ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The effects of guided discovery strategies on students` attitude and performance in two selected topics in practical biology

The purpose of this study was to teach students with the guided discovery strategies to enhance their academic performance in biology. The study used guided discovery strategies as intervention to improve the academic performance of biology students at St. Margaret Mary Senior High School in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design. The researcher did biology practical on two selected topics, experiment to show that osmosis occurs in a living tissue, and experiment to show the percentage of air in different types of soil. An intact class of 63 form one science students constituted the sample. Data were collected using test items, questionnaire and interview. Data collected from the study was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings of the study showed that the academic performance of the experimental group, that is, students taught using the guided discovery performed better than those in the control group. This is an indication that students taught guided discovery method performed significantly better than those taught with the traditional method. The performance of students improved after the treatment. The implications for teaching and learning are that, guided discovery strategies make science classroom more realistic as students are actively involved. Students also learn to be responsible for their learning.

Source: UEW
Effects of head teachers’ leadership styles on academic performances of basic schools in the Bosomtwe District

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of head teachers’ leadership styles on academic performance of basic schools in the Kuntanase Circuit of the Bosomtwe District. The objectives of the study were to find out the leadership styles exhibited by head teachers, determine the effects of head teachers’ leadership styles on academic performance and to establish the challenges involved in head teachers leadership in basic schools. Descriptive survey design was employed using the qualitative research approach. The target population for the study was head teachers in public basic schools. The accessible population was 18 head teachers in the 18 public basic schools. Purposive sampling technique was used to select all the 18 head teachers and the basic schools. Semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data. The Attride-Stirlings guide to thematic network analysis was used to analyze the interview data. It was found that head teachers exhibited democratic leadership style, autocratic leadership style and laissez-faires leadership style. Head teachers’ leadership styles improved teacher-head teacher relationship to promote teaching and learning to enhance school performance and improved teachers’ instructional capabilities to improve performance. Challenges involved in head teachers’ leadership were poor condition of infrastructure available in the school and inadequate teaching and learning materials. It is recommended based on the findings that the Ghana Education Service and the Bosomtwe District Director of Education should address the various challenges head teachers face for effective leadership to promote academic performance of the school.

Source: UEW
The effects of headmasters leadership styles on teachers’ performance in selected senior high schools in the Offinso municipality

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of head teachers’ leadership styles on the performance of teachers in selected Senior High Schools in the Offinso Municipality. The objectives of the study were to find out the leadership styles of headmasters, determine the effect of headmasters leadership style on teaching and learning and to find out the challenges headmasters face in their leadership in selected Senior High Schools in the Offinso Municipality. Descriptive survey design using the quantitative approach was used for the study. The target population for the study was the entire 132 teaching staff of the three Senior High Schools in the Offinso Municipality. Census sampling was used to select all the 132 teachers in three Senior High Schools for the study. Closed ended questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The study found among others that head teachers allowed teachers to participate in decision making and also delegated powers to teachers when the need arose. The head teachers’ leadership styles improved headmaster- teacher relationship to enhance school performance and also inspired teachers to improve on their instructional capabilities. Head teachers leadership styles improved headmaster- teacher relationship to enhance school performance and inspired teachers to improve on their instructional capabilities, Lack of congenial work environment, lack of time (work overload) and teachers’ lack of commitment towards training and development were some of the challenges in head teachers’ leadership. It is recommended based on the findings that since lack of time was one of the challenges in heads leadership, the work load of heads should be reduced by the Ghana Education Service to enable them have ample time in their school leadership.

Source: UEW
The effects of human resource practices on teacher retention in basic schools in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality in the Western North Region

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of human resource practices on teacher retention in basic schools in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality. The objectives of the study were to find out the human resource practices in basic schools in the Bibiani Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, to ascertain the effect of human resource practices on teacher retention in basic schools of Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality and to identify the challenges of human resource practices on teacher retention. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was used for the study. The researcher used closed-ended questionnaire for the study. The target population for the study was 141. Purposive sampling was used to select all the 28 head teachers in the study area. Simple random sampling was also used to select 113 teachers for the study. The study revealed among others that one of the human resource practices in the study area was that there were opportunities for further career development for school teachers through formal training. The study also revealed that human resource practices in the study area had positive effect on teacher retention. Among the challenges of human resource practices on teacher retention was residential accommodation for teachers. It is recommended based on the findings that teachers should be recognized and rewarded at regular intervals by the Ministry of Education to motivate them to improve on their performance.

