ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Using multimedia techniques to influence first year integrated science students academic performance in ecological concepts at New Edubiase Senior High School

The study investigated the impact of multimedia techniques among first year Integrated Science students’ academic performance in ecological concepts. Two null hypotheses accompanied the study. The study adopted constructivists’ theory as its underlying framework. Nonrandomized control-group pretest-posttest quasi experimental design was adopted for the study. The study participants comprised General Arts eighty-two (82) students in New Edubiase Senior High School. Students Achievement in Ecological Concept Test (SAECT) (pretest) and (posttest) with reliability coefficients of 0.89 and 0.77 respectively, and Satisfaction with Multimedia Techniques Questionnaire (SWMT) with reliability coefficients of 0.80 were the instruments designed to gather data. Descriptive statistics (means, simple frequencies and standard deviations) and inferential (t-tests) were used in analyzing the data obtained. The findings indicated positive results, and it showed a significantly improved performance of the students. The results from the questionnaire indicated positive attitude of the students towards the use of multimedia techniques in teaching and learning of Integrated Science. It is therefore recommended that the use of multimedia techniques in teaching and learning should be employed by teachers in New Edubiase SHS. Additionally, the implementation of multimedia techniques in teaching and learning will address different learning styles, and also facilitate students’ learning abilities and thereby help to improve their academic achievement so teachers should readily use it.

Source: UEW
Using multimedia techniques to influence first year integrated science students’ academic performance in ecological concepts at new Edubiase Senior High School

The study investigated the impact of multimedia techniques among first year Integrated Science students’ academic performance in ecological concepts. Two null hypotheses accompanied the study. The study adopted constructivists’ theory as its underlying framework. Nonrandomized control-group pretest-posttest quasiexperimental design was adopted for the study. The study participants comprised General Arts eighty-two (82) students in New Edubiase Senior High School. Students Achievement in Ecological Concept Test (SAECT) (pretest) and (posttest) with reliability coefficients of 0.89 and 0.77 respectively, and Satisfaction with Multimedia Techniques Questionnaire (SWMT) with reliability coefficients of 0.80 were the instruments designed to gather data. Descriptive statistics (means, simple frequencies and standard deviations) and inferential (t-tests) were used in analyzing the data obtained. The findings indicated positive results, and it showed a significantly improved performance of the students. The results from the questionnaire indicated positive attitude of the students towards the use of multimedia techniques in teaching and learning of Integrated Science. It is therefore recommended that the use of multimedia techniques in teaching and learning should be employed by teachers in New Edubiase SHS. Additionally, the implementation of multimedia techniques in teaching and learning will address different learning styles, and also facilitate students’ learning abilities and thereby help to improve their academic achievement so teachers should readily use it.

Source: UEW
Using multimodal instructional approach to improve second year science students’ conceptual understanding and knowledge retention of photosynthesis and mineral nutrition

This quasi-experimental research study is aimed at improving students‟ conceptual understanding and knowledge retention in Photosynthesis and Mineral Nutrition in plants using Multimodal Instructional Approach, MIA in Nifa Senior High School. The research also investigated learners‟ perceptions of using MIA in teaching and learning. Fifty second year science students of the school were selected as participants for this study using stratified random sampling technique. The sample size consisted of 24 male and 26 female students. They were assigned into two groups of experimental and control of 25 students per group. The implementation of the intervention lasted five weeks with three 2-hour lessons per week. Research participants in the control group were required to re-examine the lesson making use of question-answer approach and allocation of tasks in the textbook as pieces of assignments. On the other hand, MIA in the forms of educational videos, scientific games and practical activities were used to guide and facilitate the review, reinforcement, motivate and assessment of participants in the experimental group‟s lesson materials. Student t-test was used to analysed quantitative data collected whereas descriptive statistic was used to analysed qualitative data. Analysis of Conceptual Understanding Test and Knowledge Retention Test shows a p-value of 0.0007 and 0.009 respectively. These values revealed a statistically significant difference in respondents‟ conceptual understand and knowledge retention in favour of the experimental group. Again, there was no statistically significant difference in respondents‟ conceptual understanding ascribed to gender variable, p-value = 0.42. The results suggested that MIA promoted students‟ conceptual understanding and was an effective tool in facilitating the retention of new information. Within the context of the research, the perceptions of the experimental group respondents on the use of MIA were established at the end of the intervention period. These views were, in general, positive. The study found the use of MIA to be effective method of reinforcing learning, increasing and sustaining students interest in learning and also provided excellent motivation for learning. The research recommended the use of MIA in teaching Biology and other science subjects in Nifa Senior High School.

