ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the teaching of selected fundamental motor skills in basic schools in the Wa Municipality

The study sought to assess the teaching of some selected Fundamental Motor Skills (kicking, catching, hopping and running) in basic schools in the Wa Municipality. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The strategy was a quantitative research paradigm. Ten selected schools in the municipality with a sample population of 109 physical education teachers were purposively sampled for the study. The sample size consists of 80 male and 29 female physical education teachers. The sampling techniques used were convenience and purposive. Survey questionnaires and scheduled observation were the instruments used to gather data for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the demographics characteristics of the classroom physical education teachers, nature of Fundamental Motor Skills taught, methods and Sequences adopted by classroom P.E. teachers in the teaching of Fundamental Motor Skills, challenges encountered by classroom P.E. teachers in the teaching of Fundamental Motor Skills and best practices that can be adopted in teaching Fundamental Motor Skills in the basic schools in the Wa Municipality. An effective inferential statistical tool, independent samples t-test was used to examine hypothetically whether there is no gender-wise significant difference in classroom Physical Education teachers’ methods of teaching Fundamental Motor Skills in the Wa Municipality. The study revealed that the nature of Fundamental Motor Skills taught in the basic schools in the Wa Municipality were the teaching of manipulative skills like throwing, catching, kicking, and volleying and teaching of locomotor skills like walking, running, hopping, galloping, jumping and sliding in practical P. E. Lessons.The study discovered that the method adopted by physical education teachers in the teaching of Fundamental Motor Skills in basic schools in the Wa Municipality was demonstration technique with strict adherent to their sequences in which the components of Skills normally appear in pupil’s development. The study revealed also that poor, lack or inadequate facilities was the challenge that physical education teachers faced in the teaching of Fundamental Motor Skills in basic schools in the Municipality. it is again, determined whether there is gender-wise significant difference in Physical education teachers, which indicated that male physical education teachers had strong adaptation of the methods for teaching of Fundamental Motor Skills as compared to female physical education teachers. The study recommended that all basic schools should be provided with the required teaching aids like P.E. Textbooks and field equipment. And, a standardized physical education fields should be constructed in all basic schools to enhance the teaching of fundamental motor skills.

Source: UEW
Assessing the usage of multimedia resources in teaching and learning of social studies concepts in junior high schools in Ghana

The study assessed the usage of multimedia resources in the teaching of Social Studies concepts in Presbyterian College of Education Demonstration JHS, Akropong – Akuapem. The study was anchored on the Richard Mayer‟s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. The targeted population for the study encompassed seven Social Studies teachers in the Presby University College of Education Demonstration JHS in the Akuapem North Municipality. Under qualitative research design, case study was adopted and semi-structured interviews and lesson observations were used in gathering data. The sample of this study was purposive technique. The study found out among others that, though, Social Studies teachers appreciate the benefits of multimedia resource usage in the classroom such as students enjoying lessons which aids comprehension of concepts than the traditional method, allows student-centered teaching where students construct their own knowledge with the teacher as a facilitator, improves teacher efficiency of the content, they often find smooth and effective use in Social Studies instructions challenging which make them develop unfavourable attitude towards the usage. From the findings, the study recommends in service training, enactment of school-based ICT policies to support the teacher for effective utilization of multimedia resource, provision of resources and adoption of maintenance culture of the resources to improve learning outcomes.

Source: UEW
Assessing the usage of multimedia resources in teaching and learning of social studies concepts in junior high schools in Ghana

The study assessed the usage of multimedia resources in the teaching of Social Studies concepts in Presbyterian College of Education Demonstration JHS, Akropong – Akuapem. The study was anchored on the Richard Mayer‟s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. The targeted population for the study encompassed seven Social Studies teachers in the Presby University College of Education Demonstration JHS in the Akuapem North Municipality. Under qualitative research design, case study was adopted and semi-structured interviews and lesson observations were used in gathering data. The sample of this study was purposive technique. The study found out among others that, though, Social Studies teachers appreciate the benefits of multimedia resource usage in the classroom such as students enjoying lessons which aids comprehension of concepts than the traditional method, allows student-centered teaching where students construct their own knowledge with the teacher as a facilitator, improves teacher efficiency of the content, they often find smooth and effective use in Social Studies instructions challenging which make them develop unfavourable attitude towards the usage. From the findings, the study recommends inservice training, enactment of school-based ICT policies to support the teacher for effective utilization of multimedia resource, provision of resources and adoption of maintenance culture of the resources to improve learning outcomes.

