ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Challenges of women in educational leadership position in Tano north municipality of Ahafo region, Ghana

The study explored the challenges of women in educational leadership position in Tano North Municipality, Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. This was a qualitative study which employed case study design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 participants comprising 15 women in educational leadership position and 5 of their subordinates for the study. Semi-structured interview guide (for women in educational leadership positions) and the focus group discussion guide (for their subordinates) were the instruments used for data collection. The data was analysed using thematic approach. The study found that women in educational leadership positions adopt the democratic leadership style in their administration even though they make use of autocratic leadership style at times. It emerged that some teachers do not accord female heads the necessary respect due to their culture, religious background and perception about women in general. Also, the problem of heavy workload associated with their new positions posed challenges to women in educational leadership position. It was established that mentoring, professional development coupled with leadership and administrative support help women in leadership positions to excel. It is recommended that Tano North Municipal Education office and other gender-based organizations should periodically organize leadership training programmes for women to prepare them professionally for leadership position

Source: UEW
Challenges students face for not being allowed to use mobile phones in school. A case study in Tamale Metropolis

The main objective of the study was to examine the challenges students face for not being allowed to use mobile phone in school with particular reference to Dabokpa Technical Institute in the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana. The researcher used descriptive research design for the study. The sample size for the study was 185 samples made up of 150 students, 15 teachers, and 10 workshop assistants all from the school and 10 GES personnel from the Regional Directorate, Tamale. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed for GES personnel, teachers and students of Dabokpa Technical Institute in the Tamale metropolis of the Northern Region of Ghana. The findings of the study revealed that, students found it difficult to communicate with their families and relations. The study also showed that students were unable to receive money from parents, access online library services and download educational materials from the internet because they were banned from using mobile phones. The study indicated that the GES personnel in the sample were all against students being allowed to use mobile phones in school because they believed students would misuse the phones to the detriment of their studies. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that total ban should not be placed on the use of mobile phones by students of second cycle institutions since there are educational benefits inherent in the use of mobile phones. Additionally, the Ghana Education Service through the Curriculum Research Development Division (CRDD) may redesign the school curriculum to suit the use of mobile phones in both basic and second cycle schools as part of learning tools.

Source: UEW
Challenges students face for not being allowed to use mobile phones in school_ a case study in Tamale metropolis

The main objective of the study was to examine the challenges students face for not being allowed to use mobile phone in school with particular reference to Dabokpa Technical Institute in the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana. The researcher used descriptive research design for the study. The sample size for the study was 185 samples made up of 150 students, 15 teachers, and 10 workshop assistants all from the school and 10 GES personnel from the Regional Directorate, Tamale. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed for GES personnel, teachers and students of Dabokpa Technical Institute in the Tamale metropolis of the Northern Region of Ghana. The findings of the study revealed that, students found it difficult to communicate with their families and relations. The study also showed that students were unable to receive money from parents, access online library services and download educational materials from the internet because they were banned from using mobile phones. The study indicated that the GES personnel in the sample were all against students being allowed to use mobile phones in school because they believed students would misuse the phones to the detriment of their studies. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that total ban should not be placed on the use of mobile phones by students of second cycle institutions since there are educational benefits inherent in the use of mobile phones. Additionally, the Ghana Education Service through the Curriculum Research Development Division (CRDD) may redesign the school curriculum to suit the use of mobile phones in both basic and second cycle schools as part of learning tools.

Source: UEW
Challenges students face in summary writing a case study of Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi

The research sought to find out the challenges students face in summary writing in Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi, and ways of improving performance in summary among students. The sampled population was 90 final year science students and 10 English Language teachers. The study was conducted with both qualitative and quantitative methods executed through interviews, tests and questionnaires for which 90 students responded to both quantitative and qualitative data while 10 teachers responded to qualitative data. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method approach. The quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 24.0 together with percentages for the research questions. Findings indicated that teacher effectiveness significantly contributed to students’ academic performance in summary writing, but a positive school climate as one of the teacher efficacy was found to be the best indicator of students’ success in academic excellence. Based on the findings, it was recommended that stakeholders in education should motivate and resource the teacher for better academic performance. Finally, data revealed that some variables such as large class sizes and teacher feedback techniques played important roles in influencing the performance of students in the study of summary.

