ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
College of education students’ attitude towards the teaching and learning of children’s literature

The study examined the perception of pre-service teachers regarding children’s literature and how their views impact their attitude towards literature for children. The study adopted Spolsky’s (1989) model of second language teaching and learning as the framework to College of Education students’ attitude towards the teaching and learning of Children’s Literature. Using a convergent parallel mixed method design and purposive sampling, data were collected by means of questionnaire and interview from 300 students and 10 tutors from SDA College of Education, Asokore-Koforidua and Aburi Presbyterian Womens’ Colleges of Education, and analyzed statistically and thematically. The analysis revealed that majority of the students either come from the background of either General Arts, where they read Literature-in-English or developed interest in the subject while in SHS where they read general knowledge in literature as part of Core English Language. Others also were students whose parents introduced them to books early in life through home libraries and those who develop love for the subject whiles they are in college. Based on the results, it is argued that the pre-service teachers generally have positive attitude towards the study of children’s literature. From this, it is recommended that special attention should be paid to factors at school level, such as time spent on curriculum literature, instructional approaches and educational objectives for literature for children.

Source: UEW
College of education students’ integrated science entry grades and their end-of-course completion grades an explanatory study

The study investigated the relationship between College of Education students’ entry grades in integrated science and their end-of-course completion grades in science-related courses (biology, chemistry, and physics) at college. The explanatory sequential mixed method design was used in this study. The target population was the 2018/2019 batch of the Bachelor of Education Primary Education programme and tutors in the Science Education Department at Atebubu College of Education. A sample size of one hundred and twenty-seven (127) comprising one hundred and twenty-four (124) students and three tutors (3) were purposively selected for the study Three (3) College tutors were also involved in the study. A Checklist and interview guide were used in gathering data for the study. Frequencies, percentages, Pearson’s Moment Correlation, and themes were used to analyse the data collected. The results showed a weak positive correlation between the students' integrated science entry grades from the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and general biology, chemistry, and physics end-of-course completion grades at the College. Also, the type of senior high school that a student attended played a role but not a major role in affecting their future academic performance in science-related courses in College. The study therefore concludes that the type of senior high school the students attended and their integrated science entry grades did not have a significant influence on their end-of-course completion grades in science-related courses at the College. It is recommended that college management should not place too much emphasis on the type of senior high school the students attended and their entry grades during their admissions because it has little impact on their academic success at college. But they should rather put priority on infrastructure and other amenities; availability of teaching learning resources; teacher personality, competency, experience, and efforts; motivation; and student behaviour/truancy which are the various subsets of personal, teacher, and institutional factors since they were identified as key influencers of students’ academic performance

Source: UEW
College students interest in programming, the effect of project work, tutorials, accessibility of resources on the internet and students perception

The aim of the research was to assess the effect of management information system in the service delivery with emphasizes on the health information system at the Kumasi campus clinic of the University of Education Winneba. The study sought to achieve its purpose through three objectives by examining the implementation and use, factors enabling or constraining the implementation and use and impact of the implementation and use of health information system on service delivery by the University of Education Winneba, Kumasi campus clinic among both staff and students. The study sought to measure its objectives by adopting a quantitative and qualitative approach with a cross sectional exploratory design by gathering data through the use of questionnaire from a sample size of 30 respondents (5 clinic staff, 5 other university staff and 20 students). The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and Microsoft Excel. The overview of the main results disclosed that the HIS (MEDREC) is used by all students and staff of the university, with documents being fully maintained using HIS and almost all respondents recognized wanting to continue using MEDREC. The key findings indicated that, management benefits a lot from the HIS through quality of patients’ records, attending to patients simultaneously, quality requisitions, faster and easier booking of appointment, no discrimination, reduction in waiting time and avoidance of harmful delays, respectful and responsive healthcare, end user satisfaction of the system among others. The HIS is however burdened with problem of procurement of the hardware infrastructure, end user inability, billing issues, redundancy issues, waiting time and missing data/information issues. The research therefore concludes that the university should support and sustain the HIS and that concrete measures should be taken to curb evolving difficulties faced by the use of the HIS.

