ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The use of explicit instruction on writing, the case of St. Monica’s College of Education

The study sought to examine the use of Explicit Instruction in writing lessons at St. Monica’s College of Education in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. In this study, a collective case study design informed by constructivist grounded theory data analysis methods was used. Data were collected and analyzed using three instruments namely a semi-structured interview, sample texts on argumentative and expository essays and observations. The study revealed that combining the cognitive strategy of text structure knowledge application with the metacognitive strategy of self-monitoring supports the development of academic writing in students at St. Monica’s College of Education. Also, students make mistakes in their writing and these mistakes include verb errors, article errors and wrong words. It was also revealed that with regards to Explicit Instruction in the classroom, tutors comprehensively used instructions in the language class to enhance students writing skills. This study further showed that teachers have a variety of evidence based instructional practices that improve many different skills and student’s writing knowledge. The researcher recommended that students in Colleges of Education in Ghana are made to read extensively outside the curriculum to broaden their vocabulary repertoire so that the over-reliance on tutors for corrections can be minimized. KEY WORDS: Explicit Instruction, Tutors, Expository essays, Writing Skills

Source: UEW
Use of flipped learning model to remediate first-year trainee teachers’ misconceptions about microorganisms.

The purpose of the study was to use flipped learning model to remediate first-year trainee teachers’ misconceptions about microorganisms at Ada College of Education, Ada in the Greater-Accra Region of Ghana. The researcher employed the mixed methods experimental (intervention) design with a quantitative and qualitative approach. The accessible population consisted of 120 trainee teachers. However, the researcher used simple random sampling technique to select 95 trainee teachers for the study. Data was collected through tests, questionnaires and interviews. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 26.0) software was used as a statistical tool for analysis. The study disclosed that participants have varied levels of misconceptions about microorganisms. With the exception of the statement, “Tetanus can spread from person to person” (AT1SecA2), there was a decrease in the level of misconceptions experienced by participants after the intervention. The result obtained from the descriptive statistics showed that majority of participants’ misconceptions stemmed from the student whiles the teacher accounted for the least number of misconceptions identified. Textbook and electronic media/internet also accounted for moderate levels of participants’ misconceptions. The participants also disclosed that the media and limited prior exposure, cultural beliefs and limited prior knowledge were possible causes of the identified misconception. The null hypothesis was accepted for the pre-test results of the study at p > 0.05 because there was no difference between the achievement test scores of the treatment and control group. However, the flipped learning model positively influenced participants’ knowledge level of microorganisms. The mean scores on achievement and perception scale of participants exposed to cooperative and individualised flipped learning methods differed significantly at p < 0.05 and p < 0.05 respectively. The researcher recommends the need for a clear learning objective, effective ongoing assessment and student support in order to maximise the positive impacts of the flipped learning model. The findings of this study would be an important source of information for tutors of Ada College of Education.

Source: UEW
The Use of Ghanaianisms in Aidoo's Changes Djoleto's Money Galore and Nyantakyi's Ancestral Sacrifice

What is linguistically appropriate and acceptable in one geographical area may be proven a linguistic misfit in another geographical location. This is always evidenced in second language situations where the second language seems inadequate in expressing the culture and belief systems of the people. The result is for the people to resort to localized lexical items or to ‘bend’ some of the foreign lexical items so as to let them acquire meaning quite different from their original or dictionary meaning. The Ghanaian creative writer (GCW) does this by Ghanaianising the lexical items by means of indigenization, pidginization, transliteration, code switching and other means. The work sets out to find out Ghanaian lexical items known as Ghanaianisms in Aidoo’s Changes, Djoleto’s Money Galore and Nyantakyi’s Ancestral Sacrifice by categorizing the lexical items under the creativity category, interference category and deviation category. Each category has local classification markers out of which the various Ghanaianisms are grouped. The findings are that creativity category carried the greatest number of Ghanianisms followed by interference category and finally deviation category. Taboos influenced the tilting of English lexical items to acquire meaning according to the Ghanaian culture. Also, GCWs use Ghanaianisms not for lack of vocabulary but for the sake of self-identity and avoidance of circuitous expressions.

