ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Engaging with a world outside of ourselves: Vistas of flatness, children's work and the urban informal economy

This paper considers the work and labour of children living on the streets of Accra, Ghana. It does so in two distinctive ways. First, it considers how the children's photographs of a day or two in their working lives, and the dialogues that go on in, through and around them, may contribute to the making of strong sociological arguments about children's work. In so doing, this paper elaborates the connections between visual sociology and realist traditions of photography, and argues that photographs can contribute distinctive and novel sources of insight into working children's lives and a powerful, humanising media of dissemination. Second, these arguments are then deployed to examine street children's experiences of work. Conceptualised in terms of its 'flatness', the paper explores the informal means of regulation through which the children are locked into types of working that prove difficult to escape. � Sociological Research Online, 1996-2012.

Source: UEW
English as a Medium of Instruction a case study of Senior High Schools in Nkoranza North and South Disrticts of Bono East.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of English as a medium of instruction in Senior High Schools of Nkoranza North and South districts in the Bono East. The study is guided by three research questions. The study used cross-sectional survey design to gather quantitative data. The researcher employed a simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The study was explanatory in nature, a form of qualitative study for explanations that exist between variables. The study concludes that using English as medium of instruction makes our students globally competitive; improves their academic performance and their fluency in the language. However, it reduces the ability to understand basic concepts, leads to excessive consumption of time during lessons; some teachers make use of the L1 more than the L2 in teaching; some teachers do not teach them well to understand; as a result they lose interest in the language. The study recommends that the Government, Districts Education Directorate, Headmasters of various schools, Heads of Department, teachers of English and students in senior high schools to recognize that EMI is a policy that must be guided diligently to ensure its implication is followed duly. Both teachers and students need to practice the use of the language with conscious efforts in making it to have positive effects in their everyday life.

Source: UEW
English Language component of the mature Students' entrance examinations into Ghanaian Universities: Placement, diagnostic or both?

One way that Ghanaian universities admit undergraduate students is an examination organised for candidates who are twenty-five years and above. This examination is known as the Mature Students' Entrance Examinations (MSEE). This paper argues that the English language component of the MSEE should not only be used for placement purposes, but, also, for diagnostic purposes. A desk survey approach to research was adopted involving 43 relevant literature which were reviewed and synthesised. The study indicates that academic writing, referred to as Communication Skills, falls under the domain of English for Academic Purposes in an English as a Second Language setting like Ghana. It is further advanced that Communication Skills is essential for the performance of students in school. The paper, therefore, argues for the English language component of the MSEE to be used not only for placement purposes but for diagnostic purposes. The study recommends that the latter approach should be included since it will help improve the performances of students in Communication Skills. � 2021 Asafo-Adjei et al.. This is an open access article licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

Source: UEW
English Loanwords in Ewe: A Phonological Analysis

This paper examines the processes that words borrowed from English go through on the phonological level in their adaptation into Ewe - a Kwa language spoken in Ghana and Togo. The paper analyses the adaptation of English loanwords into Ewe at the level of phonemic adaptation, syllable structure adaptation and the adaptation of stress. In terms of phonemic adaptation, it was found out that certain sounds in the English words borrowed into Ewe are foreign to the speakers of Ewe. In the adaptation process, the speakers replace the foreign sounds with native ones which are acoustically closer to the foreign ones. The analysis reveals that two main operations: deletion and insertion are used to compel foreign syllable structures to conform to the phonotactic constraints of Ewe. For the adaptation of stress into Ewe, it was realized that stressed syllables in English are generally realized as high tones and unstressed syllables are realized as low tones. The conclusion of this study is that English phonemes are mapped onto Ewe phonetic forms but phonotactic constraints that exist in Ewe result in the processes of deletion and insertion of segments into some English words borrowed into Ewe.

