ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Using visuo-spatial models to improve students’ performance in molecular and hybridization geometries

The study determined the impact of using Visuo-Spatial Models (VSM) in teaching Molecular Geometry and Hybridization Geometry with associate Bond angles on College student’s performance at St. Joseph College of Education, Bechem. In the study, two cohorts labelled as experimental and control groups were used. The experimental group received instructions using the visuo-spatial approach of teaching. The control group on the other hand, was taught using the conventional approach of teaching. A pre-interventional test was used to determine whether the two cohorts had similar conceptual understanding before applying the interventions. The same mean score of 22.63 was obtained for the two groups with a slight difference in their standard deviations; 10.34 for the control group and 10.32 for the experimental group. After applying the interventions on the two groups, post-interventional test was conducted for each of the groups. The calculated mean score values for post interventional test for the two groups; the experimental group and the control group were 77.55 and 36.92 respectively. Major findings are as follows: (a) Some of the teaching approaches widely used by tutors who were teaching molecular and hybridization geometries include: lecture method only, reading from pamphlets and giving explanations and others (b) conventional teaching approach makes concepts difficult for students to comprehend (c) Students face difficulties to comprehend molecular and hybridisation geometries when presented to them in theoretical manner. (d) visuo-spatial model enhances student’s academic performance and argumentative skills far better than the conventional teaching approach. The research revealed that when students are taught through manipulations of VSM, it builds their visuo-spatial thinking (thinking through imaginations), develops their creative thinking skills, creates competition in learning among students, develops speaking and presentation skills of students, enhances their argumentative skills of students, and also prepares them to become tolerant towards others’ views.

Source: UEW
Utilisation of chemistry laboratory resources for teaching and learning in the second cycle institutions in the Akuapem South Municipality

Quality and effective teaching of Chemistry depends largely on adequate provision and proper utilisation of instructional resources. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent of utilisation of chemistry laboratory resources for teaching and learning in the second cycle institutions in the Akuapem South Municipality. Descriptive survey research design was employed. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting 100 participants for the study. Structured questionnaire and observation were used to collect primary data. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.79. Data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0. The study revealed that most of the laboratory substances such as reagents and solutions are occasionally available while some are not available at all. With respect to their adequacy, the study found out that most of the resources are not adequate in the chemistry laboratory. Similarly, the study revealed that a good number of the apparatuses and equipment’s are only used occasionally such as during terminal and external examinations whiles others are not used at all. Again, the study revealed several challenges chemistry teachers face in teaching practical’s which include time allocation of practical work on the time table and large class size with limited laboratory space. The study recommended that all the science laboratories in senior high schools should be equipped with modern equipment and other necessary teaching aids or instructional materials. The provision of these materials/equipment will help both teachers and students in the teaching and learning process.

Source: UEW
Utilisation of co-operative instructional approaches to improve the process skills of selected Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School Biology Students

The main purpose of the study was to give suggestions to improve the process skills of selected senior high school students in Osei Kyeretwei Senior High School, Kumasi through the use of cooperative instructional approaches. The study was an action research that used fifty, third year elective science students out of the total of two thousand students in the school based on purposive sampling procedure. The sampled students were further divided into ten groups with five members each through simple random sampling technique. A series of practical activities were conducted to find out the students level of understanding of the process skills before cooperative instructional approaches were used as an intervention. The results revealed that there was an improvement in the performance of the students as well as their content knowledge in science process skills after the intervention. This proves that cooperative learning is an effective instructional strategy for improving students‟ performance in process skills. It is therefore appropriate that science teachers prepare their science instructions such that equal opportunities are given to all students under their care. As a result there is a need for teacher educational institutions to reinforce cooperative instructional approaches in the science teaching and learning in their science lessons.

