ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Students’ perception of the study of social studies and its implementation. A case of the Sege senior high school

The aim of this study is to explore students’ perception of the study of Social Studies and its implementation, at the Sege Senior high school. The form 2 class, with the population of 65 students and the form 3 class, with population of 70 students were purposively chosen by the researcher as a target population of study. These two classes have studied Social Studies for two years and are better experienced to make meaningful contributions to the research. The sample comprising 97 students from both classes were conveniently chosen since they were available and were interested in the research. Four teachers of Social Studies in the school were purposively chosen, because they teach Social Studies and can provide meaningful information to the study. Due to the qualitative nature of the study, the instruments used were, openended questionnaire, interview guide, and observation schedule. The result showed that some of the students did not have impressive attitude and perception towards the study of Social Studies, because they had poor orientation about the subject. Generally, Senior High School students were not satisfied with the way and manner the subject was taught in class. The study recommended that the headmaster of Sege senior high should give proper orientation to the prospective students on the importance of studying Social Studies.

Source: UEW
Students’ perceptions and their interest in mathematics the case of Senior High Schools in Yendi municipality of Northern Region

The purpose of the study was to investigate students’ perception of mathematics and their interest in learning mathematics as well as the sources of their perceptions. The population for the study constitutes final year senior high school students in the Yendi municipality of the Northern Region of Ghana. The study employed a survey design of 100 sampled final year students from the senior high schools in the Yendi Municipality. The study used questionnaire and Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) as instruments to collect data. MAT was used to collect quantitative data and the questionnaire was used for both qualitative and quantitative data. The study also used IBM SPSS (version 23) to analyse the quantitative data. The data was expressed in percentages, means and standard deviations obtained. In addition, factor analysis was conducted to determine factors that lead to student’s perception of mathematics. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. The results showed that the students in Yendi municipality had high interest in learning mathematics, and they have some negative perceptions of mathematics. Amongst them include, mathematics is all about calculation, and mathematics activities include procedures that are devoid of real-life discovery and problem solving. The study found that students’ performance in mathematic was affected by their perceptions of the subject. The study suggests that mathematics teachers adopt motivational strategies to increase students’ interest levels in learning mathematics. Educational stakeholders should educate students about the relevance of mathematics in the society for them to develop positive perceptions which in turn can increase their performance in mathematics.

Source: UEW
Students’ perceptions on formative assessment in four selected senior high schools in the Kumasi metropolis

The study was conducted to find out students’ views on the implementation of formative assessment in Senior High Schools and its impact on students’ learning in the Kumasi Metropolis. The objectives of the study were to identify formative assessment activities students have experienced, identify students’ attitudes toward formative assessment activities, examine challenges inherent in formative assessments and to assess the impact of formative assessments on students’ learning in Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis. Descriptive research design with quantitative approach was used for the study. The target population was all the 189 Senior High School teachers and students who hold various positions in the Kwadaso Circuit. Simple random sampling was used to select 128 respondents for the study. Survey questionnaire was the instrument used for the study. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 and presented in tables, frequencies and percentages. The study found among others that teachers provided regular feedback in details to stimulate action for improvement in learning and also encouraged students to do peer-assessment during lessons. Students attitude towards formative assessment were that they studied hard to improve on their academic performance and also monitored their own progress in the teaching and learning process. Also formative assessment helped students to attain the intended learning outcome and that inadequate training of teachers in the management of assessment practices is a challenge associated with formative assessment. Based on the findings and conclusions, it is recommended that formative assessment should be highly encouraged by the Ghana Education Service to enhance teaching and learning to improve students’ achievement.