Source: UEW
English only policy in the classroom, a case study of selected basic schools in Gomoa East district

The language current policy of education in Ghana requires that English should be used as the sole medium of instruction (MoI) from Primary 4 onwards, with the native language taught as a subject. However, this policy has not been thoroughly observed and put into practice by teachers and educational administrators. This qualitative study therefore sought to find out the challenges of English only policy in Ghanaian upper primary 4 schools, the strategies employed by teachers in English as medium of instruction (EMI) classrooms to achieve their lesson objectives in P.4., and strategies that can be employed to enhance the use of the English Only in the classrooms. The study was conducted in ten (10) public basic schools in Gomoa East District in the Central Region of Ghana. The researcher found out that the influence of L1 on L2 class, low proficiency and understanding of English by pupils, lack of enforcement of the policy, the environment or locality of the school, lack of in service training for teachers, the early-exit model among others have militated against the use of English as the sole medium of instruction in the public upper primary (P.4) classroom. The researcher observed that the use of teaching aids, code switching, translation, safe-talk, previewing and reviewing were the strategies teachers used in EMI classrooms in the selected schools. It is believed that if we adopt the bottom-up approach, provide textbooks, give effective supervision, give in service training as well as adopting the late-exit transitional bilingual education practice will enhance EMI usage in classrooms.

Source: UEW
English Reading Proficiency and Academic Performance Among Lower Primary School Children in Ghana

There have been several issues about the reading skills and abilities of children in Ghana, and how reading proficiency might influence the academic performance of children. In view of the above, this study examined the influence of reading proficiency on the academic performance of lower primary school children in Accra. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 383 participants (Grades 1-3) were sampled in Accra. The children were administered questionnaires that measured their English reading proficiency, paternal involvement, maternal involvement, financial situation, and demographic characteristics as well as their academic performance. Results showed that reading proficiency was significantly and positively related with children�s performance on all standard performance tests after controlling for paternal involvement, maternal involvement, financial situation, and age. Type of school significantly affected academic performance, however, no gender differences were observed in the children�s academic performance. The implications for educational practice and research are espoused. � The Author(s) 2018.

Source: UEW
ENHANCED THIRD GENERATION SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL-BASED SOLAR CELL EFFICIENCY BY PIEZO-PHOTOTRONIC EFFECT

By applying the outward uniform strain on the non-centrosymmetric piezoelectric semiconductor, the polarization charges on the material surface are induced. Polarization charges are often generated within the crystals provided that the applied strain is non-uniform. The strain applied has an effect on electronic transport and can be utilized to modulate the properties of the material. The effect of multiway coupling between piezoelectricity, semiconductor transport properties, and photoexcitation results in piezo-phototronic effects. Recent studies have shown the piezoelectric and semiconductor properties of third-generation semiconductors have been used in photodetectors, LEDs, and nanogenerators. The third-generation piezoelectric semiconductor can be used in high-performance photovoltaic cells. A third-generation piezo-phototronic solar cell material is theoretically explored in this manuscript on the basis of a GaN metal-semiconductor interaction. This study aims to determine the effects of piezoelectric polarization on the electrical performance characteristics of this solar cell material. Performance parameters such as Power Conversion Efficiency, Fill Factors, I-V Characteristics, Open Circuit Voltage, and Maximum Output Power have been evaluated. The piezophototronic effect can enhance the open-circuit current voltage by 5.5 percent with an externally applied strain by 0.9 percent. The study will open a new window for the next generation of high-performance piezo-phototronic effects. � M. Gyan, J. Parbby, F.E. Botchey, 2022.

Source: UEW
Enhancement of network monitoring and security analysis using phasor measurement units

Synchronized phasor measurements are becoming an important element of wide area measurement systems used in advanced power system monitoring, protection, and control applications. Considering the current power outages in Ghana, the electric utility power system may have major blackouts or natural catastrophes. It is therefore possible to lose data from the network due to failure of communication systems during these incidents. Hence, this study explored how network monitoring and security analysis could be enhanced using phasor measurement units (PMUs). In all, 160 respondents including system operators, system engineers and system controllers participated in the study. Quantitative data analysis was performed using the Statistical Products and Service Solutions (SPSS), version 18, while thematic analysis was performed on the qualitative data obtained from the open-ended questions in the structured questionnaire and the interview data. The use of SCADA to monitor traffic in GRDICo has not been highly effective as the occurrences, disturbances and disruptions in traffic in the network are frequent. Additionally, the study concluded that, there are significant challenges that confront network monitoring and security analysis of grid in GRIDCo including real time monitoring and control, post power disturbance analysis and power systems state estimation. It is recommended that,the enhancement of network monitoring and security analysis of grid in GRIDCo using PMU could result in the unique ability to provide synchronized power system phasor measurements from widely dispersed locations in the electric power grid. Secondly, sufficient funds should be made available by government through the Ministry of Energy to help GRIDCo experience significant investment in the deployment of phasor measurement units (PMUs) and the associated infrastructure for making synchrophasor measurements and data collection

Source: UEW
Enhancing chemistry students’ ability to classify and name aliphatic organic compounds using molecular models.

