ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Enhancing students’ retention of cell division through computer simulations in Adanwomase senior high school

Integrated science is one of the core subjects offered in the Ghanaian Senior High School. Most of the concepts included in Science are abstract and therefore students find it difficult to understand the concepts. Cell division is one of the most problematic and difficult concepts that students learn in the Science syllabus. Questions on cell cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis in Cell Division are very popular in the West African Certificate examination.Analysis of the Science paper using the Chief examiner’s report has revealed that students have misunderstandings on the main concepts of cell division topic such as mitosis and meiosis. These learning problems in Cell division arise from improper teaching and learning method that emphasized mainly on teacher centered learning and encourages rote learning among students. Computer simulation which is one of the learning strategies that stimulates and enhances students thinking ability was employed in this study to teach theconcept of cell division in Adanwomase Senior High School. A total of 62 students from two different form one classes were used for this study. A pre-test on cell division was administered to the two classes. A t-test analysis of the pre-test revealed a significant difference between the scores for the two classes. Thirty of them were subjected to lessons prepared on the concepts of cell division using computer simulations because they had the least scores. The other 32 were taught the concepts using the traditional lecture method because they had the highest scores in the pre-test. A post- test was then administered after the interventions. Results from the post-tests were gathered and also subjected to statistical analysis using paired and unpaired t-test. After the study it was realized that there was a significant difference between science achievements of students who were taught with both the computer simulations and the traditional lecture method. However, those who were taught with computer simulations had a significantly scores in the post-test.

Source: UEW
Enhancing students’ retention of cell division through computer simulations in Adanwomase senior high school

Integrated science is one of the core subjects offered in the Ghanaian Senior High School. Most of the concepts included in Science are abstract and therefore students find it difficult to understand the concepts. Cell division is one of the most problematic and difficult concepts that students learn in the Science syllabus. Questions on cell cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis in Cell Division are very popular in the West African Certificate examination.Analysis of the Science paper using the Chief examiner’s report has revealed that students have misunderstandings on the main concepts of cell division topic such as mitosis and meiosis. These learning problems in Cell division arise from improper teaching and learning method that emphasized mainly on teacher centered learning and encourages rote learning among students. Computer simulation which is one of the learning strategies that stimulates and enhances students thinking ability was employed in this study to teach the concept of cell division in Adanwomase Senior High School. A total of 62 students from two different form one classes were used for this study. A pre-test on cell division was administered to the two classes. A t-test analysis of the pre-test revealed a significant difference between the scores for the two classes. Thirty of them were subjected to lessons prepared on the concepts of cell division using computer simulations because they had the least scores. The other 32 were taught the concepts using the traditional lecture method because they had the highest scores in the pre-test. A post- test was then administered after the interventions. Results from the post-tests were gathered and also subjected to statistical analysis using paired and unpaired t-test. After the study it was realized that there was a significant difference between science achievements of students who were taught with both the computer simulations and the traditional lecture method. However, those who were taught with computer simulations had a significantly scores in the post-test.

Source: UEW
Enhancing students’ understanding in translating word problems into algebraic equations _ a case study at Navrongo community vocational training institute in the Ghana

Word problem solving on linear equation in one variable is a complex process for many students. The purpose of this research was to use Constructive Teaching and Learning Approach to improve the University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh 6 performance of students in translating word problem into linear equation in one variable and finding the solution of the resultant algebraic equation. T he research is an action research and the design used were unstructured interview, pre-test, and post test Students were interviewed to get an sight into their word problem solving strategies and how they used these strategies in solving word problem involving linear equations in one variable tasks. There was intervention carried out using the constructivist approach to teaching/learning. The analysis of the pre-test and posttest is based on quantitative data collected using descriptive and inferential statistics. The posttest mean score is 59.77 as against the pre-test mean score of 28.46. The major finding shows that the use of the constructive teaching and learning approach in teaching finding solution to word problems on linear equations is effective on students achievement. It is therefore recommended that appropriate courses need to be introduced in the Colleges of Education for the training of teachers in the skills of designing, developing and applying the Constructive Teaching and Learning Approach as well as other concrete materials in teaching translating of word problem into linear equations in one variable at the basic level of education