Source: UEW
Challenges students face in summary writing a case study of Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi

The research sought to find out the challenges students face in summary writing in Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi, and ways of improving performance in summary among students. The sampled population was 90 final year science students and 10 English Language teachers. The study was conducted with both qualitative and quantitative methods executed through interviews, tests and questionnaires for which 90 students responded to both quantitative and qualitative data while 10 teachers responded to qualitative data. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixedmethod approach. The quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 24.0 together with percentages for the research questions. Findings indicated that teacher effectiveness significantly contributed to students’ academic performance in summary writing, but a positive school climate as one of the teacher efficacy was found to be the best indicator of students’ success in academic excellence. Based on the findings, it was recommended that stakeholders in education should motivate and resource the teacher for better academic performance. Finally, data revealed that some variables such as large class sizes and teacher feedback techniques played important roles in influencing the performance of students in the study of summary.

Source: UEW
Challenges teachers face in the implementation of play-based pedagogy at early childhood centres in Yilo-Krobo Municipality

The study explored the challenges teachers’ face in the implementation of play-based pedagogy at early childhood centers in Yilo-Krobo Municipality. The study employed qualitative research approach with the interpretivist paradigm. The case study design was adopted for the study. Using the purposive and convenient sampling procedure, 13 early childhood educators were involved in the study. An interview guide was used to gather requisite data for the study. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically in accordance with the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that most teachers hold positive views about play-based pedagogy whiles others hold negative views about it as being too demanding and time consuming. Also, there are limited teaching and learning resources available for teachers to ensure a successful implementation of play-based pedagogy at early childhood centers in Yilo-Krobo Municipality.. The study recommended that, the education directorate should engage in advocacy efforts and awareness campaigns within the Yilo-Krobo Municipality. These initiatives should target parents, caregivers, and the community to promote understanding and acceptance of play-based approaches. Also, the educational authorities in the region should prioritize resource allocation for early childhood centers. Resources and support systems should be put in place to assist teachers in the implementation of play-based pedagogy.

Source: UEW
Challenges to business development and sustainability in Ghana perspectives of graduate entrepreneurs in the Kumasi Metropolis

The study was designed to investigate the challenges graduate entrepreneurs faced in developing and sustaining their businesses in the Kumasi Metropolis. Data was collected using interview and focus group discussion guides. Fifteen participants were selected for the study, using the purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data collected was analysed qualitatively. The study revealed that, graduate entrepreneurs in the Kumasi Metropolis were faced with challenges such as lack of capital and high taxes, poor management and inadequate marketing accessibility, legal and regulatory issues, and insecurity and thievery. It was also revealed that, among the numerous effects the challenges posed to the businesses of graduate entrepreneurs in the Kumasi metropolis, were their inability to get access to the formal sector of the economy, poor business expansion as well as poor labour practices and high attrition rate. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that, government of Ghana, through Parliament should implement a tax regime policy that will either exempt graduate entrepreneurs from paying taxes for at least, the first five years of operation of their businesses or reduce their taxes to help grow their businesses. It is also recommended that, graduate entrepreneurs are assisted with the needed funds to operate their businesses. Thus, the commercial banks must be encouraged to give loans to graduate entrepreneurs at low interest rates to promote their businesses. Graduate entrepreneurs must also be assisted to access the Ghana Venture Capital Trust Fund and Micro Finance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) to promote their businesses.

Source: UEW
Challenges to the implementation of play-based pedagogy in early childhood centres in the Sunyani municipality.