This study was designed to enhance EPC Mawuko Girls‟ SHS 2 Home Economics students‟ understanding of the classification, naming and writing of the structures of aliphatic organic compounds using molecular models. It was also intended to find out the students‟ views on the use of molecular models in teaching the structural formulae and naming of aliphatic organic compounds. The study was a case study design using the action research approach. The sample for the study was forty-five (45) second year chemistry students in an intact class using purposive sampling technique. Achievement tests (pre-intervention and post-intervention tests), informal interview and questionnaire were used as data collecting instruments and the intervention tool used were the molecular model kits. The instruments were pilot –tested to establish the reliability coefficient and were validated by the research supervisor in the Department of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba as well as two other experienced chemistry teachers in EPC Mawuko Girls‟ SHS, Ho. The scores obtained from the achievement tests were analysed using Excel spread sheet and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 to find out the level of achievement of students after the intervention. Overall findings of the study showed among others that the students had difficulties in classifying, naming and writing of the structural formulae of aliphatic organic compounds. There was significant improvement in the performance of students after the intervention as they performed better in the post-intervention test than the preintervention test; the students had an overall positive perception concerning the use of molecular models as an instructional material in the learning of classification, naming and writing of the structural formulae of aliphatic organic compounds. It was recommended among others that interested researchers could conduct research into the relative effectiveness of molecular model kits in the naming of inorganic compounds at the SHS level.

Source: UEW
Enhancing effective communication in project delivery in the construction industry in Ghana the perspectives of construction professionals in Western Region

As the project unfolds and the design is realized, information in the form of drawings, specifications and construction methods must be communicated effectively from one professional to another. The aim of this study was to examine effective communication as perceived by construction professionals in project delivery in the Western Region of Ghana. The specific objectives of the study included; to identify factors necessary for enhancing effective communication in construction project delivery in the Western Region in Ghana; to identify constraints to effective communication in construction project delivery in the Western Region of Ghana and to make recommendations for enhancing effective communication in construction projects in the Western Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional descriptive survey with a questionnaire was used to provide data for the research.The sample size for the study was seventy-six (76). The findings of the study revealed that the key factors that enhance effective communication established included;being truly authentic in one’s actions and words, listening clearly and correctly to the information relayed on site andeffective planning for improved project performance. Strategies for ensuring effective communication on site included;holding effective site meetings, understanding the real issues within the project team and effective management of conflicts on site.Keylimitations to effective communication in construction projects delivery in the region included:lack of or inadequate training in communication skills, poor listening to project instructions and ordersandinadequate motivation for construction artisans among others.In-service training workshops should be organized for construction professionals in the region,provision of logistics by the Ministry of Local Government among other recommendations stated in the study.

Source: UEW
Enhancing efficient maintenance of public buildings in Ghana,a case study of selected institutions in the Tamale Metropolis