Source: UEW
Assessing the use and effects of WhatsApp on the academic performance of students in T. I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, Kumasi

The study was conducted to determine the use and effects of WhatsApp on the academic performance of students in T. I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, Ghana. Specifically, it was designed to identify the uses of WhatsApp messenger by the students; the challenges that students face when using WhatsApp and their perceived effects on their academic performance. The study adopted descriptive survey design and 60 students were purposively selected for the study. The data were collected from the respondents using questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages were used when analyzing the collected data. The study revealed that majority of the respondents agreed to the usefulness of the WhatsApp. Furthermore, most of the respondents were of the view that usage of WhatsApp by students for other social activities than academic work leads to poor performance in school. Again, the study revealed that majority of the respondents had positive feelings and intentions about using WhatsApp in their formal learning if it is introduced. Based on these findings from the study, it was recommended that parents, classroom teachers and counsellors should encourage students to utilise the WhatsApp platform for disseminating only educational information to their colleagues. It was further recommended that teachers and school counsellors should endeavour to give orientation to students on the effective and positive use of WhatsApp as regards to teaching and learning.

Source: UEW
Assessing the use of bonded sawdust as a substitute material for carving in Ghana: Case study at Kumasi Metropolis In Ashanti Region

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of sawdust as a substitute for carving material. The research adopted cross-sectional survey design for the study. The research adopted deductive and inductive research approaches. The population for the study was 340. Stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain the sample size of 184. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather primary data. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS version 20.0) was used to analyze data. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study results indicated that although bonded sawdust could be carved just as wood, experiment revealed that only extremely well sharpened tools could do the carving to expectation. Any blunt tool was found to peel the mould off rather than carved it. It was revealed in the research that pieces carved out of bonded sawdust would be best for interior use than exterior usage. This was because bonded sawdust could not withstand rain as compared to wood. Bonded sawdust that came into contact with rain were susceptible to reverse to their original state if handled well and left to dry. The stud y results show that the factors that influence timber species selection for carving works were durability, mechanical and physical properties (ranked 1st), Quality (ranked 2nd), Appearance (ranked 3rd), Processability (ranked 4th), Type of product (ranked 5th), Availability (ranked 6th), Price (ranked 7th), Affordability (ranked 8th), Thickness sizes (ranked 9th), Sustainability (ranked 10th), Suitability (ranked 11th), Informed decision (ranked 12th), Area of usage (ranked 13th), and Expert advice (ranked 14th). The study concluded that sawdust could be used as carving material and fashion into blocks and boards to serve as a substitute material for carving and the quality of carved pieces from sawdust boards could be compared to solid boards. The study recommended that planned orientation programme should be organized for wood carvers to acquaint them with the use of bonded sawdust as a substitute material for carving.

Source: UEW
Assessing the use of English as a medium of instruction at Asafo Catholic JHS

The language of education is crucial to learners’ academic success. As a result, most multilingual countries have adopted bilingual education systems that recognize the child’s native language and a second language, which in most cases is the official language of the country. Ghana, because of its multilingual nature, has promulgated a language policy which uses the child’s L1 as medium of instruction at the lower basic level from KG1 to Primary Three and English used from Primary Four onwards. However, this policy has not been rigorously observed and enforced by teachers and educational administrators respectively, especially in the rural areas. This qualitative study, therefore sought to examine the factors that have militated against the use of English as medium of instruction at Asafo Catholic JHS and also examined the attitudes of teachers towards the implementation of the language policy.

Source: UEW
Assessing the use of open-source software in libraries in Ghana. A case study of selected universities in the Kumasi Metropolis

The introduction of Open-Source Software has provided low-cost opportunities for libraries transitioned from traditional to technology-based library services, which also give room for more efficient service provision. This study investigated the use of Open-Source Software in selected Universities in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study was based on survey research methodology and questionnaire was used to gather data from 70 respondents. The study revealed that the use of open-source software as adopted by the libraries were considered advantageous due to their flexibility, ease of modification, ease of accessibility and reliability. The study also discovered that the libraries’ staff do not really utilize the adopted open software as envisioned by the library management, as staff possessed only average computer literacy skills and knowledge in the use of open-source software. On the flipside, the study found out that some limitations, such as inadequate training, lack of expertise to train for and manage the software, breakdowns which require special expertise, vulnerability to malicious users, and inadequate user-friendliness of the software as compared to proprietary software. The study recommended that management of the Academic Libraries should put measures and policies in place to address the challenges being faced in the use of the Open-Source Software, such as constant orientation and training of staff, provision of infrastructural support, and provision of technical support and installation of robust antivirus software.

