ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Examining in- service training and education for teachers in senior high schools in the Kumasi metropolis of the Ashanti region

The study assessed the extent to which INSET programmes organised for SHS teachers in the Kumasi Metropolis enhanced their performance. It specifically investigated the needs assessment that goes into the organisation of INSET, the impact of INSET on teacher performance, identified the feedback and evaluation programmes that are used to assess teachers after INSET and the challenges in organising and evaluating INSET. A mixed method approach using descriptive survey and interview was adopted. Simple random sampling was used to sample the ten schools out of the 19 schools in the Metropolis. Yamane’s (1967) formula for sample size determination was used to determine the 273 respondents out of the 1907 teachers. Purposive sampling was used to sample the head teachers and organiser of INSET. Mean ratings, percentages, standard deviation and correlation were the statistical tools used to analyse the data. The interview was transcribed for interpretation. Findings of the study included; teachers’ needs and interest were not assessed prior to INSET, there were almost no follow- ups and funding was a great challenge. The conclusions were; teachers were not likely to be interested in INSET programmes because their needs were not met, INSET were not organised effectively, INSET organisers are not able to ascertain whether what teachers are taught during INSET is practised since there was lack of effective evaluation of INSET, teachers may not get the needed assistance to implement what they were taught once there was lack of continuous follow-up and availability of funds, teaching learning resources and physical facilities are likely to improve the quality of INSET organised in the metropolis. The study recommends that the planning, implementation and evaluation of INSET be decentralised, continuous follow-up should be made part of the organisation of INSET programmes and long term funding sources be accessed.

Source: UEW
Examining J.H.S mathematics teachers’ perception and use of the principles of constructivism in the Effutu Municipality

This study examined Junior High School mathematics teachers’ perception and use of the principles of constructivism in the Effutu Municipality of the Central Region, Ghana. This study used the descriptive survey research design and adopted a mixed method approach to data analysis and presentation. The purposive sampling technique was used to sample one hundred and thirty-eight (138) JHS mathematics teachers for the study. Instruments such as documents, a structured questionnaire and an interview guide served as tools for data collection. Data collected through these instruments were further analysed as follows: documents were analysed using content analysis; responses from the structured questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and simple percentages; while responses from the interview were transcribed and analysed thematically. Also, the hypothesis for the study was tested using the Pearson product-moment correlation analysis. The study revealed that, contrary to the view that teachers in the basic school employ teacher centred methods of instruction, JHS mathematics teachers in the Effutu Municipality of the Central Region always employed the constructivist principles of learning in their classroom instructions which is a child centred approach and has been proven to maximize learning outcome. It again revealed JHS mathematics teachers’ in the Effutu municipality had a positive perception about constructivism and that their perception of constructivism influenced their classroom instruction. The study also revealed that majority of the teachers had not attended any form of in-service training while others had not received any form of education on constructivism. It was thus recommended that the Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) establish clear policies to ensure and guide the professional development of teachers of mathematics so as to keep them abreast with modern theories of education, such as the constructivist theory of learning as well as effective methods of lesson delivery.

Source: UEW
Examining management of work place - related stress,a case study of the division of human resource management of University of Education, Winneba

The purpose of the study was to investigate the management of work place - related stress: the case of the Division of Human Resource Management Unit of UEW, Winneba. A sample of forty-five (45) participants was chosen for the study through simple random technique and purposive sampling techniques. Among others, it was found that: staff of the Human Resource Division of the University of Education, Winneba experience stress as a result of doing so many things within a limited time. To some extent, they also indicated that role conflict causes stressful situations at the workplace. Regarding the symptoms of stress, the staff of the Human Resource Division of the University of Education, Winneba reckoned that workers under stress are far more likely to make mistakes than workers in low stress jobs. They also opined that workers are much more likely to have to take time off work for stress-related sickness. They also agreed that workers under stress experience frequent urination and have sweating palms. Again, they indicated that workers under stress experience excessive tiredness and workers under stress often lose concentration. Among others, it was recommended that workers in the Human Resource Division of the University of Education, Winneba should ensure that they engage in physical activities such as regular exercises to their bodies. Also, in order not to have too much to do in a limited time, senior staff should delegate some of their responsibilities to their junior staff and the Human Resource Division in collaboration with the Management of the University should recruit more staff to relieve the staff of their heavy schedules.