Source: UEW
The effects of hygiene practices in the operation of restaurants and hotels in the Nandom district of the Upper West Region

This collective case study on the effect of hygiene practices on the operations of hospitality businesses in the Nandom District had premised that the sub-sector faced a myriad of hygiene and sanitation problems requiring empirical investigation. Qualitative and quantitative information gathering techniques were employed to collect primary data from 30 respondents using a semi-structured interview schedule and observation. Results indicated that all 6 businesses were legally registered, employed between 4 and 20 full-time workers and used ICT tools to take food orders and room reservations. The standard of hygiene observance was rated from poor or low and moderate to high. Effects of hygiene practices on the businesses were larger market share, greater customer satisfaction and loyalty, better health and safety, greater efficiency and productivity. Challenges to hygiene observance were cost of detergents/cleaning materials, distance from suppliers, lack of hygiene awareness, poor staff and community attitudes, low worker-education, poor waste management and environmental health personnel deficit. The study recommends intensified education and broader coverage of observance of best hygiene practices, direction of more resources into staff in-service training and staff education on the relevance and importance of hygiene and sanitation. State should resource regulatory bodies to enforce hygiene and sanitation bye-laws, establish waste re-cycling companies, and make detergents, equipment and cleansing materials accessible and affordable to all.

Source: UEW
Effects of Ict-Based intervention on conceptual understanding and performance of student-teachers in selected concepts in Physics

The study is an action research that focused on the application of the technology Acceptance Model to identify and improve student teachers’ conceptual understanding in some selected concepts in physics (Matter, Forces and Energy) within the new four-year Basic Education Curriculum for Colleges of Education. Further, it sought to improve the performance of student teachers in the selected concepts and also to improve their attitude and intent to use ICT in science delivery in their future classrooms. The study was conducted in the Department of Basic Education, University of Education, Winneba. The sample consisted of 90 student teachers from one intact class. Tools used in data gathering consisted of a two-tier questionnaire (for determining conceptual understanding of student teachers). The main instruments for data gathering were tests (pre-test and post-test) on the three concepts of interest, a questionnaire for identifying student-teachers’ level of conceptual understanding, another questionnaire on student teachers views, attitudes and intent on usage of ICT in science teaching as well as an interview guide . Five research questions were formulated for the study. Findings of the study reveal that student teachers held misconceptions in each of these science concepts in the four year teacher education curriculum. After the intervention, the conceptual understanding of student teachers in each of the three concepts improved. It was also revealed that there were statistically significant differences (P< 0.05) in the performance of student teachers before and after the intervention. However, gender was not seen to be a contributing factor to student teachers’ performance in the concepts. The key recommendation made was the integral use of ICT in the daily teaching and learning of science by science lecturers and tutors in the University of Education, Winneba and Colleges of Education. It was also suggested that Universities and Colleges of Education should equip science student-teachers with knowledge and skills on how to access and operate ICT resources and services such as computers, projectors and internet connectivity to promote the effective usage of these resources in science teaching and learning at the basic level of education.

Source: UEW
Effects of inadequate parental involvement in pupils’ education a descriptive study at Ojobi circuit in the Gomoa East district of Ghana