Source: UEW
Students’ use of social and its effects on academic performance- a case of students of Walewale Senior High Technical students

The purpose of the study was to investigate students’ use of social media in senior high school level and how it affects their academic performance in the Walewale Senior High School. The design for the study was a survey and 100 students were conveniently sampled for the study. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaire. Key findings of the study were that, majority of the respondents have subscribed to either one or more social network sites. Facebook and Whatsapp are the major social media sites that respondents have subscribed to. The main reason why respondents use or sign up to the social media sites is to chat with friends; most of the respondents engaged in social media sites mostly after school; majority of the respondents browse for entertainment related activities on social media sites; majority of the respondents use jargons and shorthand in their writing on social media sites and sometimes in formal writing; and that the use of social sites has not improved respondents’ English Language-grammar construction and spellings. Following the findings of the study, it was recommended, among other things, that school counsellors should advise students to stop participating in these social media. Again, school counsellors should build upon the positive attributes of the sites such as the ability for students to join student groups.

Source: UEW
Students’ views of their teachers and their own attitude towards biology laboratory work in the Bawku East District

This study was carried out to investigate students’ views of their teachers and their own attitudes towards biology laboratory work at SHSs in Bawku-East district, Ghana. The mixed method approach and sequential explanatory design were used. A sample of 160 senior high school form 3 (SHS3) elective biology students randomly drawn from three public senior high schools were used for the study. The study was guided by three research questions. Questionnaires and checklist were developed by the researcher and used for data collection. The data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and standard error. The results showed that majority of the elective biology students performed poorly in biology laboratory practical work. Results from the study showed that most of the biology students within the Bawku East district performed poorly or below expectation in biology practical work. The results suggested that none of the three (3) schools has all the laboratory equipment sufficiently, and are generally not good for use among the various schools and will definitely affect student’s performance negatively. The study found out that 100.00% of the schools had laboratories but were not well equipped for practical work in their respective schools. It is imperative that biology teachers take students through a lot of practical activities to help improve students’ performance in biology laboratory work in the second cycle institutions. The study concluded that, teachers have positive attitudes but few also have exhibited negative attitudes with regards to laboratory practical or work within the Bawku East District. The study has shown that, biology students within the Bawku East district exhibited positive attitudes towards biology laboratory work. Also, some of the teachers do not allow students to have hands on the practical tools during biology practical lessons.

Source: UEW
Studies on reproducibility and accurate measurement of moisture content of wood samples using an electric moisture meter

Studies were conducted on reproducibility, and accurate measurement of moisture content of four wood samples using an electric moisture meter. Experimental results indicated that there was no clear relationship between moisture content and grain angle within a radius of 30mm. Repeated measurements of moisture content at different locations or points on the wood surface showed similar patterns of variation. Within-point standard deviation of the moisture content was bigger than between-point standard deviation. A non-destructive method of measuring moisture content at the same location or point on the wood surfaces could not be proposed because of the high variation of moisture content when repeated measurements were taken at the same point. Instead, accurate measurements of moisture content could be obtained at random positions with a radius of 30mm.

Source: UEW
Study habits and academic performance among public junior high school pupils in the Ekumfi district investigating the controlling effect of learning styles

This study investigated study habits and academic performance among Public Junior High School Pupils in the Ekumfi District of the Central Region of Ghana whilst controlling for the controlling effect of learning styles. Study Habits Theory by Bakare (1977) and Learning Styles Theory by Fernald et al. (1921) served as the theoretical framework of the study. The mixed sequential explanatory approach was followed in the conduct of the study where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. The multi-stage sampling with the use of stratified random sampling and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 475 pupils for the study. Structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide were used as instruments for data collection. With the aid of the Statistical Product for Service Solution Version 22, descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics such as t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, multiple and hierarchical regression were used to analyse the quantitative data whilst the thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. The study revealed that even though examination related study habit was dominant among the pupils (M=3.57, SD=0.58) than homework and assignment (M=3.55, SD=0.78), concentration (M=3.46, SD=0.64), reading and note-taking (M=3.43, SD=0.47) and time management (M=3.42, SD=0.60), it was discovered that the pupils practiced a mixture of study habits. Besides, it was established that generally study habits impacted academic performance of the pupils (44%), and that learning styles strengthened the effect of pupils’ study habits on their academic performance (53.5%). Therefore, it was recommended that the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service should counsel the pupils on the need to develop effective study habits in their studies, and also equip and encourage teachers to employ instructional methods and materials to suit the study habits and learning styles of the pupils so as to enhance academic performance.