The purpose of the study was to explore the challenges with the implementation of play-based pedagogy in the Sunyani Municipality. The case study design was adopted for the study. The study used convenient sampling technique to select nine (9) kindergarten teachers in the Sunyani Municipality for the study. The instrument used for the collection of data was semi-structured interview guide. The data from the interview were analysed thematically. The study revealed that the implementation of play-based pedagogy is challenged by teacher factors such as their comfort with the use of the traditional approach of teaching, time constraints as well as a lack of understanding regarding the implementation of the play-based pedagogy. Also, the inadequate availability of teaching and learning resources was a contributory factor in implementing play-based pedagogy in kindergarten classrooms in the Sunyani Municipality. Moreover, parents' negative perceptions regarding the use of play in teaching young children. Again, the study further revealed that measures such as provisions of adequate teaching and learning resources, continuous professional development of teachers, and active parental involvement in the education of their children are some of the measures that can be put in place to enhance and promote the use of play-based pedagogy in the Sunyani Municipality. The study therefore recommends that teacher pre-service training should emphasize the importance that comes with the use of the play-based pedagogy, provision of adequate teaching and learning materials for teachers and young children, encourage open communication between educators and parents to promote a shared understanding of the value of play-based pedagogy in nurturing well-rounded learners within the Sunyani Municipality.

Source: UEW
Challenges to the implementation of the common core programme jhs English curriculum a case of Yilo Krobo municipality

This study investigated the concerns, barriers, and administrative support structures experienced by teachers in the implementation of the Common Core Programme JHS English Curriculum (CCPEC) in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of Ghana. The study highlighted the government's training workshops for Junior High School (JHS) teachers, which were marred by the lack of learning materials and a congenial atmosphere necessary for successful implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study employed an embedded mixed method research design to collect data from English teachers and headteachers of public JHSs. The study's findings reveal that teachers face impediments in implementing the Common Core Programme English curriculum, necessitating additional training and support. They express interest in effective assessment methods, recognizing the need to evaluate students' abilities beyond traditional approaches. Time constraints and student readiness are also identified concerns. Lack of resources, including textbooks, internet access, funding, and computers, hinders successful implementation. Effective staff support, collaboration, and resources are crucial. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring and evaluation despite financial constraints. In conclusion, addressing these issues requires prioritizing funding, providing necessary resources, and fostering a collaborative school culture to ensure the successful implementation of the Common Core Programme English curriculum in Ghana. The study suggests the conduct of a longitudinal study to examine the long-term effects and sustainability of staff support strategies in the implementation of the Common Core Programme JHS English curriculum.

Source: UEW
Challenges training officers face in organizing in-service education and training programs for teachers in Atwima Mponua district

The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges training officers in the training department face in organizing In-Service Education and Training programmes in the Atwima Mponua District. A qualitative research design, specifically the case study design was employed for the study. Interview guide and observation were used to gather data from training officers in the District. A total of 14 training officers were used for the study using census sampling technique. Data collected was analyzed thematically. Findings from the study show that with regard to the challenges of In-Service Education and Training, the study revealed that there are inadequate funds to pay for snacks, furniture, stationery and others. Again, there is lack of resource materials and low commitment of teachers. It is recommended that Government, the Ghana Education Service, School Management Committee/Parent Teacher Association and Non-Governmental Organizations should ensure that there is adequate material and financial resources for the organization of In Service Education and Training. The Ghana Education Service through the Training Officers should consider organizing school based In-Service Education and Training rather than circuit based ones to ensure good participation by most teachers.

Source: UEW
Change management imperatives of the transition of three senior high schools from private to public school system in the central region of Ghana

This study sought to find out the challenges associated with the transition processes for three schools from private to public education system and to explore ways of retaining the school‘s institutional memory for productive engagement. The exploratory nature of the research coupled with the theoretical framework of change management necessitated a qualitative research approach. The population for the study was 120 and a sample size of 12. The study used purposive sampling procedure. Documentary checklist and interview guides were the main instruments in data collection. The data collected was analyzed thematically. The study found out that the schools encountered transitional challenges in terms of leadership and management, teaching staff development, teaching and learning resources and funding, the absence of a change management strategy in the transition processes of the schools and general narrow understanding of the concept institutional memory in the wake of the transition. It was concluded that the transitional periods of the schools were fraught with challenges coupled with no change management strategy put in place to manage the change. Likewise, it was concluded that employee retention strategy to retain the institutional memory of the schools was not prioritized during the transition due to management discontinuity. It was recommended that a change management strategy be put in place by GES in future absorption of private schools to mitigate the transitional challenges the schools encounter. It is further recommended that at the very least, a key management employee in the past management with adequate skills and competencies be retained to serve as the ‘memory coordinator‘ in each school by GES to forestall management challenges.

