ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The effect of multimodal instructional approaches on the performance of students in chemical bonding

Continuous use of traditional instruction has resulted in unsatisfactory performance, misconceptions and poor attitudes towards chemical bonding for many students. This study was designed to determine the effects of multimodal instructional and traditional instructional approaches on selected colleges of education first year students' understanding of chemical bonding concept. Effect of the instruction between gender differences on understanding of chemical bonding was determined. The study took place in Offinso and Berekum Colleges of Education. Students were randomly selected into the groups. The sample of the study comprised of 120 first year students from the two colleges of education. Questionnaire interview schedule, pre and post-tests were used as the main instruments to collect data for the study. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0, for windows was used to analyze the data. It was found out that 51.7% of student-teachers who participated in the study had no understanding of the concept of chemical bonding and with a lot of misconceptions and also exhibited negative attitudes towards learning the topic. The results indicated that there was statistically significant difference in performance between experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed better in post-test than control group. The result from data analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between male and female students. It was recommended that Offinso and Berekum colleges of education chemistry tutors especially those teaching EBS 132 should employ multimodal instructional approaches in teaching chemical bonding.

Source: UEW
effect of number patterns on Junior High School Learnrs’

This study sought to determine the effect of number patterns on junior high school learners’ transition from arithmetic to algebra. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent group’s pre-test–post-test control group design was employed, involving two intact classes comprising one hundred (100) Basic Seven (7) learners. Tests, including both pre test and post-test assessments, were used to collect data on the learners. The pre-test assessed the learners' initial performance, identifying strengths and weaknesses to inform necessary interventions, while the post-test measured the effectiveness of using number patterns in facilitating the transition from arithmetic to algebra. Data analysis using mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test revealed that number patterns positively impacted learners’ academic performance in transitioning from arithmetic to algebra, with results showing a significant statistical difference at α = 0.05. Consequently, it is recommended that teachers adopt number patterns to enhance learners' academic performance during this critical transition phase.

Source: UEW
The effect of nutritional status on learning of school aged children in East Gonja municipal of Savannah Region

The aim of this study to look at the effects of nutritional status of school aged children in the East Gonja Municipal of the Savannah Region. To achieve this aim, data was collected from multiple levels within the Urban “B” Circuit and with various respondents, as outlined below: Household interview with the help of questionnaire: A set of questionnaires containing indicators that can directly or indirectly influence the nutrition status will be prepared and questions will be asked to the parents of the children. Information will be both qualitative and quantitative. Interview with the help of questionnaire about pregnancy history, pre- and post- natal care, recent morbidity, recent child mortality, receipt of health and nutrition services, child care and feeding practices, and knowledge and practices related to maternal and child health and nutrition. Anthropometric measurements of 5-10 of age children and the following indices will be used: Weight-for-age, height-for-age, BMI for age and Edema check for protein energy malnutrition (PEM). All responses for each item in the questionnaire were coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages will be used to summarize and determine the direction of responses. Correlational matrix and logistic regression will be computed to the effect of nutritional status of students’ learning of school aged children in the East Gonja Municipal of the Savannah Region. Based on the findings with regards to the assessment of the nutritional status, the study revealed that there is a higher prevalence of under nutrition among the children of 5-10 year of age group children of East Gonja Municipal, especially Urban “B” Circuit schools. i.e., stunting (38 %), underweight (18 %) and thinness (6 %). Secondly, collectively, males were found to be more under nourished (stunted and underweight) than females i.e., prevalence of stunting (48 % in males and 28 % females) and underweight (20 % in males and 16 % in females) respectively. Whereas, female children were found more thinned than male children i.e., the prevalence of thinness was 4 % in males and 8 % in females. In the light of the above findings the following recommendations are made: Stunting was found in high percentage than underweight and wasting. So, programs to children is required, another anthropometric nutritional survey during another season in the same areas should be conducted to determine seasonal variations and their effect on the nutritional status of the children.