Source: UEW
Examining pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards mathematics learning in Mt. Mary College of Education Somanya, Ghana

The study was conducted to examine the attitudes of pre-service teachers towards mathematics learning, what contributed to the attitude of the pre-service teachers and the relationships between pre-service teachers’ attitudes and their performance in mathematics at Mt. Mary College of Education in Ghana. The study was based on Ajzen’s (1993), ABC Attitude Model also called the Tripartite Model. The convergent parallel mixed method design was adopted in this study, applying both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Out of the four hundred and sixty-five (465) pre-service teachers sampled, only three hundred and twenty-five (325) of the pre-service teachers willingly participated in the study. The main instrument used to collect data in this study was the Mathematics Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ) in the form of a Likert scale, open-ended questions, semistructured interviews and tests designed by the researcher. Findings from this study revealed that; the pre-service teachers had positive attitudes towards mathematics learning in the ABC model. The following factors contributed to the attitudes of preservice teacher’s attitudes towards mathematics: Usefulness of Mathematics, Mathematics as a compulsory subject, Encouragement and support received from others, Difficulty and Fear, Having a good teacher and Self-Confidence. A strong correlation existed between pre-service teachers' attitudes towards mathematics learning and their academic performance. This study implies that the school management should advantageously use the pre-service teacher's positive attitude towards mathematics to continue creating a strong inclination and culture of mathematics in the college where the pre-service teachers can score more favourably in mathematics and any other mathematics-related courses.

Source: UEW
Examining school dropouts among girls in Wa municipality

The study was to find out the causes of school dropout among girls in the Wa Municipality. The study was a purely quantitative study relying on the cross-sectional survey design. Questionnaire was the instrument used for the data collection. There were 360 respondents and data was analysed using SPSS. The study found that school dropout among the girls was of great concern. School dropout affected the Municipality in the sense it brought about teenage pregnancy, stealing, prostitution, among others. Based on the findings, the study recommended among other things that both the school and the community should endeavour to work together so that children could be helped with financial assistance to continue schooling. Again the study recommended that the Municipal assembly in conjunction with community leaders need to make by-laws to ensure that children go to school and at least complete the basic level which is free now.

Source: UEW
Examining senior high school mathematics teachers‟ and students‟ perception of mathematics discourse in Ghana

This research investigates Mathematics discourse as practiced by Senior High School Mathematics teachers and students in Ghana. Mixed-method design was used to collect data for the study. The study involves 110 teachers and 120 students. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyse the quantitative data while thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Convenience sampling was used to select the area of study whiles purposive sampling was used to select participants. Factors that motivate Mathematics teachers to facilitate discourse practices, the role Mathematics discourse plays in students Mathematics learning, the level of understanding of Mathematics discourse by both teachers and students and the challenges teachers encounter when engaging students in Mathematics discourse were examined. Results suggest that factors that motivate Mathematics teachers to facilitate discourse include: listening to students effectively; using open-ended questions; repeating or stressing student ideas; scaffolding and expanding on wrong answers. The results further suggest that Mathematics discourse helps students in the following ways: It improves students‟ mathematical reasoning; it motivates students; it makes students confident and it helps to establish friendly relationship among students. An important implication of this study is that teaching and learning become inspiring when discourse involves courteous exchange of ideas, when teachers make sure that exchange in class involve all students, and when ideas being discussed are proportionate to mathematical principles and curricular objectives. Finally, teachers should attach more significance to discourse in the classroom and should act more as facilitators than just mere transmitters of knowledge.

Source: UEW
Examining senior high school teachers’assessment techniques in social studies in selected schools in the Kumasi Metropolis

This study sought to examine Senior High School teachers’ assessment practices in Social Studies in some selected schools in the Kumasi metropolis. The design used was the case study and the researcher gathered data from primary sources. The sample size for the study was twelve (12) teachers who were selected from the four (4) selected Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis using the purposive and saturation sampling techniques. Instruments for data collection were interviews, observation. The study revealed that teachers have no or little knowledge on authentic assessment therefore result to traditional assessment. The study also revealed that teachers’ assessment practices do not reflect the goals and objectives of the subject. It was established that participants were quite on assessment as learning. It was revealed that class size, teaching philosophy, and learning style of the learners, time allocation are the factors that influence the choice of their assessment techniques. Learning environment were the major factors the influence teachers’ choice of assessment. The study recommended there should be a follow-up appraisal programmes by the heads of the various Senior High schools to ascertain whether social studies teachers put into practice what is expected of them in the curriculum. Finally, teachers should be equipped with relevant knowledge on assessment through in-service training on the nature of classroom assessment and assist teachers to develop and sustain effective classroom assessment in their schools so as to realize educational goals.