Source: UEW
Utilisation of health and safety measures among students in mechanical workshops of technical schools- case study of Asuansi and Cape Coast Technical Institutes

The general objective of this study was to investigate the utilization of health and safety measures among students of Asuansi and Cape Coast Technical Institutes. This study employed descriptive method to gather the relevant data obtained from the research area. The study used quantitative research approach for the study. The population for the study was 100. The population was made up of mechanical engineering students at Asuansi Technical and Cape Coast Technical Institutes. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 100 participants for the study. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data for this study was collected using questionnaires. The instruments were administered by the researcher in person. The data obtained from the respondents was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version (SPSS v 16). The study results concluded that it is important to wear eye protection when hammering in the workshop. Moreover, students are aware that it is not important to operate a machine at the shop anytime they want. Also, it is important to wear gloves when handling hot objects. Furthermore, it is not good to crack jokes at the mechanical workshops, because cracking jokes does not make people work faster. The study also concluded that, it is good to clean workshops frequently to ensure safe working conditions and machines must be stopped before greasing them. To add more, students are aware that, attachments and clamps on the milling machine should be checked for tightness before turning on the machine, the best way to remove metal cuttings or chips from your work is to use a rag. The study recommended that the Ghana education service, through the District Education Directorate should organize periodic demonstration workshops and seminars to educate technical students regarding the safe use of tools and instruments to improve safety at the mechanical workshops.

Source: UEW
Utilisation of instructional mediatechnologies in teaching and learning challenges facing teachers and students in selected basic schools in Offinso Municipality

The purpose of the study was to explore the utilisation and challenges faced by teachers and students in the use of instructional media/technology in the teaching and learning process, what resources are available, whether or not the resources were adequate, their accessibility, interactivity, appropriateness and usage, the novelty of the instructional technologies and trendiness on use. The embedded exploratory sequential mixed method was adopted with sample size of 252 students, 92 teachers and 8 headteachers chosen using the Yamane’s formula from eight basic schools within the Offinso Municipality. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation schedules. The obtained data were analyzed systematically using descriptive statistics and presented with the help of frequency tables, graphs and percentages with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).The study revealed that most of the instructional media/technologies were available but inadequate in terms of quantity.The use of instructional media/technologies was influenced by their accessibility, availability and appropriateness, how they enhance learning, knowledge and skills on usage, curriculum requirement and administration support. It was concluded that print resources were the most commonly used available instructional media/technologies. Both teachers and students faced several challenges in the utilisation of media/technology such as inadequate knowledge, skills, funds and resources,lack of accessibility, administrative support, large class sizes which need resolutions. The study however recommended that teachers should try as much as possible to integrate instructional media/technologies in the teaching and learning processes to enhance lessons. Familiarisation and sensitisation workshops, siminars and in-service training on regular basis should be organised by the education directorate and other stakeholders.

Source: UEW
Utilization of bauxite tailings as partial replacement of sand in blocks

Disposal of bauxite tailings in Ghana and globally is not properly managed and leads to environmental degradation. There is possibility for their recycle to facilitate proper disposal, one way is to partially replace sand with bauxite tailings in building blocks. A study was carried out on cement composite blocks made from sand and bauxite tailings/residue, a mining by-product at varying levels from 10% to 50% with incremental level of 10%. Composite blocks were produced to dimensions of 150mm × 150mm × 150mm for the various replacement levels consisting of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% by weight of sand. A total of 120 blocks were produced and tested for their densities, compressive strengths, and resistance to abrasion and water absorption after 28 day of curing. Results from the study showed that composite blocks with the bauxite tailings replacing up to 20% of the sand content recorded the highest compression strength, lowest abrasion loss with the least water permeability. Even though, there was a general decline in the properties of the composite blocks with bauxite tailings replacement beyond 20%, blocks produced satisfied the minimum requirements for blocks for wall construction. The compressive strength of the composite blocks saw a significant decline from 15.907N/mm2 to 8.427N/mm2 as the bauxite tailings content increased beyond 20% up to 50%. It was observed that there was a systematic fall in the average dry densities of the blocks as the quantity of bauxite residue was increased. Comparatively, the composite with B50 grade was 14.16% lesser dense than the control block. It was evident that abrasion loss significantly increases as the quantity of bauxite residues increases beyond 20% replacement in the composite blocks. The addition of bauxite tailing content thus resulted in lower migration of water into the block (i e. lower permeability). A strong correlation existed between the composite blocks produced from the different batches and the properties of the blocks studied. The results indicate that at the replacement level of 20%, the bauxite tailings have a good potential for use as a masonry material for wall construction.