Source: UEW
College students’ interest in programming the effect of project work, tutorials, accessibility of resources on the internet and students’ perception

Robots, artificial intelligence, bitcoins, block chain, IoT (Internet of Things), and Cloud Computing are innovation of technologies that solve problems in the world and are backed by programming. Learning of programing has become relevant in Ghanaian schools where students are expected to develop interest and equip themselves with knowledge and skills in programming. The study sought to determine the effects of project work, tutorials, and accessibility of resources on the internet on the perception of students towards their interest in computer programming. The study used a descriptive survey design. The population for the study was 8,420 with 368 as a sample size. A stratified random sampling technique was used for sampling participants for the study and a purposive sampling technique was used to select three public universities in Ghana. The researcher used a questionnaire to gather the data for studying the issue under investigation. Analysis of the data was done through the use of the SPSS and PROCESS Macro. Data collected from the respondents were analysed using both inferential statistics and descriptive statistics. The study found that students' perception of programming at the university was higher which enhanced their interest in programming. The study revealed that there was a direct significant effect of project work on students' perception of programming. The study revealed that there was a direct significant impact of accessibility of resources from the internet on students' perception of programming. The study revealed that there was a direct significant effect of tutorials on students' perception of programming. The study concluded that there was a direct significant mediating effect of students' perception of programming on the relationship between the accessibility of resources from the internet and college students' interest in programming.

Source: UEW
Commercial sex work among university students: a case study of four public universities in Ghana

Background: Despite its criminalization in Ghana, commercial sex work dates back to ancient societies and occurs in various forms within communities. The authors examined commercial sex work in selected public Universities in Ghana to inform policy and program decisions for safer sex at the universities in Ghana. Methods: The study was an exploratory-mixed-method design. Respondents were identified using purposive and snowballing techniques while semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used for data collection between 2017and 2019. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 and qualitative data analyzed thematically. Results: Findings show that there is a proliferation of commercial sex work on university campuses in Ghana for financial, material, and emotional gains. Student sex workers have devised various strategies to combine academic work and sex work. Prospective customers are solicited by hanging out in drinking bars and nightclubs in and around university campuses at night and/or leaving contact details with pimps to be contacted for services. Brothels are also springing up in and around the university campuses in the form of movie houses and student sex workers convert their hostel rooms into brothels. Price negotiation is based on the environment, duration, the sex workers' perceived safety of the sexual act, customer's preferences for styles, and positions adopted for sex. Conclusion: There is a need for further studies in this area and a multi-sectoral approach for appropriate policy and program interventions to regulate the practice on campus. � 2021, The Author(s).

Source: UEW
Communicating corporate social responsibility online, a case study of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited

This study examined the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited unearthing how the company communicated CSR online. The study particularly, explored the all the online platforms (mainly the corporate website) that Newmont Ghana Gold Limited communicate CSR on as well as the communication strategies employed to communicate CSR activities. The design was a case study and it was underpinned by Carroll’s (1991) Four part theory and Morsing and Schultz’s Three Communication Strategy. Data was gathered mainly through observations and semi structured interviews. The study analysed contents of CSR information disseminated by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited and the findings were analysed and put into themes. The findings revealed that Newmont Ghana Gold Limited communicated CSR on three platforms namely: website, blog and Twitter. This study provides insights into how Newmont Gold Ghana Limited use their online platforms to convey CSR issues. The findings revealed on CSR communication information were: economic, environment, ethical, philanthropic, social and stakeholder inclined. The study concludes that Newmont Ghana Gold Limited communicate their CSR mainly through the corporate website and also on Twitter and a blog site. The study also revealed that the communication strategies exhibited on the online platforms were interactional and linear. The study concludes that although CSR is being practised by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, communicating these CSR activities were poor. The study recommends that companies must strengthen their online presence and must also invest more time and resources in the communication of their CSR.

Source: UEW
Communicating identity through inscriptions on vehicles in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality

This study examines how vehicle owners and drivers in and around Tarkwa in the Western Region of Ghana use their vehicle inscriptions to construct their identity. With interview and observation, data was collected from twenty inscriptions and analysed. Hecht et al’s communication theory of identity and Adamo Semiotics formed the theoretical framework of the study. Meanings of the inscriptions were also solicited from their authors through interviews. The study discovered that there are social, Christian, Muslim and Traditional identities among drivers and car owners in and around Tarkwa. The study also discovered that the choice of words used in the inscriptions help one to identify the type of identity. Finally, the study recommends to society to identify authors identities using their choice of registers in the inscriptions.