Source: UEW
Enhancing the academic performance of archbishop porter girls’ senior high school students using laboratory based practical activities in selected chemistry topics

The study was designed to enhance the students’ academic performance in solubility and enthalpy change as topics in chemistry through the use of laboratory- based practical activities. The following were the objectives of the study: to determine students’ pre-conceptions on solubility and enthalpy change before the practical activities, to evaluate the effect of the use of practical activities on students’ performance on studying solubility and enthalpy change and to determine students’ perceptions of the use of laboratory practical activities in learning the selected topics in chemistry. It was an intact - class action research. Form two (2) thirty students (30) in Archbishop Porter Girls’ Senior High School, were purposively sampled for the study. The instrument used for the data collection for the study were pre-intervention test and post-intervention test, and questionnaire for students. Data collected were analysed by applying t-test, mean, standard deviation and percentages using statistical package for social Science (SPSS) version 19.0. The findings revealed that laboratory activity- based methods of teaching and learning engaged students actively in the learning process, promoted open- mindedness, helped students acquire skills, aided better interaction among students and promoted positive perception towards chemistry. It was recommended that chemistry teachers take students through a lot of practical activities. This will help them gain better understanding of different concepts to improve their academic performance.

Source: UEW
Enhancing the conceptual understanding and performance of students in “blood circulatory system in humans” using Multimedia Instructional Method (MMIM)

This study revealed various misconceptions held by Level 200 students of Integrated Science at the St. Vincent College of Education, Yendi on blood circulation system in humans. The use of the multimedia instruction method (MMIM) in teaching the blood circulatory system in humans not only resolved their previously held misconceptions, but also enhanced the students’ conceptual understanding of the topic and improved, as well their academic performance in the related topic taught. The research design for this study was the action research. The purposive sampling and census technique were used to select the Science 2A class, comprising 200 students of the St Vincent College of Education, Yendi. The study demonstrated that the use of the MMIM boosted students’ enthusiasm and interest in the topic, promoted and enhanced their comprehension of blood circulatory system in humans. The comparison of students’ pre-intervention misconceptions about the topic and their pre-test scores with post-test scores and post intervention responses to short essay-type questions and questionnaire established that the MMIM intervention improved students’ understanding of the topic and their performance. This study will serve as a teaching tool for teachers of Biology in the teaching of blood circulatory system in humans and similar biology topics. The MMIM can reduce or eliminate students’ misconceptions on topics learnt.

Source: UEW
Enhancing the performance and interest of form two students of Chereponi Senior High School on select topics in biology using computer assisted instruction (CAI)

The study is sought to improve the performance and interest of form two students’ of Chereponi senior high school in selected topics in biology using computer assisted instruction. The study was carried out in Chereponi in the northern region of Ghana. Action research design with mixed method approach was used in the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 198 students from the total population of form two biology students in the northern region. Questionnaire, test, observation schedule and interview protocol were the main instruments used for the data collection. A t-test was used to find out whether there was any significant difference when students were taught using computer assisted instruction. From the analysis it was found out that an average of 80% of the form two students of Chereponi senior high school who participated in the study perform creditably well in test 1,2, 3, and 4 in selected biology topics. The results indicated a lot of improvement in the performance of the form two biology students of Chereponi senior high school when they were taught using computer assisted instruction. They also indicated positive interest towards learning and studying the selected biology topics. In line with these findings it was recommended that computer assisted instruction (CAI) should be used in teaching of selected biology topics in Chereponi senior high school.

Source: UEW
Enhancing the performance and interest of form two students of Chereponi Senior High School on selected topics in biology using computer assisted instruction (CAI)

The study is sought to improve the performance and interest of form two students’ of Chereponi senior high school in selected topics in biology using computer assisted instruction. The study was carried out in Chereponi in the northern region of Ghana. Action research design with mixed method approach was used in the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 198 students from the total population of form two biology students in the northern region. Questionnaire, test, observation schedule and interview protocol were the main instruments used for the data collection. A t-test was used to find out whether there was any significant difference when students were taught using computer assisted instruction. From the analysis it was found out that an average of 80% of the form two students of Chereponi senior high school who participated in the study perform creditably well in test 1,2, 3, and 4 in selected biology topics. The results indicated a lot of improvement in the performance of the form two biology students of Chereponi senior high school when they were taught using computer assisted instruction. They also indicated positive interest towards learning and studying the selected biology topics. In line with these findings it was recommended that computer assisted instruction (CAI) should be used in teaching of selected biology topics in Chereponi senior high school.