Source: UEW
Assessing the use of termite mound material as medium for growing cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L) Walp)

A pot experiment was conducted at the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong - Ashanti campus now Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development to assess the use of termite mound material as a medium for crop production. Three soil types namely top, sub and termite mound soils were considered as the treatments for the study. These soil types were collected in 2018 and 2019 from the multi-purpose nursery of the college of Agriculture. Soil physical, hydrological and chemical characteristics, and growth and yield of cowpea were determined in both major and minor seasons. Soil nutrients such as N, P and K, organic matter and pH values were higher in the top soil. SOC in top soil was 45 and 105 % more than the termite mound and sub soils respectively in the major season. The top soil again recorded total N which was about 33 and 122 % more than the termite mound and sub soils, respectively. TEB, ECEC and base saturation were higher in the top and termite mound soils than in the sub soil, while exchangeable acidity was higher in the sub soil than the top and termite mound soils. Similarly, soil physical and hydrological characteristic such as bulk density, moisture and porosity were favourable for crop production in the top soil. In both seasons, the top soil improved the growth and yield of cowpea better as compared to the sub soil, and the termite mound soil. In the major season, the top soil recorded a total grain yield of 390.0 kg/ha which was about 16 and 62 % more than the amount produced in the termite mound soil and the sub soil respectively. Total grain yield of cowpea correlated positively with organic matter, total N, available P, exchangeable K, ECEC and pH (r= 0.725, 0.793, 0.686, 0.749, 0.646 and 0.740 respectively). The order of preference for crop production should be top soil > termite mound soil > sub soil.

Source: UEW
Assessing the utilization of tax relief schemes by employees in the public sector

The main objective of the study is to assess the utilization of the tax relief schemes by public sector employees in Ghana. Questionnaires were distributed to and responses obtained from one hundred and twenty public sector employees within the health, educational and the local government sector using the random sampling method. The study revealed that 88.3% indicated that they were aware of tax reliefs available to employees who pay tax in Ghana whiles only 11.7% were not aware of the tax relief system in Ghana. The study further revealed that just about 23 out 120 (representing 19.2%) respondents have ever applied for tax reliefs whiles 97 out of 120 (representing 80.8%) have never applied for it. The results also indicated that only 23.3% had ever filed a return, whereas 76.7% of the taxpayers had never filed a return, which a basic requirement for applying for tax reliefs. The study found no statistical association between socio-demographic factors such as gender, highest level of education, marital status, institution, religion, basic monthly salary, and number of children and awareness of tax relief schemes. In conclusion, the study has revealed that most tax payers do not utilize personal tax reliefs’ provisions even though majority of them are aware of the tax relief schemes. It is recommended that public education on filing of tax returns in any form should be intensified, if possible, giving it the same publication as being received by the payment of Income Tax. Also, the Ghana Revenue Authority must also work in collaboration with the Social Welfare and the Physically Challenged Rehabilitation Centers to educate its members on the tax reliefs available for taxpayers in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Assessing the validity of digital health literacy instrument for secondary school students in Ghana: The polychoric factor analytic approach

The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the heightened need for digital health literacy among the youth of school-going age. Despite the relevance of digital health literacy among the general public (including students), it appears the measurement of digital health literacy is still a challenge among researchers. Recently, Dadackinski and colleagues adapted existing digital health literacy measures to fit the COVID-19 situation. Since this development, the instrument has been widely used with few validation studies with none in Africa and specifically, in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to assess the validity of the digital health literacy instrument (DHLI) for secondary school students in Ghana using the polychoric factor analysis. We sampled 1,392 students from secondary schools in Ghana. The digital health literacy instrument was administered to the respondents, thereof. The study confirmed the four latent structure of the DHLI. Further, sufficient validity evidence was found regarding the construct validity of the DHLI. The findings from the study support the validity of the DHLI and its utility within the Ghanaian context. With the growing need for digital health literacy among younger people globally, the DHLI provides sufficient grounds for scaling them based on their level of literacy. There is a need for the instrument to be adapted and re-validated in Ghana and among different populations to widen its reproducibility. 2022 Agormedah, Quansah, Ankomah, Hagan, Srem-Sai, Abieraba, Frimpong and Schack.

