ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assisting pupils of Services JHS one to use the perfect aspect in their communication

The study examined the large numbers of pupils of Services Basic School in Burma Camp, La- Dadekotopon Municipality in Ghana who encounter considerable degree of complexity in the use of the perfect aspect as fundamental components of the English language in their communication. Thus, the study was carried out with the major aim of looking into the reasons behind the failure of pupils to use the perfect aspect of the English language in a proper manner and especially in their communication and to assist the pupils to overcome this challenge. The study adopted the descriptive survey design, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target population comprised teachers and students with an access population of two hundred and five (205) comprising (5) English language teachers and 200 students. The research tools used were interviews, tests and a questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that most of the students were not able to use the perfect aspects in their communications but had the ability to use the adverb indications in the present perfect aspect. The grand total of the students that could not answer the multiple test correctly was 55% which shows that most of the students do not have good knowledge of how to use time maker in the past perfect aspect. The study recommend that teachers should build their teaching in a way that the areas of greater complexity should be given extra attention and care and learners should also be drilled on the rules of tense and aspect so that they can have a clear understanding of the perfect aspect.

Source: UEW
Assisting Quayson memorial junior high school students, improve upon their reading and comprehension skills using the phonic method

The purpose of this study was to improve the reading and comprehension skills of the JHS One (1), students of Quayson Memorial School. The researcher employed purposive sampling technique to select a sample size of twenty-five (25) pupils who had difficulties in reading. Data were collected from pre-test, observation and post-test and analyzed in tables for easy understanding. The pre-test results show that no students scored between 80-100 marks and only one (1) student had a pass mark which falls between 50-70 representing 10%. The post-test results show that four (4) students scored marks between 80-100 representing 40% of the sampled students, the study concluded that teachers do not always consider the appropriate aspects of phonic method like systematic synthetic phonic and phonics instruction for teaching reading and comprehension skills. The findings show that students face various levels of difficulties in learning reading comprehension. These difficulties emanated from their homes, teacher remediation, assessment, sex, teaching and learning resource, lack of adequate infrastructure. First of all, the school environment must be conducive for learning to take place. The teachers who facilitate the students learning must be trained and retrained to be equipped with adequate competences for their jobs, students, try to identify their weaker points in their process; this will help them learn to improve upon their weak sites. Proper assessment should be made before mainstreaming students into one learning environment to enable the teacher to identify their individual differences. University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh

Source: UEW
The association between core job components, physical activity, and mental health in African academics in a post-COVID-19 context

This study examined the association between core job components (i.e. teaching, research, and student assessment), physical activity (PA), and mental health in a post-COVID-19 context. An online questionnaire administered via Google Forms was used to gather data from 1064 African academics in four countries. A sensitivity analysis was applied to adjust for covariates. Data were analyzed with the hierarchical linear regression analysis. The average age of participants was 44�years. The study found that PA was positively associated with research but negatively associated with student assessment. Mental health was positively associated with onsite teaching but negatively associated with online teaching and research. PA did not predict mental health and mediate the relationship between the job components and mental health. It is concluded that PA may not increase mental health in African academics in a post-COVID-19 situation that required the resumption of work while observing social distancing protocols. � 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Source: UEW
Association between health insurance membership and anaemia among children under-five years. Evidence from Ghana

Introduction Anaemia is prevalent among children in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to assess the association between health insurance membership and anaemia among Ghanaian children under-five years. Methods We obtained Ghana�s Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey, 2011 dataset from the United Nations International Children�s Emergency Fund. Data were analyzed with the aid of Stata/ IC, version 15. Results The prevalence of anaemia among Ghanaian children under-five years was estimated to be 57%. Majority (73%) of the children were not insured. Health insurance membership was found to be a significant predictor of anaemia among children under-five years. Conclusion Health insurance membership is a protective factor against anaemia among children under-five years. In the quest to eradicate anaemia among children, stakeholders would have to review the benefit package of the National Health Insurance Scheme coupled with prioritizing anaemia prevention interventions among more vulnerable children. � 2020 Anaba et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Source: UEW
The asymptotic analysis of novel coronavirus disease via fractional-order epidemiological model