Source: UEW
The use of ground vehicular tyre as partial replacement for sand in concrete pavement blocks production

The use of accumulated waste materials in Ghana is still in its early phases. It will take courage for contractors and others in the construction industry to recycle selected types of waste materials for concrete products. The main objective of this research was to investigate the feasibility of using ground vehicular tyre (GVT) as a partial replacement for sand in the production of concrete pavement blocks. In this study cement, sand, quarry dust, coarse aggregate, and ground vehicular tyre were used to produce rubberized concrete pavement blocks (RCPBs). The mix proportion was 1: 1: 2: 2.25 (cement: coarse aggregate: quarry dust: sand). The GVT was used to replace sand by volume at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60%. It was observed that density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength decrease, as the GVT content increases. However, the water absorption increases, as the GVT content increases. Compressive strength level ranging from 2.48N/mm2 to 30.20N/mm2 was achieved when water cement ratios of 0.20 to 0.35 were used. Even though, the test results shown that the compressive strength reduces when GVT is used, the produced RCPBs can meet the minimum strength requirement of 20N/mm2 for pedestrian walk way pavement blocks. In this work, models were also developed to predict the density and compressive strength of the produced RCPBs. It is concluded that the modified pavement blocks would contribute to the disposal of the non-biodegradable tyres, since the amount being accumulated in Ghana and the world as a whole is creating a challenge for proper disposal.

Source: UEW
The use of ICT and its challenges in the teaching and learning of Integrated Science in selected Senior High Schools in two districts in the Central Region

This study investigated into the extent to which ICT is used in teaching and learning and the challenges teachers face in the integration of ICTs in teaching and learning of Integrated Science. The descriptive survey was used for the study. The study took place in Mfantsiman Girls’ Senior High School, Methodist Senior High School, Aggrey Memorial AME Zion Senior High School and Moree Snior High Technical School which are located in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese district and Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region. All integrated science teachers and second year students were purposively selected for the study. The sample comprised of 42 Integrated Science teachers (25 males and 17 females) and 200 students (75 males and 125 females). Questionnaire items and observational schedule were the main instruments used to collect data for the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for the analysis. Cronbach Alpha (α) reliability coefficient 0.77 was obtained for the questionnaire items and a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.75 was obtained for the observational schedule. The study revealed that, even though Integrated Science teachers have embraced the integration of ICTs in their teaching, most of the ICT tools available in the schools for teaching were faulty. This inhibited teachers from integrating ICTs in their teaching process. The study also revealed that the time allocated for teaching was too short to integrate ICTs in their teaching. It was noted that most teachers lacked training opportunities and some basic ICT tools are not available for effective teaching and learning of Integrated Science. The study concluded that; even though, most of the teachers had access to some basic ICT tools for teaching they could not use them for their lesson delivery. The study recommended that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) of the Ghana Education Service in collaboration with the Ministry of Education should review the Integrated Science curriculum and revise the syllabus to explicitly state what ICT tools should be used and how it should be used in the teaching and learning process.

Source: UEW
The use of idiomatic expressions by the youth of ho in the Volta region of Ghana a sociolinguistic study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of idiomatic expressions by the youth of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methodologically, the study was a descriptive survey that involved the use of interview and observation to collect primary data from the youth and adults in the various communities of Ho. A sample of thirty-two (32) individuals (youth and adults) and four (4) youth groups were used for this study. Purposive sampling technique was used by this researcher in the selection of the total sample. The data were analysed using themes which were generated from the respondents. The study revealed that the youth of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana do not use idiomatic expressions in the Ho dialect, mostly because they were not exposed to these expressions by their parents and adults in the community. This makes it difficult for them to understand idioms and use them appropriately. This situation has implications for the future of the dialect: idioms in the Ho dialect may be generally lost on the future generation. The dialect may lose its aesthetic quality. The speakers of the dialect may also sound rude, harsh, unpleasant and profane in their conversation. Something can be done in order to reverse the situation to preserve the quality of the dialect. This study recommended that the adult speakers of the dialect should teach the young ones to use idioms by using them in conversations with them and also organising public education for them. Non-formal education programmes should be organised for the youth who had little or no formal education so that they can also be educated on the use of idiomatic expressions in the Ho dialect. The various stakeholders are also to put in efforts that would entice the youth to read more Ewe books from which they can learn idiomatic expressions and use them in speech.