Source: UEW
Study habits of pupils of public basic schools: perceptions of the present and the future

Bakare’s (1977) study habit theory, this study investigated the perception of children in public basic schools in Ekumfi District in the Central Region of Ghana, on their study habits considering the present (nature and challenges) and the expectations for the future. The descriptive survey design in the form of mixed methods was used. Through stratified random sampling technique 380 children were obtained for the quantitative aspect of the study while ten children were conveniently sampled for the qualitative aspect. Data were collected using questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. Quantitative analysis was done by using descriptive (mean, standard deviation) statistics while qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach. It was revealed that the dominant study habit practiced by the children was examination related, followed by homework and assignment, concentration, reading and note-taking, and time management. Inability to recollect information learnt, poor reading ability, poor spelling, high text/examination anxiety, studying many subjects at a time, and lack of parental support were identified as some of the challenges the children faced in their studies. The children were of the view that regular symposia on strategies (including time management) to learn effectively, remedial lessons by teachers on reading skills, and bye-laws by School Management Committee (SMC) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to monitor and prevent children from loitering and watching videos at night will help improve their study habits. It is thus recommended that Guidance and Counselling programmes in public basic schools in the District should be strengthened by the Ghana Education Service (GES) so that children will be counselled on the need to develop effective and appropriate study habits. In-service training should be organized by GES for teachers to adopt teaching techniques that suit the children’s study habits. Keywords: Childhood, perceptions, study habits, nature, challenges, future strategies

Source: UEW
Study habits of students: keys to good academic performance in public junior high schools in the Ekumfi district of Ghana

This study examined the effect of study habits on the academic performance among public Junior High Schools in Ekumfi District in the Central Region of Ghana. It adopted the Study Habits Inventory Theory postulated by Bakare (1977). The mixed sequential explanatory approach was followed in the conduct of the study where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. The multi-stage sampling procedure with the use of proportionate stratified random sampling and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 475 students’ even though 380 were correctly filled and therefore used for the study. Structured questionnaire, semi-structured interview guide and checklist were used as instruments for data collection. With the aid of the Version 20 of the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS), descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistical tools such independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and Multiple Regression were used to analyse the quantitative data whilst the thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings of the study revealed that study habits significantly accounted for 44% variance in students’ academic performance. It further showed that reading and note taking (β=0.605, p=0.000) and time management (β=0.133, p=0.001) made unique significant individual contribution to academic performance whilst the contribution of examination (β=0.011, p=0.830), homework and assignments (β=0.036, p=0.529), and concentration (β=.- .039, p=0.394) did not individually contribute significantly to academic performance. Besides, the study hypothesis disclosed that apart from gender and age, the circuit and form significantly impact on their academic performance. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service should pay attention to study habits of students so as to heighten academic performance of students in Ekumfi District. KEYWORDS: Study Habits, Academic Performance, and Junior High School

Source: UEW
A study into construction disputes and their implications for project efficiency and execution

The rising cost, delays and time wasting as a result of construction dispute resolution prompted the author to look for efficient ways to prevent and manage these construction disputes. Prevention of disputes therefore can eliminate unnecessary crease in the cost of execution projects, delays, business relationship among the.1rticipants and finally save time. In Ghana, there has been lack of studies on ~0nstruction disputes prevention. This study therefore aims at developing appropriate strategies for disputes prevention on construction projects found in Ghana. It is important to understand the causes of dispute in the construction industry, its effects and measures to avert these conflicts that a construction projects is likely to encounter. Hence this research seeks to identify, evaluate and rank the most important and frequent factors responsible for disputes on construction projects from the perspective of Clients, Contractors and Consultants in Ghana and to identify and further develop appropriate strategies for disputes prevention in Ghana. The research comprised a questionnaire survey supplemented with face to face interview with the Clients, Contractors and Consultants with the aim of identifying the causes of disputes, effects and appropriate preventive measures to be developed to prevent the occurrence of construction disputes in Ghana. The data gathered were coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Quantitative data were analysed by the use of relative importance index, descriptive frequency tallies and their corresponding percentage scores. Cross tabulations were further used to examine the relationship between some key variables relevant to the study. Qualitative data of the open ended questions from the questionnaire were categorised into common themes using thematic data analysis and transcription. Thus major causes of construction dispute include behavioural problems, constructural