We develop a model and investigate the temporal dynamics of the transmission of the novel coronavirus. The main sources of the coronavirus disease were bats and unknown hosts, which left the infection in the seafood market and became the major cause of the spread among the population. Evidence shows that the infection spiked due to the interaction between humans. Hence, the formulation of the model proposed in this study is based on human-to-human and reservoir-to-human interaction. We formulate the model by keeping in view the esthetic of the novel disease. We then fractionalize it with the application of fractional calculus. Particularly, we will use the Caputo-Fabrizio operator for fractionalization. We analyze the existence and uniqueness of the well-known fixed point theory. Moreover, it will be proven that the considered model is biologically and mathematically feasible. We also calculate the threshold quantity (reproductive number) to discuss steady states and to show that the particular epidemic model is stable asymptotically under some restrictions. We also discuss the sensitivity analysis of the threshold quantity to find the relative impact of every epidemic parameter on the transmission of the coronavirus disease. Both the global and local properties of the proposed model will be analyzed for the developed model using the mean value theorem, Barbalat's lemma, and linearization. We also performed some numerical simulations to verify the theoretical work via some graphical representations. � 2022 Author(s).

Source: UEW
Attitude of coaches and development of passing and receiving skills of students in Senior High Schools in Wassa Amenfi West Municipality in the Western Region

Recent academic literature on sport coaching has recognized the value of domain specialization, highlighting the importance of player motivations and the coaching environment in selecting good coaching practice. Although children's reasons for participating in sports have been a popular research topic, no attempt has been made to assess the research literature that particularly addresses this subject. This study discovered that a number of factors influence children's participation in sports, which include: gaining new skills, feeling competent, having fun, making new friends and peers. These findings imply that, in addition to the well-known psychological variables, the social cultural setting in which children play increases their motivation to engage. If youngsters are to stay active in sports, coaches' behaviors and techniques must meet the demands of the young participants. Coaches are responsible for creating a developmentally appropriate learning environment in which children can continue to participate in sports. To accomplish this, coaches must carefully consider the attitudes they employ and how they structure their coaching sessions. Coaches should emphasize fun and enjoyment, teamwork and effort, and fun over winning and competition. The study covered all Senior High School Coaches, PE tutors and student’s athletes or players in Wasa Amenfi West Municipality. The accessible population consist of all the PE tutors and coaches and students of the two Senior High Schools in the Wasa Amenfi West Municipality whose population is estimated over three hundred and fifty (350). The main instrument for the data collection for the study was the Systematic Observation Instrument (SOI), which was used to record coaches’ attitude towards inappropriate actions by players or student athlete. The attitude of the coaches were tallied to ascertain whether their attitude affected the player positively or negatively. The validity of the instrument was certified and accepted by the researcher’s mentor who also guided the researcher in the proper use of the instrument. The raw data was tabulated at the end of each period with calculations made for each type of coach’s attitude and the total number of the coach’s attitudinal reactions. It was concluded that the coach’s attitude is directly related to the content taught, its application may affect the achievement of the set objectives either positively or negatively. It was recommended that in no circumstances should coaches or managers use negative or hash words on any player or athlete because these actions used sometimes demotivate and thereby makes players dull in training and leads to players committing a lot of errors during training or performing a skill.

Source: UEW
Attitude of head teachers of junior high schools towards staff performance appraisal in the Afigya Kwabre North District

The purpose of this study was to explore the head teachers’ attitude towards staff performance appraisal and its impact on school performance. A descriptive survey design was used for the study and a structured questionnaire was employed for data collection. The objectives of the study were to examine the attitude of the head teachers towards conducting staff performance appraisal, assess the knowledge of the head teachers on conducting staff performance appraisal and to assess the impact of staff performance appraisal on school’s performance. A sample size of fifty (50) head teachers in the Afigya Kwabre North District was selected using purposive sampling. The data was analysed and presented in tables with percentages and frequencies. The major findings of the study were that staff performance appraisal in Junior High Schools, results in specific target that contribute to the success of wider professional development and good teaching; impacts positively on school’s performance and develop teachers to present lesson systematically. Attitude of head teacher were influenced by some challenges including, uncooperative attitudes of teachers and lack of incentives and rewards in staff performance appraisal among others. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended among others that incentive package and rewards be given to head teachers to enable them to conduct effective staff performance appraisals in Junior High Schools