Source: UEW
Enhancing the performance and interest of pre-service teachers in selected integrated science topics using computer-based models

The study sought to improve the performance and interest of pre-service teachers in selected integrated science topics using Computer-Based Models (CBM). The study was carried out in Gbewaa College of Education, Pusiga in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Action research design with mixed method approach was utilized in the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 208 pre-service teachers out of a total population of 1021 pre-service teachers of Gbewaa College of Education. Questionnaire, test, observation schedule and interview protocol were the main instruments used for the data collection. A t-test was used to test whether there was any difference between the male and female pre-service teachers’ interest in selected integrated science topics and their academic performance. From the analysed data, it was found out that an average of 80% of the pre-service teachers who participated in the study performed creditably in tests1, 2, 3 and 4 in selected integrated science topics. The results indicated a lot of improvement in the performance of the pre-service teachers. They also exhibited positive interest towards learning and studying the selected integrated science topics. Additionally, the findings of the research indicated that the male and female pre-service teachers performed equally well when they were taught selected integrated science topics using CBM. In line with these findings, it was recommended that CBM should be used in the teaching of integrated science in the target institution.

Source: UEW
Enhancing the pride of women in the Ga Dangme East District through millinery and dressing accessories

This research is designed to provide a true understanding of enhancing the pride of women in the Ga Dangme- East District through millinery and dressing accessories. This study seeks to determine the level of importance of millinery and dressing accessories and their relevance to society, to examine the extent of the use of millinery and dressing accessories as an adornment of the body by women, to investigate the perception of the different societies and individuals about fashion concerning dressing accessories and millinery and also to find out the type of millinery and dressing accessories used by the people in Ga-Dangme East District. This study is limited to the Ga-Dangme East District in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The methods used for gathering information for the study were observations, questionnaires and interviews. It came out clearly from the findings that various individuals and society did not value their indigenous millinery and dressing accessories, since they perceived it was primitive.

Source: UEW
Enrollment and attrition rate of fashion and textiles students in selected technical Universities of Ghana

This study investigated the enrollment and attrition rate of Fashion and Textiles students in selected Technical Universities of Ghana. The study employed the survey design and the mixed method approach. Questionnaire and an interview schedule were used in the data collection. Data were analysed using Factor analysis, Pearson Correlation, and Descriptive statistics. Findings from the study revealed that students had varied reasons for pursuing Fashion and Textiles in Technical University such as to improve quality of profession, to increase job opportunities etc. The study examined the number of admitted and graduated Fashion and Textiles students for three academic years. In addition, students identified the quality of education offered, the personal ambition to discover knowledge, and the availability and access to funding or financial support to aid in their training as influential factors in their decision to enroll on the programme. Nonetheless, the study established that insufficient financial aid/funding, inadequate academic support, false expectations of curriculum content, low academic performance, and the unsatisfactory students’ expectations of the Fashion and Textiles programme were the identified attrition factors. The study recommended that the Departmental Board within the Fashion and Textiles Departments of the various Technical Universities should consider modifying and improving the quality of their course content/curriculum by making it more practical, industry-centered rather than concentrating on most theory courses.

Source: UEW
Enrolment and retention of the girl- child at the basic school level within the Amasaman circuit of the Ga West municipality of the Greater- Accra region

The study examined the view of people including the girl-child, parents and teachers on the enrolment and retention of the girl-child on school at the basic level, in Ga West Municipality. It considered the socio- economic characteristics of the girl-child that affect her education and other factors that motivates or de- motivates the girl child to study in school. Qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing phenomenological design. Samples were drawn from the Amasaman circuits. A sample size of 25 respondents made up of girl-child officer, parents, teachers, female students and female drop outs in the municipality were used. Data were analyzed under themes that emerged from research questions. Data collected through interviews revealed that poverty; broken homes and teenage pregnancies were paramount causes of girls dropping out of school. Other factors which will motivate a girl child to choose to stay home or go to school were the absence of girl friendly facilities, performance of the girl child, and age of the girl and the size of the school. Like parents, the support given by teachers is important. It was found out that attitude of teachers discouraged some girls from staying in school. The use of female role models to increase enrollment and retention was also identified to be significant. Public education and reducing cost of education were also identified as significant mechanisms to support the girl-child in the municipality to enroll and stay in school. Based on these findings, strategies to combat the phenomenon of dropouts in the municipality have been recommended.