Provision of adequate housing has remained a daunting challenge in the country particularly in urban areas following the high demand for housing. Most public residential buildings are characterized by a poor state of maintenance. Timely maintenance and proper management of buildings prevent their deterioration, provide a pleasant and comfortable living environment and uphold their value. This study seeks to enhance efficient maintenance of public buildings in Ghana, a case study of selected institutions in the Tamale Metropolis. The data collection instruments used for the study were questionnaires, interview and observation. The analysis of the respondents’ responses was done through combined method system of tables and figures. The total population of 95 respondents were used and the sample size was 88 and was sampled as follows; Staff of Dabokpa Technical Institute 26, Students of Dabokpa Technical Institute 20, Workers of University for Development Studies 20, and Workers of Tamale Teaching Hospital 22. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample out the 88 respondents and were administered with questionnaires. Interview was conducted on maintenance managers and officers of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Observation was made on building components and services of all the three public institutions to gather data for the study. The objectives of the study were to; assess the current state of building components of public buildings, identify factors affecting maintenance of buildings of public institutions and device appropriate maintenance policies and practices for the maintenance departments of public institutions. The study revealed that the defective components of buildings in public institutions negatively affects the comfort of users and occupants. The defects identified included cracks on walls, faded painting, roof leakages, exposed foundations and choked drains. The study further revealed that public buildings deteriorate very early after their construction as a result of lack of maintenance culture and faulty design of buildings. The study recommends that; adequate funds should be made available for maintenance of public buildings and also the mentality of users and occupants of public buildings seriously needs to be addressed on the importance of maintenance culture through mass education and public campaigns. Also maintenance Log Book needs to be developed and implemented at the maintenance departments of public institutions for effective record keeping

Source: UEW
Enhancing fashion’s sustainable future through garment remodelling: a case study of fashion industry in the Kumasi Metropolis

This study’s main aim was to assess fashion sustainable future through remodelling of used garments. The study was conducted in the Kumasi Metropolis with respondents sampled from fashion industry players in the Metropolis. The study employed mixed method approach since both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The two instruments for the data collection were interview and questionnaire. The research design employed was descriptive design. The study employed both purposive sample and convenience sample methods from sample size of 180 respondents. The findings of the study show that fashion industry players use different remodelling methods and some of these methods were combination of two or more materials, reshaping, beading, quilting, patching and cutting down. It was also found that remodelling of garments influences the economic activities of the industry. It was also found that the future of the fashion industry is highly sustainable with improve methods of remodelling. It is recommended that the fashion industry players pay much attention to remodelling since it can boost the economic activities of the industry.

Source: UEW
Enhancing Performance in Mathematics Through Motivation, Peer Assisted Learning, And Teaching Quality: The Mediating Role of Student Interest

In the Sub-Saran Africa, mathematics is a key subject in the school curriculum and most countries consider it as must-pass subject to gain admission into tertiary institutions. This notwithstanding, students� performance in mathematics in a cause for concern. For example, the mathematics performance of Ghanaian students in 2021 West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was lower than that of 2020. This indicates that the percentage of students to gain admission into the tertiary has reduced. This study therefore explored the role of motivation, peer assisted learning, quality of teaching and student interest on student performance in mathematics. The study design was a survey, with structured questionnaire being used for data collection. The population comprised of students pursuing their undergraduate degree at a public university in Ghana. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used in selecting 373 first year undergraduate students of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), who studied on Kumasi campus. Data was gathered during lecture hours, after permissions were sought from the lecturers handling the classes at the time of data collection. The path analysis was by Structural Equation Modelling, by using Amos (v.23) software. It was concluded that students learning interest in mathematics partially mediated the relationships between mathematics learning motivation and performance in mathematics; as well as between mathematics teaching quality and performance in mathematics. The effect of peer assisted mathematics learning on performance in mathematics was however fully mediated by students learning interest in mathematics. � 2022 by the authors; licensee Modestum. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Source: UEW
Enhancing reading comprehension skills among students of Wenchi Senior High School

This study was undertaken to improve senior high students reading and comprehension skills. The purpose of the study was to investigate the applicability of the Paired Summarizing Technique in improving comprehension reading skills of students of Wenchi Senior High School. The study employed action research design. Convenient sampling was used to select a sample of 26 senior high school students for the study. The instruments used to collect data were pre-test, post-test, questionnaire and observation. The findings of the study revealed that some of the causes of reading problems included students’ lack of reading after classes, students’ inability to fully take advantage of library facilities and teachers’ inability to fully exploit the materials at their disposal to help students. The findings also revealed that Paired Summarising Technique can help students gain significant achievements in comprehension. The findings also showed that the use of Paired Summarising Technique in teaching and learning increased students’ interest in reading and speaking the English Language. The study recommended that teachers should vary their methods of teaching English reading so learners can benefit from individual differences and encourage paired reading among students.

Source: UEW