Source: UEW
Attitude of head teachers of junior high schools towards staff performance appraisal in the Afigya Kwabre North district

The purpose of this study was to explore the head teachers’ attitude towards staff performance appraisal and its impact on school performance. A descriptive survey design was used for the study and a structured questionnaire was employed for data collection. The objectives of the study were to examine the attitude of the head teachers towards conducting staff performance appraisal, assess the knowledge of the head teachers on conducting staff performance appraisal and to assess the impact of staff performance appraisal on school’s performance. A sample size of fifty (50) head teachers in the Afigya Kwabre North District was selected using purposive sampling. The data was analysed and presented in tables with percentages and frequencies. The major findings of the study were that staff performance appraisal in Junior High Schools, results in specific target that contribute to the success of wider professional development and good teaching; impacts positively on school’s performance and develop teachers to present lesson systematically. Attitude of head teacher were influenced by some challenges including, uncooperative attitudes of teachers and lack of incentives and rewards in staff performance appraisal among others. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended among others that incentive package and rewards be given to head teachers to enable them to conduct effective staff performance appraisals in Junior High Schools.

Source: UEW
Attitude of junior and senior high school students towards physical activity in Abetifi-Kwahu

The purpose of this study was to compare the attitude of junior high and senior high school students towards physical activity (PA) and further determine the prevalence of PA among the cohorts. The present study employed a descriptive cross sectional mixed-method approach where 725 participants with age interval between 12 and 19 years from 5 JHS and 1 SHS in Abetifi-Kwahu were used as study sample. A multistage technique was used for sampling the participants. The attitudes were assessed by using a self-administered questionnaire, thus the Student’s Attitude towards Physical Activity Skill (SAPA). Four dimensions of attitudes were considered for data collection, namely: social experience, health and fitness, aesthetic experience, and catharsis. Data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. However, homogeneity of variance was tested using Levine’s test. Normality was tested using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Descriptive statistics of the participants were presented as mean and standard deviation (SD). Independent T-test was conducted to find the differences while bivariate correlation was used to find the relationship between students’ attitude towards physical activity and their prevalence of the activities. Results of the study showed that JHS and SHS students in Abetifi have a favourable attitude towards physical activities and they like to participate in such activities to improve their health. The results did not find a significant difference in the attitude of JHS and SHS students towards PA. However, most of the participants were aware of the benefits related to participating in PA. The findings also revealed that the prevalence of PA among JHS and SHS students was high, with walking and jogging being the most highly rated PA among students in Abetifi. There was also a positive correlation between students’ attitude and prevalence of physical activity engagement. Based on the findings, the study recommended that GES should increase the amount and quality of physical activity in schools by improving physical education lessons, introduce in the schools a 30 minute walking and jogging activity on a routine basis throughout the week before or after the academic period. In-service training should be organized for teachers on PA and how to inculcate PA into teaching other subjects.

Source: UEW
Attitude of junior high school students towards the study of science in Ghanaian schools: the case of first-year students in the Cape Coast metropolis

Attitude of students towards studying science is essential in their pursuit of academic success and development of interest to pursue science-related professions. The study investigated factors that affect attitudes of first-year Junior High School students toward the study of science in the Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central Region of Ghana. The standardised Revised Simpson-Troost Attitude Questionnaire (STAQ-R) was used to measure the attitudes of 162 students in seven basic schools. The results showed significant differences exist among ages of students in the same class (mixed-age enrolment) on overall attitudes toward the study of science. Also, teachers and classroom activities (motivating science class), self-directed efforts, family background, students� interest and peer influence significantly contribute toward students� attitudes toward the study of science. Gender does not significantly affect students� attitudes toward the study of science. Overall, the participants possessed, on average, a positive attitude towards the study of science. Public education on gender equality in the study of science and the need for change in some socio-cultural practices that affect education might be yielding good results. School authorities and parents should continue to create the enabling environment that will help develop appropriate attitudes of students (wards) toward the study of science. � 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source: UEW
Attitude of kindergarten teachers towards the use of play as a teaching technique in Sagnerigu Municipal in the Northern Region