Source: UEW
The effect of organic soil amendments on root-knot nematodes, soil nutrients and growth of carrot

A study was conducted on a Haplic Acrisol at the Technology Village of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana to assess the impact of ground neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaves-poultry manure on root-knot nematodes, soil nutrients and yield characteristics of carrot (Daucus carota L.). Each neem level (10, 30 and 50 g) was thoroughly mixed with 5 g of poultry manure per kg of soil in a plastic pot and seeds of carrots were sown. Carrots were harvested at three months old. The neem leaves at 10 and 30 g plus the poultry manure significantly reduced root-knots on the carrot roots. The higher dose of 50 g neem leaves plus the poultry manure totally prevented the formation of root knots on the carrot roots. The nutrient status of the soil and in the carrot plant significantly increased relative to the amendment level. The yield characteristics of carrot also significantly increased in relation to the amendment level. The improvement of the nutrient status of the soil and the control of nematodes by the amendments might have led to the improvement of the yield characteristics of the carrot. Combined neem leaves and poultry manure may be used in place of synthetic nematicides and fertilizers to control nematodes and improve soil nutrient levels. � 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

Source: UEW
The effect of party symbols on electorates in Ghana a case study on two political parties at Akyem-Abuakwa South Constituency

All over the world, symbols play a pivotal role in our daily lives which breaks boundaries where language cannot penetrate thus they exist in all walks of life. It is the basis of social, religious, political, economic ideas, values, and principles which have guided our general outlook to life throughout the ages, in our everyday life. According to Lippman (1965), political imaging as “image is the world according to our perception or the pictures in our head. It is therefore imperative that the meanings of various political party symbols are critically interrogated to understand the extent of its influence on the Ghanaian electorate. The general objective is to assess electorate understanding of political party symbols and to investigate the influence of the symbols on the decision-making of electorate in Ghana. The study employed qualitative research approach. Party executives, party activists and party sympathizers/supporters of the two leading political parties (NPP and NDC) in Akyem-Abuakwa South Constituency in the Eastern Region constituted the population of the study. Accordingly, symbols used by political parties are unique and helps to improve identification of political parties in Ghana. It enhances political party activities in Ghana before, during and after general elections. It is recommended that Political party’s symbol should be well-defined and understood by the respective party members and electorate in general and further studies are conducted to examine the symbols and its effects on electorate in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Effect of perceived financial risk on accounting information system adoption an empirical study based on utaut

This study investigated the factors that influence prospective accountant‟s intention to adopt accounting information system. Drawing on perceive financial risk and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and use of technology (UTAUT) model. A sample size of 260 respondents was selected using both convenience and purposive sampling techniques. A total of 260 questionnaires were received from both undergraduate and postgraduate accounting students. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to perform reliability and validity checks, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in conjunction with multi-group analysis method was used to test the hypothesized conceptual model. As hypothesized; the findings of this study revealed that performance expectancy (PE), social influence (SI), facilitating condition (FC), and financial risk (FR) to be significant determinants of behavioral intention to adopt AIS. Effort expectancy on the other hand was found to have no significant effect on intention to adopt AIS. The findings of this study also reveal that there is a significant difference between male and female prospective accountants perception on perceived financial risk. The findings suggest that perceived risk variables are important to consider in explaining students behavioral intention to adopt AIS. The findings contribute to the literature by validating and supporting the application of the extended UTAUT model in the Ghanaian contexts. The study is also useful to senior management, technology consultants, software vendors and accounting professional bodies in promoting the adoption of AIS.