Source: UEW
Using play activities for early learners of Ablekuma South Metropolitan of the Greater Accra region

The study examined the play activities of early learners in public schools‟ kindergartens in the Ablekuma South Metro of the Greater Accra Region.Cross sectional survey design was adopted for the study. Using the census sampling procedure, 164 kindergarten teachers were sampled for the study. Questionnaire was used to gather the requisite data for the study. The data were analysed through the computation of descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA, using the SPSS. The study found out that, through play activities, teachers identify how children may be assisted in learning through curriculum-based learning tasks that facilitate easy learning. Also, teachers considered play as an educational tool for teaching and learning and utilise it to promote the development of motor and cognitive skills, social and emotional competencies that assist children to think logically and acquire language skills. The study revealed among others that children display more evidence of metacognitive monitoring and control when working under supervision. Teachers are considered essential in enabling children‟s development through play and they encourage children to plan their own activities for some of the time and they make considerable social gains. They assist them to use a combination of teacher-led and child-led activities to improve play. The study recommended that, the Ablekuma South-Metro, in collaboration with the educational directorate and schools organise regular workshop activities centred on the significant role of the teacher in children‟s play activities to improve on their role as teachers and facilities of play activities in the classroom.The Ablekuma South Metro, in collaboration with the educational directorate and the sampled school, with the support of the Parent Teacher Association should provide the basic teaching and learning materials required for children to engage in a meaningful and intellectual playf activity.

Source: UEW
Using practical lessons to enhance tilapia production education at three town senior high schools, Denu in the Volta Region of Ghana

The main objective of this study was to use practical lessons to enhance tilapia production education among form two students of Three-Town Senior High School, Denu in the Volta Region of Ghana. The study used both experimental and observational research design where Eighty-two (82) students were exposed to the construction of tilapia ponds which are conducive for the fish species as well as feeding practices which were used by five tilapia farmers. Feeds which were used by the five tilapia farms whose ponds were visited included; maize-soya beans concentrate, rice ban, potato concentrate and brewery waste. It was also observed that, three of the farmers feed their tilapia stock twice daily, while two farmers feed their stock thrice daily. The study revealed that average temperature of the ponds was 27 oC. The average pH range for the ponds was also recorded at 6.9. The dissolved oxygen for the ponds was also measured at 13ppm DO. It was observed that all the five ponds were less muddy, the ponds also contained less suspended organic and inorganic matter. The conditions which were considered by the farmers in the construction of their ponds included; water source, topography of the land, soil type, vegetation cover and prevention of predators. It was recommended that workshops must be organised for tilapia farmers to equip them with the required technical skills and knowledge on how to prepare their own concentrates. This will help the farmers reduce the cost of operations thereby reducing the cost of tilapia which are brought to the market.

Source: UEW
Using practical work to improve students’ attitude and performance in integrated science_ a case study of Lawra senior high school

The study sought to use practical work in the teaching of Integrated Science to improve students’ attitude and their performance in the subject. In respect of this, the action research approach was used as the research methodology. A sample of 150 Form 2 Arts individuals who demonstrated poor attitude and poor performance in class were used for the study. Three main instruments were used to collect data namely questionnaire, practical test and interview schedule. The questionnaire was first administered to 150 students to assess the use of practical work to teach Integrated Science. After the intervention, a similar test was conducted in order to compare scores of students before the intervention. The study found that practical work had a positive effect on students’ performance in Integrated Science. Before the intervention the test scores results indicated that majority (67%) of the students scored below the pass mark of 30. However, after the intervention, the results showed significant improvement over the pre-test results as little over 90% of the students passed the test paper. Further statistical analyses showed that there was a significant improvement in post-test scores (M= 46.47, SD = 17.43) over pre-test score (M= 28.83, SD = 12.16) with condition: t(29) = 4.54, p = 0.00. This notwithstanding, the teaching of Integrated Science in the School has some challenges as there is limited time allocated for its teaching; no specific periods allocation for the teaching of practical work; inadequate TLMs and negative attitude of students towards studying the subject. The study therefore recommends that for students’ performance to be improved and sustained in the subject, these challenges must be adequately addressed by the school authority in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Source: UEW
Using problem-based learning approach to improve the performance of science students in mole concept a case study at Techiman Senior High School