This study sought to examine pre-school teachers’ use of play as a teaching strategy in Sagnerigu Municipality, in the northern part of Ghana. The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of identified factors on use of play as a teaching strategy. A case study design was employed with independent variables. The instruments used in the study included questionnaire and interview. The simple random sampling technique was used to select schools with all the teachers in the sampled schools forming the study sample. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics computed included frequencies and percentages. The main findings were majority of the teachers used play as a teaching strategy whereas others did not use play as a teaching strategy indicating that about half of the respondents did not use play as a teaching strategy. The study found out that teachers’ level of motivation and availability of play materials emerged as factors which influenced teachers’ use of play as a teaching strategy. The recommendations were that when teachers are motivated and provided with a wide range of play materials, they are more likely to use play as a teaching strategy. To improve the use of play as a teaching strategy in pre-primary schools, capacity building and sensitization seminars for school managers, pre-primary school teachers and other stakeholders should be encouraged

Source: UEW
Attitude of pre-school teachers towards inclusion of children with disabilities In Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolitan

The purpose of the study was to investigate the attitude of preschool teachers towards the inclusion of children with disabilities in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan. The objectives of the study sought to: determine preschool teachers' attitudes toward the education of children with disabilities; examine the factors that influence preschool teachers' attitudes toward the education of disabled children and identify the ways that could improve preschool teachers' attitudes toward the education of children with disabilities in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan. The sample size for the study was sixty-five (65). The study used purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. Each questionnaire responses from the preschool were analysed descriptively using frequency tables and simple percentage count. The study found that most preschool teachers agreed that their attitude towards the education of children with disabilities include educational background have prepared them to effectively teach children with disabilities and feel comfortable teaching children with disabilities and all efforts should be made to educate children with disabilities in the regular education classrooms. Again, the study found that majority of the preschool teachers agreed that factors that influence their attitude towards the education of children with disabilities include the type and severity of disability, experience in dealing with children with disability, and knowledge in special education. Finally, the preschool teachers agreed that the education of children with disabilities include strengthen Metro Directorate‟s Special Education Coordinators should provide adaptive school environment and regular in-service training and workshop for preschool teachers. Thus, the study recommends that preschool teachers should be sensitised to work closely with the parents since they know more about the challenges encountered by their children. Also, the study recommends that government, together with NGOs and other stakeholders of education must ensure adequate provision of quality learning support systems to support positive attitudinal change towards inclusive education.

Source: UEW
Attitude of senior high school student towards the learning of integrated science a case of Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai municipality

The study investigated the attitude of Senior High schools (SHS) students toward learning of integrated science in Bibiani Ahwiaso Bekwai Municipality. Four objectives were given and to these objectives four research question were raised. The target population was all the students in Bibiani Ahwiaso Bekwai Municipality Senior High Schools. The population of the study comprises of 350 students. The study was a descriptive survey type which used stratified random sampling technique to select a sample of 60 form two (2) students. These students responded to valid and reliable instrument in a form of Questionnaire. Apart from personal information, the questionnaire contained ten (10) closed ended items on five point Likert scale and 1 open ended item. The collected data were analyzed by using percentages and frequencies. The results showed that SHS students in Bibiani Ahwiaso Bekwai municipality had a negative attitude towards integrated science subjects, it also showed that their attitude influenced the poor academic performance. The gender of the students also had a significant effect on their negative attitude. The results indicated that female students had more negative attitude toward integrated science subjects than their male counterparts. The results again rated in order of priority practical method or ways that could be employed to make integrated science more appealing to students as a core subject. Based on the results of this study, recommendations were made on how positive attitude of students can be incorporated and maintain particularly the attitude of female students in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality.

Source: UEW