This study investigated the effects of inadequate parental involvement in pupils’ education in Ojobi circuit in the Gomoa East district of Ghana. The objectives were; to ascertain the reasons why some parents do not involve themselves in their children education; to describe how non-involvement of parent in children’s education affects pupils in Ojobi public basic schools; and to identify the challenges teachers face as parents do not cooperate in teaching and learning. T study; specifically, mixed research approach as the research design of the study. The result from this study showed that the introduction of Capitation Grant and fCUBE, financial constraints/low income, high demands from teachers, the problems with single parenting/ divorced/ widowhood, inadequate time, high cost of living, involving pupils in business, withdrawing them from school in order for them to sell, unemployment, low interest, and attitude toward education and large family size were some of the reasons why some parents do not involve themselves in their children education. Also, the study found high rate of absenteeism and truancy, poor monitoring of both teachers and pupils’ performance, poor teacher motivation, pupils school related problems remain unsolved, poor teaching and learning environment, and poor funding of school related projects as some of the effects on parental non involvement. The study finally found low motivation, students’ absenteeism and truancy ani inadequate teaching and learning supports (such as Text books, Exc. books, uniforms, desk etc.) as some of the major challenges teachers face as parents in teaching and learning. This study recommended the need for parents to be educated on the needs to invest ample interests in their children’s education by contributing in diverse ways, covering other areas identified in this study where they least contribute, to support their children’s educational development. Also, parents must find appropriate means of involving themselves in the education of their children, not only in terms of buying text books and exercise books, but also attending P.T.A. meetings, contributing to the school development and visiting their children while at schools to evaluate their academic progress.Aiso the study recommend the need for parents to be educated on the need to invest ample interest in their children”s education by contributing in diverse ways, covering other areas identified in this study where they least contribute, to support their children”s educational development

Source: UEW
Effects of inflation and inflation targeting policy on foreign direct investment inflows in Ghana

Ghana, like other developing countries, relies on external financial assistance for budgetary support as well as capital projects. It is therefore anticipated that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will continue to play a critical role in bridging the financial gap and support government’s quest to provide public infrastructure and services for Ghanaians. This study sought to establish relationship among macroeconomic variables, specifically between inflation, FDI inflows and the policy of inflation targeting in Ghana. This study was modeled on the Accelerator theory of investment. The sample consisted of annual time series data spanning 26 years from 1990 – 2015. The study used Error Correction Mechanism to integrate long run and short run effect of inflation and other macroeconomic variables on FDI. The results indicated significant negative long run relationship between inflation and FDI in Ghana. Also, FDI is significantly error correcting at 43% annually while inflation targeting has both short and long run positive effect on FDI. However, the result from the DOLS estimation shows that inflation has no effect on FDI inflows. The policy implication of the study is that Ghana needs to implement inflation lowering policies in order to be able to attract FDI inflows. Also, strong GDP growth leads to larger market size, the government need to initiate policies to maintain the momentum in GDP growth necessary for Ghana to attract FDI. The study therefore concluded that Inflation Targeting should be continued and not truncated since it affects the inflow of FDI positively.

Source: UEW
Effects of infrastructure on the academic performance of pupils of Kalpohin S.D.A school complex in the Sagnarigu Municipality

The case study assessed the effects of infrastructure on the academic performance of pupils of Kalpohin S.D.A. school complex in the Sagnarigu Municipality.The researcher employed qualitative research methods. The population for the case study included head teachers, and teachers. The sample size was 40 respondents. The purposive and convenient sampling techniques was used to select all the forty (40) participants for the study. Questionnaire and personal interview were the main instruments used to gather primary data. The data was analysed. The case study results indicated the effects of infrastructure on the academic performance of pupils of Kalpohin S.D.A. school complex. Moreover, the school buildings were not well maintained. They indicated that classrooms with electricity, computer rooms, and scientific equipment for teaching science were not available at the Kalpohin S.D.A school complex. Moreover, lack of educational resources in the school has been a major problem in the instructional process. Also, the school environment was handicapped by the non-availability of these teaching and learning facilities and this strongly affected the level of students’ academic performance. In conclusion the effect of infrastructure resulted in poor academic performance of students at the selected school. The study recommended that the Ghana Education Service through the Municipal Education Directorate should provide adequate educational infrastructure and teaching and learning materials to improve teaching and learning at the selected schools.