Source: UEW
Effect of physiological state on haemato–biochemical profile of djallonke sheep in Asante Mampong

A three-month study was conducted to determine the effect of physiological state on the haemato-biochemical profiles of Djallonke sheep in Mampong Ashanti. A cross-sectional study was employed. A total of 24 Djallonke ewes of different physiological states categorized into age, parity, body condition score (BCS), and pregnancy stages (first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester) were used for haemato-biochemical for the study. Haematological indices were determined by five (5) parts (differentials) fully automated haematological system whereas serum biochemical profiles were analyzed using Mindray BS 130 fully automated blood chemistry analyzer. The haematology assessment indicated that erythrocyte indices were influenced (P<0.05) by age, BCS, parity and pregnancy stages. The differences did not show sequential variations with age, BCS, parity and stages of pregnancy. Leucocyte indices were affected by age, BCS, parity and pregnancy stages. Sheep at 4 years had the highest white blood cell followed by 6 months, 6 years, 2 years and 3 years in descending order. Six years ewes had the highest (P<0.05) heterophils followed by 6 months, 4 years 3 years and 2 years in descending order. Sheep of BCS 3.2 had the highest haematocrit followed by 2.8, 3.0, 3.5, 2.0 and 4.0 in descending order. The WBC and heterophils were higher in the first trimester of gestation compared to the second and third trimesters. Serum biochemistry was affected (P<0.05) by the fixed factors such that sheep of 4 years had the highest total protein concentration followed by 6 months old, 2, 3 and 6 years in descending order. Sheep of BCS 4.0 had the highest (P<0.05) glucose concentration followed by BCS 3.0, 2.5, 3.5, and 2.0 in descending order. The differences in serum biochemical indices did not follow a sequential pattern with age, BCS, parity and stages of pregnancy. Body condition score had a slight (P>0.05) influence on total cholesterol and triglycerol concentrations. It is recommended that Physiological states (age, BCS, parity. And pregnancy stages) of Djallonke sheep have an immense effect on the haemato-biochemical indices of Djallonke sheep and hence, these factors should be considered when assessing the performance of the animals.

Source: UEW
The effect of poor reading comprehension on the academic performance of students of Koforidua Presbyterian Junior High School One in the New Juaben Municipality (Eastern Region)

The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which poor reading comprehension affects academic performance of Koforidua Presbyterian Junior High School in the New Juaben District (Eastern Region), Ghana. The study‘s objective was to establish the comprehension errors made by students, the effects of poor reading comprehension on students‘ academic performances for the various subjects in the school and the strategies put in place to address poor reading comprehension. The research approach is qualitative. The target population for the study was the pupils of Koforidua Presbyterian Junior High School in the New Juaben south Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The researcher used the purposive sampling technique. A simple passage was given to the students to read and answer the comprehension questions that followed. All students (N = 22) that scored less than three out of five in the comprehension exercise, being 9 boys and 13 girls were selected. The end of first term exams scores for these students were investigated to know the impact of their reading comprehension on their academic performances. Based on the responses given by pupils and teachers it was found out that the students had difficulty in their English reading comprehension and it affected their general academic performances. The impact of poor reading comprehension on the academic performance of students in Koforidua Presbyterian Junior High School One in English language was higher in female students than in male students

Source: UEW
Effect of practical activities on students’ academic achievement in some selected topics in integrated science

The study investigated the effect of practical activities on students’ academic achievement in some selected topics in Integrated Science at Wa Islamic Senior High School in Upper West Region of Ghana. An action research design was employed for the study and the accessible population for the study were SHS 2 Integrated Science students. The intact class was made up of a sample size of 50 students. The instruments used were student achievement test (pre-test and post-test) and classroom observational schedule. The content validity of the main instrument was determined with the help of the supervisor of the study. The student achievement test and classroom observational schedule were used to obtain the data in the study. The data collected were analysed using t-test statistics. The study revealed that the use of practical activities is more effective in enhancing students’ academic achievement in science. It was also found that frequent organisation of laboratory practical activities and regular exposure of students to laboratory practical exercises promote the development of scientific inquiry of students. Also, gender had significant influence on students’ performance when taught with the use of practical activities. It was concluded that effective use of practical activities is a viable teaching method for enhancing students’ academic performance in Integrated Science. It is recommended that science teachers should adopt the use of practical activities alongside the theory to enable students acquire the needed skills for practical works. Also, students should be given that chance to practice the practical laboratory skills acquired regularly to enable them carry out practical works successfully on their own.