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) approach to mole concept among students of Techiman Senior High School. The study was quasi-experimental research and nonrandomized control group pre-test – post-test design. The total population considered for the study was 243 second year students of Techiman Senior High School. The sample size was 74 second year students offering the General Science Programme. The selection procedure was nonrandomized. Intact or already existing classrooms were used for the study. The control group consisted of 37 second year students and the experimental group was equally 37 second year students as this arrangement was the prevailing situation in the two intact classes at the time the study was conducted. In the experimental group, the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach was used while the Traditional Lecture-Based (TLB) method was used in the control group. The instrument used in the study was the Mole Concept Achievement Test (MCAT) which took the form of pre-test and post-test. The reliability coefficients were found to be 0.736 and 0.751 for the pre-test and post-test respectively. Data were analysed using ttest and bar charts. The results of the study revealed that the PBL resulted in significantly higher students‟ achievement in mole concept than the TLB.

Source: UEW
Using problem-based learning to enhance students’ performance in their study of the mole concept

This study sought to enhance the academic performance of students in mole concept using problem-based learning instructional approach. The individual teacher action research strategy was adopted for the study in which the students were taken through four-weeks interactive lessons by the intervention of problem-based learning (PBL) as a teaching learning technique. The target population for the study was all general science students of Obiri Yeboah Senior High School in the Assin Foso Municipality of the Central Region. The accessible population was form two general science students of Obiri Yeboah SHS. Convenience sampling technique was used to select an intact class of thirty-nine (39) students which was made up of twenty-two (22) males and seventeen (17) females. The instrument used in data collection were the Pre and Post Mole Concept Achievement Test (MCAT) and Students pre and post Perception and Attitude towards mole concept Questionnaire (PREPAQ and POSPAQ). Data were analyzed using t-test, bar charts, pie charts and percentages. Hypotheses were accepted or rejected at a significant level of 0.05. The mean values for the pre-intervention and post-intervention test results were 19.43 and 31.60 respectively which indicates an improvement in academic performance of students. This shows that the students performed better after the intervention of PBL. To determine whether there was a significant difference between students’ pre and post test scores a paired samples t-test was carried out which gave a significant difference between the pre and post test scores of students at a p value of 0.000 (α=0.05). The results from the questionnaire also revealed that students’ perception and attitude changed positively after the PBL intervention. Finally, the results from the t-test carried out on the scores between male and female students after the PBL intervention indicated that there was no significant difference between male and female scores at a p-value of 0.456(p > 0.05). In view of these, it is recommended that teachers in Senior High Schools should be encouraged to use PBL as an instructional approach for teaching and learning to enhance students conceptual understanding and academic performance in mole concept.

Source: UEW
Using problem-based teaching and learning approach to improve laboratory practical skills of pre-service science teachers in E.P college of education Bimbilla

This study sought to improve laboratory practical skills of pre-service science teachers at the Evangelical Presbyterian College of Education, Bimbilla to enable them teach science lessons through practical mode. Action research design was used in the study. Level 200 pre-service science teachers constituted the sample of 82 who were drawn from the elective science class. The instrument used to correct data for study were attitude scale, semi structure interview and observation schedule. The attitude scale was used to correct quantitative data on pre-service science teacher’s attitude to laboratory practical work whiles the observation scale and semi structure interview were used to correct qualitative data on pre-service science teachers acquisition of laboratory practical skills before and after the intervention. Analysis of the data was done using frequency and percentages for quantitative data obtained from attitude and observation scales. The findings of the study revealed that the pre service science teachers did not have adequate knowledge in laboratory practical skills and that made them not to teach science through practical mode during their teaching practice. It was also observed that their exposure to laboratory practical skills was either inadequate or less effective. The study concluded that the pre-service science teachers were capable of teaching science effectively through practical mode if their exposure to laboratory practical lessons were intensified. The researcher therefore recommended that enough exposure on laboratory practical work should be given to pre-service science teachers through increase school-based laboratory practical sessions and attachment to science research departments where they can learn to improve their laboratory practical skills.