Source: UEW
Effects of inquiry- based tutor pedagogical content knowledge and practice on students’ chemistry performance in northern colleges of education

This study aimed to investigate the effects of tutor pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and practice on the achievement of pre-service teachers in inquiry-based chemistry instruction. The research employed a quantitative approach, collecting data through questionnaires from 97 respondents out of the total sample of 111, resulting in an 87% response rate. Additionally, an observation checklist was used. The findings indicated that respondents demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the concept of inquiry-based instruction, as evidenced by high frequencies in 14 out of the 16 constructs examined. However, the study identified significant limitations in real-life study materials, revealing a deficiency in the technological resources required to foster effective inquiry-based instruction. Furthermore, it was noted that the timeframe allotted in the study syllabus did not adequately accommodate the implementation of inquiry-based instruction in a manner that is both efficient and effective. Additionally, the study revealed a positive relationship between inquirybased instruction and students' performance. The effective implementation of inquirybased instruction positively influenced students' academic outcomes. Moreover, it was found that pedagogical knowledge moderated the relationship between inquiry-based instruction and students' performance. A thorough grasp of tutor knowledge served as a foundation for understanding and implementing inquiry-based instruction, which, in turn, had a positive impact on students' performance. Based on these findings, the study recommends directing more attention toward improving all aspects of inquirybased instruction, with a particular focus on enhancing real-life simulators. Furthermore, it suggests revising the study syllabus, especially for science-based subjects, to allocate ample time for effective implementation and practice of inquirybased instruction. Future research is encouraged to develop a comprehensive research model that considers the broader concept of pedagogical knowledge across various teaching approaches. Additionally, future studies should consider larger sample sizes to further explore the topic.

Source: UEW
Effects of internet usage on economic growth in Ghana

The study examines the impact of internet usage on economic growth highlighting the challenges faced by developing nations. While some data suggested that connectivity in Ghana was rising quickly, infrastructure, connectivity, and accessibility seem to be deficient in specific areas or throughout some developing countries. This current study applied autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) to examine the effect of internet usage on economic growth in Ghana. It also examined the effect of government effectiveness on economic growth in Ghana. Quarterly data spanning a period from 2000 to 2020 was employed in the study. The study reveals that internet usage positively impacts short-term economic growth. However, in the long-run internet usage has a detrimental influence on economic growth. Government effectiveness has a significant positive relationship with economic growth both in the long and short run. The composite effect of internet usage and government effectiveness is positive and significant, affecting Ghana's economic growth in both short and long terms. Based on the findings, the study recommends governmental agencies support in improving internet infrastructure thus by directing more resources to investing in infrastructure with the intention that it can target the vast majority of the population to ensure more accessibility of the use of the internet to boost productivity. The study also recommends that policies and programs that ensure policy formulation, implementation and credibility of governments’ commitment to such policies are fundamental for long-term sustainability of the economy.

Source: UEW
Effects of jigsaw cooperative learning strategy on chemistry students’ understanding of rate of chemical reaction

This research was to examine the effects of jigsaw cooperative learning strategy on chemistry students’ understanding of rate of reaction in the Bompeh Senior High Technical School and Adiembra Senior High School in the Western region of Ghana. An experimental design was used. Data was collected using a ‘pen and pencil’ test and questionnaire. A total of 84 students were sampled; 42 from each school using a simple random sampling technique. The experimental group was taught using the jigsaw cooperative learning method and the control group was taught using the traditional lecture method. The data was analysed using a chi square statistical analysis tool. The pre-test and post-test administered to the experimental group showed that, there is a significant change in the students’ understanding of rate of reaction when the intervention (jigsaw cooperative learning method) was used to teach the experimental group. Findings demonstrate that, the jigsaw cooperative learning technique brings about better understanding of the concept of rate of reaction rather than the traditional method. Jigsaw cooperative learning was able to help students improve on their interpersonal relationship since they were able to interact among themselves to find solution to problems. It was recommended that teachers should employ the jigsaw cooperative learning strategy in the teaching and learning of concepts in chemistry.

Source: UEW
The effects of l1l2 transfer among students a case study of Akatsi no.2 Junior High School

This study examined the effects of transfer of L1-L2 among students of Akatsi No.2 JHS. The target population was 75 students and 5 teachers. The study employed a qualitative approach through observation, interview and questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using simple frequency tables and figures. The findings suggest that, students transfer knowledge from their L1 thus, Ewe to L2, which is English. It was realized that certain factors aid that transfer. Though transfer was not perfect, it seems to influence the maintenance of the mother tongue and the acquisition of the second languages among learners.

Source: UEW