Source: UEW
Enrolment and retention of the girl- child at the basic school level within the Amasaman circuit of the Ga west municipality of the Greater- Accra region

The study examined the view of people including the girl-child, parents and teachers on the enrolment and retention of the girl-child on school at the basic level, in Ga- West Municipality. It considered the socio- economic characteristics of the girl-child that affect her education and other factors that motivates or de- motivates the girlchild to study in school. Qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing phenomenological design. Samples were drawn from the Amasaman circuits. A sample size of 25 respondents made up of girl-child officer, parents, teachers, female students and female drop outs in the municipality were used. Data were analyzed under themes that emerged from research questions. Data collected through interviews revealed that poverty; broken homes and teenage pregnancies were paramount causes of girls dropping out of school. Other factors which will motivate a girl child to choose to stay home or go to school were the absence of girl friendly facilities, performance of the girl child, and age of the girl and the size of the school. Like parents, the support given by teachers is important. It was found out that attitude of teachers discouraged some girls from staying in school. The use of female role models to increase enrollment and retention was also identified to be significant. Public education and reducing cost of education were also identified as significant mechanisms to support the girl-child in the municipality to enroll and stay in school. Based on these findings, strategies to combat the phenomenon of dropouts in the municipality have been recommended.

Source: UEW
Ensuring environmental sanitation quality standards and its implication on students’ health

The main objective of this study was to ensure environmental sanitation quality standards and its implication on the students’ health. The study adopted qualitative methodology which employed a Case study design. It was done at Offinso College of Education in Ashanti region of Ghana. The research paradigm used for the study was the interpretivism approach. It has two assumptions: relativist ontology and transactional or subjectivist epistemology. Four research questions guided the study. Instruments used for gathering the data for the study were questionnaire and interview guide. The population for the study was 635 students in the five departments of the college, they were Science, Mathematics, Social sciences, Languages and Home economics. Non- stratified random sampling technique was used to select 150 students comprising 30 students each from the five departments in the college. The instrument adopted for the study consisted of 30-item questionnaire to elicit information from the respondents. The questionnaire was validated by three experts. Cronbach alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument which yielded 0.76 coefficient. The data collected was analysed. The study found among others that the causes of poor sanitation were inadequate hygiene education, neglect of health facilities, insufficient water supply, inadequate fund to provide sanitation equipment and poor waste storage method. To ensure efficiency in the promoting quality environmental sanitation standards, the study recommends that the government at all levels should provide the necessary funds needed by the school management to ensure the procurement of various facilities/equipment needed for students to live in a hygienic environment.

Source: UEW
Ensuring sustainable construction projects through effective performance specification on construction site (New Juabeng municipality as case study)

The construction is one of the oldest industries in almost every nation. Its importance made it possible for undeveloped countries to rise up to becoming developed Countries. Lately, there have been an undesirable adherence to performance specification in most construction sites in most developing countries. This study seeks to reveal how best sustainable construction projects can be attained through performance specification. A cross – sectional and descriptive survey was used identify factors influencing quality of projects and sustainability of construction projects. The sample was comprised of 35 owners of construction companies, 50 employees of construction companies and 50 stakeholder involved in the construction industry. All the owners of the construction firm agreed to have construction specification on their site. A major issues on some areas of adherence is the maintenance of management plan. The major performance indicators use by most of the construction companies were the completion of the project within schedule, completion of the project within budget and achieving required quality since most of them agreed to this when interviewed. It was concluded from the study that supervising of ongoing projects is a major way they can contribute to effective performance. Stopping the construction work and ensuring specification is met, non-payment of contractors and reporting to the appropriate authorities are measures clients/users agreed they would go when they realize that an effective performance specification are not met.

Source: UEW