Source: UEW
Examining solid waste management practices in food service sector of Ghana. A case study of Sunyani municipality

This study examined solid waste management practices in food service industry of restaurants in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Using the convenience sampling, procedures, 331 respondents comprising of 86 managers and 245 employees were involved in the study. Two sets of questionnaires (for managers and employees) and an observation checklist were the instruments used in collecting data for the study. The data were analyzed through the computation of frequencies, percentages, as well as means and standard deviations. The study found out that, rubbish, food waste, and trash were the forms of solid wastes that were generated in the food service industry of restaurants. Again, it was observed that, 2200 kg of metals was generated in a weekly basis, and this was followed by glass with 2140 kg, plastic 2089 kg, food items 2029 kg and papers 1527 kg as the various types of solid waste that are generated from the selected food service industries of restaurants. Also, it was realized that, both staff and managers in the food service industry of restaurants were ready to reduce solid waste to a very high extent but were not ready to reuse, and recycle solid waste. Again, a number of the waste management strategic action plan for sustainable development of restaurants were identified. The strategies were that, management in the food service industry of restaurants and restaurant should provide funding needed for appropriate solid waste management practices and regular monitoring system should be in place to ensure that employees adhere to the solid waste management practices. The study recommended that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Tourism Board and the Assembly should ensure that, the food service industry of restaurants provide separate bins to sort out the types of solid waste (e.g., glass, paper, plastic, and metals). This would help manage solid waste generation as solid waste can be reduced and recycled as much as possible. Also, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Assembly should organize education/training programmes on solid waste management for managers and employees of restaurants on the need to reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste so that they can appreciate the need for sustainable development practices.

Source: UEW
Examining students satisfaction with school meals under the free shs policy

It has been acknowledged from numerous studies that students who consume nutritious meals before taking an academic task are more effective in increasing their cognitive performance and enhanced examination achievement. No study has taken into consideration different categorization of schools (specifically senior high schools) in order to see the similarities and difference in meals serve at different schools and the factors that account for. The main purpose of this study was to investigate students’ satisfaction with school meals under the Free SHS policy. Stratified sampling was used to categorized the schools into A and B. Subsequently purposive sampling was used to select 404 respondants from the category “A” and “B” schools . Interviews and questionnaire were used to collect data and analysed with SSPS version 23. In the process of finding out specific meals served at the selected schools, it astonishingly emerged that all the schools use the same menu for breakfast, lunch and supper. On quantity of meals served the following was recorded 84%, 67%, 60%, and 59% respectively from the schools. (Presec, legon,Ghanata, WASS and Aquinas) indicating their dissatisfaction of meals served at their dining halls. Five-point Likert Scale for quality was used to assess the sensory qualities (i.e. colour, taste, texture, and flavour) and quantity of meals served to students that is Very dissatified=1, dissatified=2, neutral/normal=3, satisfied=4, and very satisfied=5. Mean and standard deviation were used to estimate the average rating and the degree of variability for each property. Presec, Legon and Aquinas, recorded a mean of 3.63, 3.23, for colour, taste, texture, and flavour recorded 2.93, 3.23, 2.99 and 3.19, 3.15, and 3.02, respectively, can be approximated to 3 which signifies “fair”. In conclusion, meals served to students both in category A and B schools do not have any significant variation, hence depicting the fact that meals serve at various senior high schools are the same regardless of the pedigree.