Source: UEW
Utilization of shea and dawadawa trees in Wa West District: actors, drivers and impact

Economic trees play important role in household livelihood, sustainable land use, land rehabilitation and environmental sustainability as a whole. In the Wa West District, Shea and Dawadawa trees are key economic trees from which households rely on for living. However, the method and purpose of utilization of these economic trees creates conflicting objectives for different actors. Besdies, empirical studies on the utilization of economic tress in the area are limited, making it inconclusive how people exploit Shea and Dawadawa trees for their living. The purpose of this study was therefore, to examine the actors, drivers, and impact of shea and dawadawa trees utilization in the Wa West District. This is a descriptive study that drawn cross-sectional data from 185 households and key stakeholders in the Wa West District. The respondents were selected using probability and on-probability sampling procedures. The primary data were collected using questionnaire, interview schedule, and Focus Group Discussion. The results were analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods. The results indicate that the key actors of shea and dawadawa trees utilization are women, men, and children. Besides, some groups of people that play key roles in the utilization of these trees include shea nut processors, dawadawa processors, chainsaw operators, charcoal producers, farmers, estate developers, carvers, and Fulani herdsmen. The activities they engaged in include; dawadawa processing, shea nut picking, processing and selling, Shea butter processes and soap making, medication, firewood gathering, tree logging and charcoal burning/production. These activities serves as livelihood activities, food and income generation for households in the area. On the other hand, utilization of the trees has negative impact on the environment such as destruction of economic trees, bushfires, and deforestation. This threatens the lives of those whose livelihoods are entirely dependent on the environment. The study concludes that rural households depend on the natural assets of their immediate environment but the current methods of utilization by key actors have not been sustainable and future development potentials from utilization of these trees will soon be lost. The weakness associated with local and state institutions has translated into the mode of operations of key actors in the utilization of economic trees. The findings of the study have implication for policy for the sustainability of livelihood activities, traditional medicine and environment of the area.

Source: UEW
Utilizing context-based instructions to teach aliphatic hydrocarbons in organic chemistry

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the misconceptions in aliphatic hydrocarbons in organic chemistry among chemistry students in Winneba Senior High School and to enhance their performance using context-based instruction. The research design employed was a case study which was carried out at Winneba Senior High School in the Central Region of Ghana with a total sample size of 52 students with a mean age of 17 years. The students were purposefully selected, and the research approach used was an action research. The main instruments used to collect data for the study were test (pretest and post-test), semi-structured interview and observation guide. Both pre-test and post-test contained concept questions designed to identify students’ misconceptions and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention implemented while the interview guide and observation chart, were designed to determine students’ awareness and attitude towards organic chemistry. The numerical data of the pre-test and the post-test were analyzed using t-test statistics at an alpha value of 0.05. There was a significant difference between pre-test scores and post-test scores of students (t.cal= 3.33 > t.crit= 2.01). There was no significant difference between the post-test scores of male and female students (t.cal= 0.14 < t.crit=2.02). It was concluded that, context-based instructions had positive impact on students’ performance in aliphatic hydrocarbons at Winneba Senior High School. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that teachers should adopt the use of context-based instructions in teaching organic chemistry to students.

Source: UEW
Validation of the WHO-5 Well-Being Scale among Adolescents in Ghana: Evidence-Based Assessment of the Internal and External Structure of the Measure

The WHO-5 well-being measure happens to be one of the most renowned measures of subjective well-being across the globe. Although the instrument has been calibrated in different countries, its psychometric properties and applicability in Africa, especially in Ghana, are not known. In this study, the WHO-5 well-being scale was validated among adolescents in Ghana by assessing the validity evidence of the measure based on the internal and external structure. In particular, the study examined the (1) dimensionality of the WHO-5 well-being scale, (2) quality of the items (including the scale functioning) for the measure, and (3) criterion validity of the well-being measure. Using a survey approach, 997 adolescents were recruited in secondary schools across the northern belt of Ghana. The study found a one-factor structure of the scale, which supports the factor solution of the original measure. The items were found to be of high quality, except for one item. The WHO-5 well-being measure was found to have sufficient evidence regarding convergent and divergent validity. The outcome of this validation study provides support for the validity and reliability of the WHO-5 well-being scale�s utility and use among adolescents in Ghana. The study encourages further validation studies to be conducted in Ghana to widen the reproducibility of the WHO-5 well-being measure. � 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Source: UEW
Validity and Reliability of Cultural Mix Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations among Healthcare Professionals in Ghana Amidst COVID-19