Source: UEW
The use of information and communication technology as a tool for teaching and learning in senior high schools in the Kwahu South Municipality

The study was conducted to determine the use of ICT in teaching and learning in Mpraeso Senior High Schools in the Kwahu South District. The study was guided by three research questions. The study was a descriptive survey and had a population of one hundred and seven respondents. The multi-stage sampling procedures were used to select the sample for the study. A questionnaire was developed to elicit information from the respondents. Validity and reliability of the instrument were ensured by making the instrument available to experts and the supervisor for scrutiny and the instrument pilot tested in Nkwatia Senior High School in the Kwahu East District. The data gathered were analysed using tables, frequencies, and percentages. The study revealed that the integration of ICT in the teaching makes the lesson more interesting. It was further revealed that ICT improves lesson presentation. It was noticeable from the study that the availability of ICT tools in teaching and learning was limited. The study revealed that most teachers have low knowledge of the use of ICT in teaching. It was further found that teachers have not been given adequate training in the use of ICT in teaching. The study recommends that the head of the schools should encourage the teachers in the schools to make appropriate use of ICT facilities in the teaching and learning process. The researcher further recommends that the Ministry of Education should make budgetary allocations annually to maintain, replace, and expand ICT facilities in the school. The Head of the school should intermittently organize in-service education and training on the use of ICT for the teachers in the school.

Source: UEW
The use of information and communication tools to teach particulate nature of matter a study of a science class

The study investigated the use of information and communication tools to teach Particulate Nature of Matter in a science class at Guakro Effah Senior High School in the Techiman north district. The research design used for the study was Action Research. The target population was all 85 form one General Agricultural and General Science study. A total sample of 35 students were selected for the study. Convenience sampling was used to select the students. The instrument used for gathering data was test and class observation. The study was piloted in Tuobodom senior High School also in the same district to determine the reliability of the test. Information and communication tools were used to teach the students during the intervention. Data collected was analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that students understand abstract concepts better when Information and communication tools were used to teach, students’ performance improved and they were motivated during chemistry lesson when information and communication tools were used to teach. The study recommends the need to use Information and communication tools to teach abstract concepts in chemistry and the need to priorities in-service training, workshops and seminars for science teachers especially chemistry teachers to improve on their ICT skills in order to use Information and communication tools in delivery of their lessons.

Source: UEW
The use of instructional resources in selected private and public senior high schools in the Kumasi metropolis

The use of instructional resources in teaching and learning plays very important roles in education all over the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of instructional resources and its impact on the academic performance of students in selected private and senior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis. The research objectives were to find out the factors affecting the use of instructional resources for teaching and learning in Private and Public Senior High Schools, to assess the challenges teachers face in using instructional resources in their lesson delivery and to find out the extent to which instructional resources impact the performance of private and public senior high school students. The study employed the descriptive survey design combining both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The main tool for data collection was questionnaire supported with observational inquiry. The target population in this study was all tutors and students in the private and public Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis. An equal number of 125 participants each were sampled from the public and private institutions. The sample of schools, teachers and students was selected using stratified random sampling techniques. The researcher randomly five public schools and five private schools. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means were used to analyse the data. The study found that teachers in the public and private schools agreed that physical infrastructure, class size and teacher qualification are factors that affect the use of instructional resources in teaching and learning. Further, it was observed that the public school teachers were more resourced than their private school counterparts and hence utilised instructional materials more in their teaching. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the ministry of education should place more emphasis on the training of teachers in using instructional media, and try to procure the relevant instructional materials to ease the work of teachers to enhance students’ academic performance.