Source: UEW
Change management involving physical infrastructure projects in the local government sector of Ghana (study of selected district assemblies in central region)

Change is an endemic issue in construction project environments and often involves engineering innovation to solve problems. The aim of the study was to examine the change management involving in the physical infrastructure projects in the local government section in Ghana and to make appropriate recommendations based on the findings of the study in relation to physical infrastructure projects. The study adopted a quantitative approach of enquired through questionnaires. The target population of the study was construction professionals employed by district assemblies in the Central Region. purposive sampling technique was used to select 12 out of 22 district assemblies in the Central Region. A total of 177 questionnaires were distributed to all 177 construction professionals employed by the 12 district assemblies and a response rate of 45% was achieved. The findings of the study revealed the most important causes to included; political influence, litigation/conflicts on land, new government regulation and natural disasters. Also, the study found challenges associated with change management involving physical infrastructure projects in the assemblies studied: change of government, failures to deal with problems in time, the poor performance of subcontractors, defective workmanship and lack of coordination between consultant and contractor.The study further found that the impact of change on the performance of physical infrastructure in the projects in the assemblies is not only limited to time and cost but includes quality. Based on the findings, the study has made recommendations for managing change during project execution and for investigating the negative effects of the causes of change.

Source: UEW
Changes in marriage practices among the Kasena in Nogsenia traditional area of Navrongo

The study was designed to explore the changes in traditional marriage practices among the Kasena in the Nogsenia Traditional Area of the Upper East Region. The study was guided by the interpretivist philosophical position, which assumes that reality is socially constructed and subjective. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, using an exploratory case study design. The study's population consisted of elders and clan heads from the Nogsenia Traditional Area of the Kasena-Nankana Municipality in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The sample consisted of 20 respondents selected based on data saturation. The study revealed that the marriage practices of the Kasena have undergone significant transformation overtime, especially in terms of mate selection, bride wealth, marriage ceremonies, marital rights and obligations, the prevalence of endogamy, and the neglect of the extended family in marriage processes. The study also found that these changes have multifaceted implications for the socio-economic systems in the district, such as a shift in gender roles among the Kasena people, challenging or reinforcing patriarchal structures, and empowering or disempowering women. The study recommended that a study be done on the effects of these changes on other aspects of their culture and society, and it also recommended that conscious efforts be made to document and preserve certain traditional marriage practices and rituals, and pass them on to future generations because of their significant roles towards marriage sustainability over the years.

Source: UEW
Changing land cover and small mammal habitats: Implications for landscape ecological integrity

This paper adds to the landscape ecological integrity (LEI) literature by emphasising the need to move beyond the assumption of a linear relationship between fragmentation metrics and ecological integrity. This study argues that such a relationship is weak or even non-existent when not associated with specific species or ecological process. Thus, using the Greater Accra Region of Ghana as a case, this study assessed the quality and spatio-temporal distribution of terrestrial small mammal habitats, as influenced by changing land cover, highlighting the implications for LEI. First, the study used fragmentation statistics to model changing land cover from 1986 to 2020. This was followed by the use of the Leo Breiman's random forest algorithm to predict small mammal distribution in the same period. The results showed that normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has a high predictive importance on small mammal distribution. Decreasing the vegetated areas does not necessarily lead to a decrease in species habitats. However, the decreasing forest areas and shrub-lands leads to a statistically significant increase in small mammal population in built-up areas while their population reduced within farmlands. The paper concludes that an increase in small mammal habitats in built-up areas does mean improved landscape ecological health, considering that these built-up areas are not natural abodes. � 2022 The Authors

Source: UEW