Source: UEW
Communicating product innovation to clients in the microfinance sector the case of nationwide microfinance limited, Ghana

This research examined how innovated products are communicated to customers in the microfinance sector with Nationwide Microfinance Limited under study. The study aimed at identifying the various communication channels used by Nationwide Microfinance Limited and clients perspectives about the channels used. The researcher employed a qualitative in-depth interviews and a purposive sampling size to collect data from two respondents from Nationwide Microfinance Limited and twelve clients that formed the subject of the study. The findings gathered from the research were that Nationwide Microfinance Limited use print media, telephone, face-to-face as well as new media and communication technology to communicate their products to their clients. The study also revealed that Nationwide Microfinance Limited use the channels mentioned above to disseminate timely information, ensure efficiency of communication, create rapport with stakeholders and improve the image of the organisation. Clients who were also interviewed expressed satisfaction with the channels of communication used to communicate with them but also called on Nationwide Microfinance Limited to prioritise integrated communication which combines both traditional and new media and also advocated a more improved communication with the clients.

Source: UEW
The communication and reception of prophecy in Ghana a qualitative study

This research investigated how prophecies are communicated in Ghana and how prophecy communication and reception should be approached. The research approach used in this study was qualitative, with data collected through interviews and analysis of video documentary evidence on some prophetic proclamations in Ghana. Four renowned clergy men in Ghana were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Bhagwan’s model of divine communication served as the framework for the study. The findings revealed that Ghanaian prophets rely heavily on biblical exegesis as a means to clarify and understand the meaning of prophetic messages and provide context for the messages they communicate. The study also discovered that visions and dreams play a fundamental role in how prophecies are communicated in Ghana. Additionally, humility, open-mindedness, and discernment were found to be necessary virtues for the communication and reception of prophetic messages. These virtues are critical in avoiding being captivated by the allure of new media, which has insulated the world at present. The virtues also enable Christians to be receptive to what God has to say about an issue while remaining watchful against false prophets. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of how prophetic messages are communicated and received in Ghana. The findings provide valuable insights for religious leaders and followers in Ghana, as well as for scholars of religious communication. The study recommends that Ghanaian prophets should continue to rely on biblical exegesis, while remaining open to new forms of communication that may emerge in the future.

Source: UEW
Communication between public organizations in Ghana and their publics a case study of Volta river authority northern electricity distribution company in techiman

This study investigated how public organizations in Ghana communicate with their publics VRA / NEDCO in Techiman as a case study. The study examines the kind of communication that takes place between VRA / NEDCO, PURC and the consumers in the Twimia / Koase and Tuobodom / Adantasi communities in Techiman. The study sought to identify the communication channels used by VRA/NEDCO in communicating with their publics. The study also examined how Grunig and Hunt’s models of public relations are applied in the communication between VRA / NEDCO and its publics. The study further examined the perspectives of consumers on how communication between VRA / NEDCO and its publics can be improved to enhance quality service delivery. This study was underpinned by the dialogic communication and the relevance theories of public relations and was anchored on single case study using in-depth interview and focus group discussions as the data collection methods. The study was to find out from the customer service officer of VRA / NEDCO and the consumers in the two understudy communities, how they managed communication with each other, the kind of communicator roles the customer service officer of VRA / NEDCO performed and which of the Grunig and Hunt’s models of public relations are applied in his communication with the publics. The findings showed the customer service officer of VRA / NEDCO mostly applied one-way public information model in their communication process to the detriment of the more acceptable two-way symmetrical model. The study recommends that VRA/ NEDCO should constantly organize community engagement to enable the company have face- to - face interaction with its publics to facilitate a two-way communication with its publics. Management of VRA / NEDCO should consider establishing community information centres in the communities, to serve as the first point of call to community members and help to collate consumers concerns for the company and the vice versa.