Source: UEW
The effect of practical work on science process skills and critical thinking development on senior high chemistry students

This study determined the effect of conduct of chemistry practical work on the development of basic science process skills (measuring, observing, calculating, recording, predicting, classifying and inferring) and critical thinking among third year elective chemistry students. Two senior high schools in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the western region of Ghana were selected for the study. The study was necessitated by the continuous poor performance of SHS chemistry students in the test of chemistry practical conducted by the West Africa Examinations Council over the years. The intrinsic case study design with multiple data source was employed in this study. The stratified purposive sampling adopting simple frequency counts was used in selecting 160 third year chemistry students. Two classes each consisting of Home Economics and General Science making a total of four strata was sampled from the two senior high schools. The participants for the study were maintained in their schools while the teachers conducted practical work for them. A Participant Observation Checklist and a Questionnaire on Science Process Skills were used to collect data on science process skill development in both schools. An Acid-Base Critical Thinking Test was administered to determine how the third year senior high student’s elective chemistry students employed their critical thinking in solving scientific problems. Intact Group Discussions was conducted after the study in both schools. The use of multiple instruments enabled the researcher to triangulate the results obtained from the study. The findings revealed that the third year elective chemistry students were not engaged in practical work during their first and second years. Practical work conducted in the two senior high schools did not aid the development of the students’ science process skills. The student’s inability to develop science process skills has affected the development of their critical thinking skills. Practical work conducted in the two schools has been focused primarily on helping the students pass the test of practical work conducted by WAEC to the neglect of development of science process skills. The situation has led to memorization of scientific concepts/facts without understanding. The researcher recommends that chemistry teachers employ modern innovative pedagogies in developing science process skills by conducting engaging practical work from first year through to third year.

Source: UEW
The effect of practical work on SHS students' understanding of some selected topics in physics

This study examines the effect of practical work on students’ understanding in physics. Seventy two second year students of St. Rose’s Senior High School-Akwatia in the Denkyembour District in Eastern Region were purposively sampled into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught using practical work as instructional technique and the control group using the traditional method for teaching. The major objectives of the study were to find out; the effect of practical work on students’ performance in physics, the effect of practical work on students’ attitude towards the study of physics, the effect of practical work on students’ acquisition of science processes, the perception of students on the use of practical work as instructional strategy in physics. Four research questions and two hypotheses were raised in the study. The instruments used for the study were pre-test and post-test, practical activities and questionnaires for both the experimental and control groups. Data collected were analysed using z-test, t-test and descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that students exposed to frequent practical work performed better than those exposed to traditional method of teaching. The study recommends that physics teachers take students through a lot more practical activities, since this will help students gain better understanding of the concept and improve their academic performance.

Source: UEW
Effect of problem-based learning on College of Education students’ achievement in, and attitude toward probability

The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of Problem-Based Learning Approach on College of Education students’ achievement in, and attitude toward Probability. The research design for the study was Quasi-experimental. Convenience and simple random sampling techniques were employed to obtain a sample of 100 students for the study. Tests, questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were the instruments employed for data gathering. Probability achievement pre-test was administered to both experimental and control groups. An intervention was carried out and after that, probability achievement post-test was also administered to both groups. Independent samples t-test, ANCOVA and paired samples t-test were used in analysing data. The results indicated that there was a statistically significance difference between students Post-test scores of both Control group exposed to Traditional method and Experimental group exposed to Problem-Based Learning approach. Problem-Based Learning approach developed students critical thinking, good problem solvers and self directed learners which would lead to life-long memory of probability concepts. It was recommended that Problem-Based Learning should be included in the Mathematics Curriculum at the Colleges of Education in Ghana and tutors should be given Workshops and Seminars on the use of Problem-Based Learning strategy in their Mathematics lessons.

Source: UEW