Source: UEW
A study into frequent incidence of vehicular accidents in the Birim Central Municipality

The study examines the performance of drivers in the Birim Central Municipality. The aim of the study is to assess the educational levels of the drivers and how it affects the performance of their work. The study would serve as a guide for stakeholders of road transport to ensure that the driving profession does not become a haven for illiterates. The research questions are therefore based on the educational levels of drivers in the Birim Central Municipality and how it affects their performance. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population consists ofeighty (80) drivers, twenty (20) drivers‘ mates, fifty (50) car owners, fifty (50) vehicle mechanics (fitters), fifty (50) passengers of public transport, randomly selected, the municipal director of DVLA and a Chief Inspector of Police-MTTU.A set of questionnaires was prepared and used to collect data for the study. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v16). The study revealed that majority (56%) do not know the highway codes. It also revealed that a significant number (36%) are illiterate contributing to the frequent incidence of road accidents in the Municipality. The study also uncovered that almost98% of all illiterate drivers are commercial drivers. Most importantly, more than half (57%) agreed that illiteracy causes road accidents. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in collaboration of driving schools should establish an informal training centre to train prospective drivers effectively on the road signs, and traffic regulations before issuing them with driving license. Again, the DVLA should expand the driving tests to include new driver‘s behaviour during emergencies, and their hazard perceptionand also insist on literacy as part of requirements for the acquisition of driving licence. Moreover, Drivers should avoid driving at excessive speeds and reckless overtaking on the road and observe traffic regulations at all times.

Source: UEW
A study into safety observance of apprentices in welding and fabrication under the informal sector at Kukurantumi in the new Juabeng Municipality

This case study was conducted at Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The population of the research involved the artisans (welders) comprising of workshop owner, master welder and the apprentices. In reference to the diagnostic test conducted, the analysis in chapter four showed relatively the poor observance of safety in the welding and fabrication in the workshops. The researcher used 60 people for the sample size and simple random sampling technique was employed. The study used questionnaire, interview and observation in collecting the data. The finding revealed that, there were carelessness on the part of the welders, workshop organization was poor and there was no compliance of regulation. Finally there were less attempted measures made to ensure safety for the workshop owners. In view of the above problems the researcher has recommended the following measures to ensure the observance of safety in the welding and fabrication workshop. The welders need to be mobilized into an association for training programmes to be organized for them on the need to observance of safety precaution in the work they do at various places. Workshop owners should ensure that proper and adequate logistics are provided for artisans to promote safety at the workshop and workplaces. In conclusion the researcher wish to say that proper care and maintenance practice should be promoted in the various welding workshops in order to prevent accidents occurring and also it is to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in the working areas of welders which will bring development in their works as well as the country Ghana.

Source: UEW
A study into the implementation of the senior high school English Language syllabus

The study takes a look into the implementation of the senior high school English language syllabus. The study focused on the types of teaching methods and techniques used by teachers of English in implementing the syllabus, the challenges that hinder the effective implementation of the syllabus and measures that can be put in place to ensure effective implementation of the syllabus. The research design was case study and so questionnaire, interview guide and observation were used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data from 20 Heads of Language department, 120 teachers of English and 40 students selected from within 20 selected senior high schools in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. The Concern Based Adoption Model framework developed by Hall and Hord (1987, 2001) guided the study. The model consists of three components: stages of concern, levels of use and innovation configuration. The study revealed some of the methods that were frequently used by English language teachers. However, some of the teachers could not implement these methods appropriately. The study though concluded that the teachers have the requisite skills to support the implementation process, there were problems with the syllabus completion within the stipulated time, inadequate instructional materials, unqualified teachers and inappropriate use of teaching methods hinder the implementation process. The study also concluded that provision of qualified teachers, adequate instructional materials among others could help ensure the effective implementation of the English syllabus.

Source: UEW