Source: UEW
Communication in the legal process the case of cross-examination of witnesses in the 2012 election petition in Ghana

This study explores the communication styles and strategies used in the legal process of the election petition in 2012. The researcher sampled six days of court sitting of the 2012 election petition as data and used Glaser and Strauss‘ (1967) constant comparative technique of content analysis to analyze the data. Guided by Beke‘s (2014) litigation communication theory and Aristotle‘s theory of rhetoric, the researcher discovered that lawyers used hostile style, soft style, and conversational style to cross-examine witnesses. Also, the lawyers used persuasive appeals such as logos (questioning, speech-making), pathos (impression management and non-verbal cues) and ethos (cultural reference personalization) to cross-examine witnesses as well as persuade audience. It was further established that the communication styles and strategies used were effective in eliciting the truth, background information, and specific information from witnesses to support the election petition. The researcher recommends that further studies on communication and legal processes are useful in building a robust field of research that could inform the practice of litigation communication in Ghana specifically, and Africa in general. This study adds to knowledge on effective communication strategies for cross-examining witnesses during election petitions.

Source: UEW
Communication relationship between care-givers and survivors of child trafficking : a study of challenging heights rehabilitation shelter.

Human trafficking has been identified as a large remunerative industry across the world with women and children being affected the most. As a result, finding a safe and secured shelter is one of the steps rescuers take when they rescue victims from the influence of traffickers. This study examined the communication relationship between care-givers and survivors of child trafficking in the Challenging Heights Rehabilitation Shelter. The study sought to investigate how care-givers communicate with with survivors at the shelter, to examine the expectations of the care-givers after communicating with the survivors and to analyse how care-givers deal with issues that arise in their conversations with survivors at the shelter. Drawing on the theories of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and the Interaction Process Analysis, I employed a case study design. The study found that care-givers usually built rapport with victims through questioning, use of art therapy, therapeutic horticulture and prayers. Care-givers catergorise the issues that generally emerge through their conversations with victims over the following: physical impact, psychological impact, social impact, educational impact, and after-care programmes. Findings also showed that care-givers at the shelter were accommodating and supportive. The study recommends that while informal counselling should be available in the shelter, serious mental health issues such as addiction, trauma, suicide, among others should be dealt with by professionals. University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh

Source: UEW
Communication strategies between young deaf children and their hearing caregivers in Ghana

This study examined the communication strategies between young deaf children and their hearing caregivers to identify the specific strategies and the embodied communication modalities that the two groups of interlocutors employ during their interactions. The study also provided understandings of the factors that account for miscommunication and successful communication between the two groups. Interactional videos of six deaf children and six hearing caregivers were purposively sampled in two schools for the deaf and a home in the Ashanti and Eastern Regions of Ghana. The data were multimodally analyzed through a cross-case analysis method. The findings of the study indicated that deaf children and caregivers employ various strategies such as repetitions, simultaneous communication, and simultaneity of gestures during their interactions. Deaf children and hearing caregivers used embodied communication modalities including sign language, natural gestures, pointing, eye gaze, touching and tapping as well as waving for expressive and receptive communication. It was recommended that hearing caregivers in both the home and school contexts should employ varieties of communication strategies to enhance understanding between themselves and deaf children during interaction and also to promote the communication development of deaf children

Source: UEW
Communication strategies of selected civil society organisations (CSOS) in the northern region of Ghana

The study investigated the communication strategies used by three Civil Society Organisations in the Northern Region of Ghana. It identified the nature of the communication strategies of the selected Civil Society organisations; and as well, the reasons for using these communication strategies and how they meet the needs of the community members. The three CSOs engaged in the study were the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), the Youth Empowerment for life, and the West African Network for Peace Building-Ghana (WANEP-Ghana). The qualitative research approach was employed for the study, and the design was a case study. Respondents were purposively sampled and responses were thematically analysed. The analyses were done from the perspective of the participatory communication and stakeholder theories. It was found that the nature of the communication strategies were dependent on the philosophy and operational focus of the CSOs. The study also discovered that the decisions to use particular communication strategies were influenced by a series of factors like the cultural space, purpose of the communication, needs of target audience, existing communication networks, budgetary considerations and the internal capacity of CSOs staff. It is recommended for WANEP, GDCA and YE4L to deploy pragmatic communication approaches such as using already existing traditional communication channels to improve the participation and empowerment of community members to lead the process in their own development.

Source: UEW