Source: UEW
Assessing the value relevance of financial data of listed banks after adoption of international financial reporting standards in Ghana

Since the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) in 2007 in Ghana, there have been little empirical studies focusing on value relevance of financial data using return-model. This study focused on value relevance of earnings after IFRS adoption in ECObank Ghana Limited, UT Bank Limited, Societe Generale Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited, GCB Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, National Investment Bank and HFC Bank Limited. The study used only secondary data, obtained from audited annual financial statements over the periods 2000-2006 (pre-adoption period) and 2008-2014 (post-adoption period). The study adopted return- model to estimate value relevance of earnings per. The study estimated nine different Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regressions, three for all banks, three for only public banks and three for only private banks. The study found that earning per share had higher value relevance after IFRS adoption in all the listed banks. However, earnings per share were more value relevant in private banks than in public banks. The researcher recommends that investors should enforce the adoption and compliance of IFRS in Ghana and stockholders should rely on earnings per share when making investment decisions since they are more value relevant under IFRS. All private banks and non-banking financial institutions should be encouraged to adopt IFRS since earnings under IFRS are more value relevant.

Source: UEW
Assessing the waste management practices of the hospitality industry, a case study of Ahenfie hotel, Berekum Municipality

The main objective of the study was to assess the waste management practices in hospitality industry services in the Berekum Municipality. Quantitative research approach was used. The population was made up of 25 staff at the hotel. The simple random sampling technique was used to sample the 20 staff members of the Ahenfie Hotel. Questionnaires were the main instrument used to gather primary data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse data. The study results indicate that 85% of the respondents indicated that the non hazardous waste generated in the hotel were food and kitchen waste leftovers, used or dirty papers and wrapping, plastic wrapping or bags, cardboard packaging, printed documents, brochures, menus, magazines, newspapers, bags, bottles (that did not contain hazardous chemicals), and food containers. Moreover, 15% said that common potential hazardous wastes generated specifically include, polishes (used on the floor, metal, shoes and furniture), cleaning and disinfecting products (carpet and oven cleaners, detergent, bleach, spot removers and pool chemicals). The study shows that staff’s roles as waste managers in the hotel is to regulate activities such as cleaning, weeding, washing and smoking that can lead to hazardous conditions (mean score of 4.87, SD - 0.67), properly control waste (mean score of 4.83, SD - 0.69), weed and control grass and bush (mean score of 4.76, SD - 0.75), maintaining operational tidiness and order (mean score of 4.54, SD - 0.78), and handle materials well and store them properly (mean score of 4.52, SD - 0.83). The study concluded that the hotel does not document the quantity of waste generated and the employees are not trained on how to manage waste. Again, the persons responsible for managing waste do not have adequate personal protective equipments. The study recommended that the Management of the hotel should organize periodic workshops, seminars and conferences to enhance the knowledge and practical expertise of waste management supervisors to improve hygiene and cleanliness initiatives in the hotel.

Source: UEW
Assessing the wayside welders’ application of safety measures in welding a case study of Jaman North District

Safety is a critical consideration for any welding project. Application of safety measures and practices among welders are important ways of preventing or reducing the levels of health hazards associated with the occupation. While adherence to these precautions is nearly applied in the industrial welding, for the non-industrial welding in which wayside welders are the focus, little information is known of them. The purpose of the study was to assess wayside welders‟ application of safety measures in welding. The research used the qualitative research design on 57 wayside welders in the Jaman North District sampled by the snowball non-probability method. A pretested structured interview guide was used to collect data which was entered and analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 25) software. The results showed that all the respondents were males. A majority (94.7%) of welders were aware of safety measures with only 5.3% who were not aware. Again, safety measures adopted by wayside welders included the use of PPEs, good housekeeping and safe working procedures. Welders did not use the recommended PPES to protect themselves while working. They rather used ordinary sunglasses and did not protect their ears, eyes, nose and feet while working. The most adopted and applied safety measure by the welders were the use of PPES, good housekeeping and safe working procedures. It was concluded that welders‟ awareness of safety measures did not translate into their use to provide safety among welders. This calls for concern and need for more preventive measures within this occupational group to avoid injuries and illness through government and non-governmental interventions.

Source: UEW