations. These nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved using the optimal approach of homotopy analysis method. The physical appearance of the modelled parameters based on the liquid film thickness is mainly focused. Furthermore, the influence of embedded parameters like variable viscosity parameter ? Prandtl number Pr, Schmidt number Sc, Brinkman number Br, Brownian motion constraint Nb, thermophoresis constraint Nt, magnetic parameter M, thermal radiation parameter Nr, Reynolds number Re, diffusion coefficient ?, non-dimension temperature variation ? and non-dimension concentration variation ? is observed on the velocity pitch, temperature gradient and concentration sketch. The consequence of parameters due to entropy generation and Bejan number has also been observed in this work. The important physically quantities of skin friction coefficient, the local Nusselt number and Sherwood number have also been studied. Residual error and optimal values have been calculated for the range of each physical parameter. The present work is compared with the published work and the comparison has been shown physically and numerically. � The Author(s) 2018.

Source: UEW