Source: UEW
Examining sustainable supply chain management practices and supply chain responsiveness the roles of process innovation and digitalisation in the manufacturing industry of Ghana

In Ghana's thriving manufacturing sector, the discussion on sustainable supply chain management (SCM) has grown rapidly, mirroring worldwide trends in the industry. However, its uptake has been relatively inconsistent within the country and particularly the manufacturing sector. The relationship between process innovation, digitalization, and sustainable practices within the supply chain is highlighted by this evolution. The objectives of the research were to examine the relationship between sustainable supply chain management practices and supply chain responsiveness, investigate the mediating role of process innovation, explore the moderating effect of digitalization. The methodology employed was quantitative, utilizing an explanatory research design. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire from 187 respondents, achieving a 100% response rate. Statistical analyses involved the use of IBM SPSS Statistics 27 and SmartPLS 4 software. The study found a strong relationship between Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practises and Supply Chain Responsiveness. This emphasised the importance of incorporating economic, environmental, and social factors into supply chain operations. The emergence of Process Innovation played a crucial role in bridging the gap between Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practises and Supply Chain Responsiveness. The positive impact of sustainable practises on Process Innovation has led to an improvement in supply chain responsiveness. In juxtaposition to the literature review, the study identified that Digitalization didn't moderate the relationship between Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practises and Supply Chain Responsiveness. The current level of digitization in the Ghanaian manufacturing industry didn't have a significant impact on the relationship between sustainability practises and supply chain responsiveness. The study recommended that it is essential to remain attentive to new technologies and evaluate their potential for seamless integration into supply chain operations. This approach helps companies stay adaptable and quickly respond to market changes. The study concluded by emphasizing the importance of staying attuned to technological trends and consistently assessing new technologies to achieve sustained success in the Ghanaian manufacturing industry.

Source: UEW
Examining the causes of illegal water connection and its impact on a utility company,a case study of Ghana Water Company Limited, Kumasi.

The main purpose of this study was to assess the causes of illegal water connection and the impact on the performance of Ghana Water Company in production, billing and revenue generation in Ashanti North Region. The researcher used descriptive research design for the study. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. The population was made up of the staff and customers of Ghana Water Company in the Ashanti Region. The total population for the study was Nine Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-Three (9783). Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select three hundred and forty-six (346) respondents for the study. Questionnaires were the main instrument used for data collection. The main statistical techniques such as frequencies, percentages, tables and charts were used to explain certain findings. The study results concluded that the factors that motivate customers to connect water illegally to their premises were expensive new service connection fee, when pipe connection network is not available in their area, when they do not want to be billed on monthly basis, when the landlord is not willing to pay for the connection fee, and ignorance and inadequate knowledge on illegal connections can result in illegal water connections. The impact of illegal water connection on Ghana Water Company in Ashanti North Region were that illegal water connection increases water leakages and loss of water resources, illegal water connection can decrease company revenue and profitability, illegal water connection leads to decrease in water pumping capacity and decrease in productivity. The prevalence of illegal water connection in the study area was high. The study recommended that; the Ghana Water Company limited need adequate human, financial, technical and administrative resources to fulfill their mandate, including a professional and qualified workforce to monitor illegal connections.

Source: UEW
Examining the challenges associated with the induction of newly appointed public basic teachers in Abofour circuit A

The purpose of the study was to examine the challenges associated with the induction of newly appointed public basic teachers in Abofour Circuit A. Descriptive research design using the mixed approach was adopted for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select teachers who have taught for less than seven years and head teachers who have been in position for more than seven years. In all a sample size of seventy-one (71) comprising of sixty-four (64) teachers and seven (7) head teachers were used for the study. Questionnaire and interview protocol were the main instrument used for the study. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the quantitative data while the qualitative data was analysed based on themes that emerged from the study. The study revealed that newly appointed public basic school teachers at Abofour Circuit A are inducted on : the professional code of conduct, preparation of lesson notes, conflicts resolutions, condition of services among other issues. The study further revealed that induction programme has a positive influence on the performance of newly appointed teachers such as leading to the improvement of professional growth of teachers, integrating new teachers into the institution and other factors. The study finally revealed that inadequate time to organize induction programme for newly appointed teachers, poor communication between school leadership and district officers concerning induction, lack of blueprint to guide the process of induction and other factors were challenges associated with the induction of newly appointed teachers in the Abofour Circuit A of the Offinso South District .The study therefore recommends that Ghana Education Service (GES) through Abofour Circuit A Education Office should provide induction policy blueprint to enable all educational institutions to conduct a standardized induction programme for newly appointed teachers.

Source: UEW