Source: UEW
Using project work to enhance the academic performance of S.H.S 2 leatherwork students of Mfantsiman girls senior high school

This study was undertaken to enhance the academic performance of S.H.S. 2 leatherwork students of Mfantsiman Girls using project work. This was crucial in order to make feasible analysis on the best way to improve on students performances. The study was based on phenomenological perspective of quantitative research approach and descriptive study research methods for collection and analysis of data to draw conclusions and make recommendations toward the revival of the industry. Questionnaire was the main data collection instruments used. Purposive sampling technique was used alongside with the stratified sampling technique. The total population of Leather Work students in Mfantsiman Girls SHS is Fifty-six (56), comprising SHS 1 (18 in number), SHS 2 (20 in number) and SHS 3 (18 in number). However out of these 56 students, a sample size of 20 students from the SHS 2 class was used for the research. Data collected were presented, analyzed and discussed using frequency distribution tables for clarity and better understanding of facts. The study revealed among others that, with project method, students get the ample chances in which they can develop coordination among their body and mind. As the teacher can lead a well-balanced development of the students. This method helps in promoting social interaction and co-operation among the students, as they have to work in a group and have to interact with various persons for gathering information. As the student works with full agreement of the social needs, she gets moulded in accordance with the social needs of the society in which she lives or exists. Thus, through this method, sense of social cooperation and responsibility get developed among the students, by which they can become responsible citizens in the future. The study revealed that, students taking their practical lessons seriously, working hard to pass an examination, constantly studying their notes and getting more tools that can help them to carry out their practical successfully is the best way to improve themselves in leatherwork.

Source: UEW
Using rattan and cane as alternative materials to wood in furniture production

Ghana is experiencing continuous deforestation and degradation of its forest estate due to the unending high demand for wood and wood products for furniture and construction purposes. In the light of this, conservationists, furniture producers and researchers appear to be focusing their attention on exploring the utilization of non-timber forest materials particularly rattan and cane such as Calamus deeratus, Eremospatha hookeri etc. for the production of various kinds of furniture. Ghanaian furniture producers are also making frantic efforts in this direction but their successes and constraints have not been adequately assessed. Four specific objectives were considered in this study, namely to: assess the success levels of rattan and cane furniture production business; evaluate the processing constraints of the business, evaluate the marketing constraints of the rattan and cane business and the limitations of large scale production. The study which was limited to the industry’s players in Accra and Kumasi Metropolis, employed questionnaire and interviews as data collection instruments which enabled a broader spectrum of issues about the sector to be covered. It was found that majority of the respondents (i.e. from 75% to 86%) were between the ages of 40 years and 59 years and who had had only basic education with no training on rattan and cane. Results also indicated that rattan and cane furniture producers have chalked some successes in terms of increases in income generation. Additionally, the study revealed that lack of financial support, lack of access to information and opportunities for exchange of experiences and lack of adequate and appropriate technology are the major processing constraints of the producers. Furthermore the major marketing constraints were lack of technical and financial supports while the major limitation to large scale production was low prices of the products leading to low returns. It was therefore concluded that the rattan and cane furniture production, though not much attractive to the youth, has improved the economic lives of the producers but there are very important technical, processing and marketing challenges that need to be addressed to ensure growth and development. It was therefore recommended that the government of Ghana, through her relevant agencies should offer the needed technical training opportunities as well as financial support in addition to creating marketing opportunities such as trade fairs for the industry players. All these could enhance the activities and incomes of the producers and even more importantly attract the youth in order that all of them could contribute better towards the development of themselves, their communities and the nation at large.

Source: UEW
Using reliability and item analysis to evaluate a teacher-developed test in educational measurement and evaluation

Item analysis is essential in improving items which will be used again in later tests; it can also be used to eliminate misleading items in a test. The study focused on item and test quality and explored the relationship between difficulty index (p-value) and discrimination index (DI) with distractor efficiency (DE). The study was conducted among 247 first-year students pursuing Diploma in Education at Cape Coast Polytechnic. Fifty multiple-choice questions were administered as an end of semester examination in Educational Measurement course. Internal consistency reliability of the test was 0.77 using Kuder�Richardson 20 coefficient (KR-20). The mean score was 29.23 with a standard deviation of 6.36. Mean difficulty index (p) value and DI were 58.46% (SD 21.23%) and 0.22 (SD 0.17), respectively. DI was noted to be a maximum at a p-value range between 40 and 60%. Mean DE was 55.04% (SD 24.09%). Items having average difficulty and high discriminating power with functional distractors should be integrated into future tests to improve the quality of the assessment. Using DI, it was observed that 30 (60%) of the test items fell into the reasonably good or acceptable value ranges. � 2017 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.

Source: UEW