The Cultural Mix Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations is one of the recent coping measures developed to overcome the weaknesses of existing coping scales. Since its development and validation, the inventory has been used by previous studies to measure coping among teachers and students in stressful situations. Health professionals are workers who typically encounter stressful situations due to their work demands. In this study, we assessed the validity and reliability of cultural mix inventory for stressful situations among healthcare professionals in Ghana. The research was guided by three major objectives: (1) to assess the factor structure of the cultural mix coping inventory, (2) to evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the cultural mix coping inventory based on internal structure and (3) to test for evidence of criterion validity based on the external structure of the measure. Approximately 312 health workers were purposefully sampled to participate in the study. The study confirmed the original four-factor solution of the coping inventory with evidence of the construct validity based on the internal structure. Validity evidence based on the external structure of the measure was found to be sufficient. Given the COVID-19 pandemic and coupled with the stressful nature in the line of duty of healthcare professionals, this inventory provides a useful and sound measure of coping options among this cohort. � 2022 by the authors.

Source: UEW
Value co-creation intention among consumers at the bottom of the pyramid: A study of rural and community banks in Ghana

We investigated the relationship between consumer satisfaction, trust in firm, interaction, and perceived service quality on value co-creation intention among rural and community bank consumers in Ghana. Participants were a purposive sample of 315 (female = 49. 52%; mean age = 42. 94 years, SD = 14. 47 years). They completed consumer satisfaction, trust in firm, consumer-firm interaction, perceived service quality, and value co-creation intention measures. Structural equation modelling analysis of the data showed that consumer satisfaction strengthens trust in firm, interactions, and value co-creation intention. Further, perceived service quality moderated the relationship between interaction and value co-creation intention. Consumer satisfaction and trust in firm appear to be a resource for consumer-firm interaction and value co-creation intentions with perceived service quality. � 2021 Africa Scholarship Development Enterprize.

Source: UEW
Value education through social studies a case study of junior high school teacher practices in the Adentan Municipality

The purpose of this study was to provide empirical evidence about value education through Social Studies. The study used a 38-item questionnaires to investigate value education through Social Studies. All the Social Studies teachers teaching in the public Junior High School in Adanta Municipality were used in the study due to their size. 21 out of the total of 26 teachers responded to the questionnaires administered. The study focused on exploring the techniques Social Studies teachers employ in value education, examining the moral values inculcated through Social Studies and analysing teacher practices that promote the inculcation of moral values in students. The results of the study revealed that a greater percentage of the teachers use the discussion technique, the lecture technique and the games technique to teach Social Studies or inculcate moral values into students. The study outcome also showed that role play teaching technique and storytelling technique are used rarely by Social Studies teachers to inculcated through Social Studies included respect/politeness, responsibility, justice and fairness, caring and kindness, civic duty and citizenship. The result of the study showed that the moral value of trustworthiness/honesty is not inculcated through Social Studies. The study again unearthed the fact that teacher practices like setting good examples for students to follow promotes moral values in students. But teachers disagreed that inconsistent behaviour or practices of teachers may promote unlearning of the very values they strive for students to learn. The study revealed that teachers heavily depended on the discussion and lecture technique to inculcate moral values in students. It therefore is recommended that resources should be made available to enable teachers employ other teaching techniques like the role play teaching technique and the story telling teaching techniques to help inculcate moral values in students.it is therefore also recommended that Ghana Education Service (GES) in consultation with curriculum planners should consider including moral values such as trustworthiness and honesty in the Junior High School Social Studies Syllabus to help Social Studies teachers inculcate such equally important moral values in students.

Source: UEW