Source: UEW
Use of instructional resources in teaching and learning of integrated science in senior high schools in Asante Mampong Municipality

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of instructional resources in the teaching and learning of Integrated Science in Senior High Schools in Asante Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The design of the study is survey. Purposive sampling was used to select 55 academic staff and convenience sampling was used to select 10 students for focus group discussion. The instruments used were questionnaire, observation and focus group discussion. Questionnaires were administered to five (5) Assistant Heads (Academics), five (5) Heads of Science Departments, forty-five (45) Integrated Science Teachers and five (5) focus group discussions with Forms 1 and 2 students. Fifteen (15) teachers were observed in teaching. Statistics used for data analyses included frequencies, means and percentages. Data obtained from students’ focus group discussions were presented as narratives. Students were indifferent about the use of Integrated Science textbooks but felt that science laboratories were not properly equipped. It was observed that majority of teachers did not use available laboratory resources. Internet facilities, real objects, visual aids and audio-visual equipment (computers and projectors) were not adequately used for teaching. The major hindrance to the use of instructional resources in teaching Integrated Science lessons was scarcity. The findings also showed that teachers had the tendency to ignore the use of instructional resources in the teaching and learning of Integrated Science. The study recommends among others that schools should be provided with adequate teaching-learning materials, properly equipped laboratories and school farm and to encourage or ensure that teachers use available learning aids.

Source: UEW
The use of internet resources to improve learning of ICT the case of Bodwesango Senior High School

ICTs are rapidly changing the ways of exchanging and receiving information and provide positive ways of learning and teaching. The sensational growth of wireless internet usage is moving fast and has changed the lives of millions of people around the world. For University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xiii learners, the usage of wireless internet is a crucial tool for educational progression. The study is based on wireless internet and digital device usage at Bodwesango Senior High School, undertaken to obtain teachers and learners’ views regarding their use of wireless internet and digital devices, their reasons for using wireless internet and the impact of wireless internet use on educational activities. The study wanted to find out what learners used wireless internet and digital devices for; what internet services were found to be most useful and relevant to teachers and learners and how often they used wireless internet and digital device. The study further investigated whether teachers and learners had the necessary skills to utilize the internet and also identified challenges that learners experienced when using the internet. The sample was drawn from Bodwesango Senior High School in the Adansi Asokwa where 253 learners and teachers were surveyed and results were analyzed using SPSS. In the assessment process, frequency and percentage graphs were drawn to summarize the results. The most common problems of all were the slow speed of the internet and network problems. Recommendations included the need for Ghana government to fund secondary schools in order to provide quality education. Provision of more funds by the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to assist in providing resources needed such as internet connectivity and better facilities (such as school library) in the schools. Internet access will enable teachers and learners to access online information sources for educational purposes since most teachers and learners use their smart-phones to access the internet in the absence of school library, public library and information centre in their community.

Source: UEW
The use of l1 in English language classrooms_ a case study of junior high schools in Akatsi

This study examines the use of Ghanaian language in Junior High School English classrooms. Specifically, it focuses on the use of L1 in different aspects of English language lessons. The tools used for this research work were observation and interview guide. Thirty English language lessons were observed and twenty teachers of English language were interviewed about their views on the use of L1 in the English language classroom.. The findings suggest that the use of L1 in the English language classroom does not hinder learning of the L2 but rather, it plays a facilitating role and can actually help learning. It was also disclosed that the amount of L1 used in the ESL classrooms varies on the educational level of the students and their English language proficiency.

Source: UEW
The use of local building materials and its challenges in Ghana: a case study of Denkyembour district–Akwatia

Over the years, the construction industry of Ghana has witnessed tremendous increase in the cost of building. Despite the clarion call by successive governments and civil society organisations to use indigenous materials, the patronage still remains a challenge. This study sought to investigate into the use of indigenous materials for buildings construction and its inherent challenges using Denkyembour District Akwatia as the case study. The target population involves contractors, employees of construction firms and clients. Convenience sampling technique was employed in selecting sample size of 207, out of which 186 responded. Questionnaire served as the main data collection instrument and results were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study found that most respondents alluded they patronise indigenous materials for construction activities. The three most dominant challenges to the use of indigenous materials were apathy, low technical know-how and misconception based on social class. This has been fueled by the misconception that indigenous materials are of low standard and quality. It was established that the quality of buildings are highly determined by the nature and type of materials used. The use of indigenous materials were found to promote cultural heritage, keeps money in the local economy, provide cool room temperature and most of them were affordable and cheap. Despites these challenges, the use of indigenous materials help to promote culture of the local communities and retain income in the local economy. There should be a comprehensive policy that would motivate the communities to adopt the use of local materials for buildings and it is appropriate for producers of local materials to adopt enhanced technology to improve their products.

Source: UEW