ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Issues emerging from inclusive education practices in pilot basic schools in Agona Swedru township in the Central Region of Ghana

This study examined the issues emerging from the inclusive practices in three pilot Basic schools in Agona Swedru Township in the Central Region of Ghana. The study considered teacher collaborations with parents who had children with special educational needs and other specialist, teacher preparation and experience, availability of resources and equipment and the physical environment of the inclusive schools under study. The reliability co-efficient of the instruments used in this study was 0.94. Questionnaire and semi structured interview guides were the main instruments used to collect data for this study. Simple random sampling was used to select teachers who took part in the study and purposive sampling for parents of children with special educational needs because they have information that was relevant to the study. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages and content analysis using themes and comments from questionnaires and interview data. Findings from the study revealed among others that: most parents were involved in decision making for their children with special educational needs in the three pilot inclusive schools in Agona Swedru township. Again some support services such as in class remedial teaching, sensory screening, and resource room clinical teachings were provided to children with special educational needs within the Pilot Inclusive Settings. Among the recommendations is the need for Stakeholders to provide support services as well as resources such as assistive devices and teaching and learning materials for all pilot basic inclusive schools for effective inclusion to take place. It was also recommended that the physical environment, or school building and compound of inclusive schools must be accessible to ensure easy movement in and around the schools.

Source: UEW
“Ista hawo” a twenty-first century composition for the celebration of Easter

Music composition has been identified as one of the oldest and unique musical behaviours. Musicians have been motivated by creative thinking skills and creative explorations, leading to the generation of daily innovations in the field of musical arts. In recent years those creative arts continue to develop unabated with new ideas in every musical art form. In Ghana, one of the creative musical art form is art music. Though art music has expounded in Ghana, it is difficult to identify any concrete work or composition that is suited for Easter songs with the traditional compositional elements. The methodology of this study is basically an exploratory research where Creative thinking, Cultural Trauma Model and Cultural Challenge Model were adopted. Various musical elements and techniques were explored to investigate the possibility of the adopted models. Churches and choral groups were visited to observe the musical materials and musical styles that they participate in or work with. Sample was collected on various art music composition to identify the trends in art music compositions. It was found out that creative composition for Easter by exploring the Ghanaian traditional musical elements is possible. It was also found out that the adaptation of Creative Theories such as Cultural trauma model and Cultural challenge model are feasible and that future composer are encouraged to employ them. The researcher recommends that Indigenous musical tradition should be synthesized and adapted for the Christian worship instead of making them go extinct.

Source: UEW
Iterative Methods for Solving Seventh-Order Nonlinear Time Fractional Equations

The present paper aims to investigate the numerical solutions of the seventh order Caputo fractional time Kaup-Kupershmidt, Sawada-Kotera and Lax�s Korteweg-de Vries equations using two reliable techniques, namely, the fractionalreduced differential transform method and q-homotopy analysis transform method. These equations are the mathematical formulationof physical phenomena that arise in chemistry, engineering and physics. For instance, in the motions of long waves in shallow waterunder gravity, nonlinear optics, quantum mechanics, plasma physics, fluid mechanics and so on. With these two methods, we constructseries solution to these problems in the recurrence relation form. We present error estimates to further investigate the accuracy andreliability of the proposed techniques. The outcome of the study reveals that the two techniques used are computationally accurate,reliable and easy to implement when solving fractional nonlinear complex phenomena that arise in physics, biology, chemistry andmathematics � 2022 NSP

Source: UEW
Jazz et vin de palme d’emmanuel boundzeki dongala recits de l’echec de l’independance congolaise et du désenchantement populaire a travers humour et ironie

This thesis seeks to study the use of irony and humour in a narration of disenchantment about the failure of the Congolese independence in Jazz et vin de palme, a collection of stories written by Emmanuel B. Dongala. The writer’s use of irony and humour is so striking to the reader to such an extent that he would want to know more about his motivation. The researcher read the stories, extracted the various forms of irony and humour and finally examined their relevance and effect on the narration. The research revealed that the author used the two figures of speech not only to create comic effects, to attack, to criticise and to mock the ruling class but also to criticise the success or otherwise of the revolution. The failure of the independence was exposed indirectly through the subtle use of irony and humour. Though the stories seem independent and isolated, the researcher has taken pain to careful study the links between them and has finally unravelled their point of intersection which is the failure of the Congolese independence.

Source: UEW
Job satisfaction among Ghana premier league footballers in Greater Accra Region

The concept of job satisfaction is considered to be a very critical issue for any organization’s performance. This study sought to assess the Job satisfaction among local based-footballers in the Ghana Premier League in Greater Accra Region of Ghana, in the areas of their salary, welfare and their pension scheme. A descriptive quantitative survey design was adopted as the research design. The data were obtained from 120 local based footballers who ply their trade in the Greater Accra Region in the Ghana Premier League and were selected by probability sampling technique. The Manomey Abel, Job Satisfaction, Welfare, Salary and Pension Scheme Inventory (MAJSWSPI) questionnaire validated and tested for reliability (r-0616) was used for the collection of data. The obtained data were analyzed using percentages, frequency, bar graph and Kruskal Wallis. The study revealed that majority of the respondents, were satisfied with their job when they had salaries and winning bonuses but were not satisfied with their signing on fees. Furthermore, the findings also established that majority of the respondents, were not satisfied with their job because their Insurances, end of season packages and Pension schemes were not paid by their respective clubs at the end of every month. However, there was no significant statistical difference in the opinion of length of years playing in the Ghana Premier League and the Pension Schemes of local based footballers. Therefore their length of years playing in the Ghana Premier League, does not affect their Pension Scheme. Based on the conclusion, it is recommended that the Ghana Football Association should enforce its bye-laws, so domestic based footballers will have good working conditions and help improve their remunerations as professionals in the Ghana Premier League

Source: UEW
Job satisfaction among public basic school head teachers in the Kumasi Metropolis

The purpose of this study was to investigate job satisfaction among head teachers in public basic schools in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area. The objectives were to identify the job satisfaction levels of the head teachers, determine the effect of age on job satisfaction of head teachers, and determine the effect of gender on job satisfaction of head teachers. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of all head teachers of the 431 public basic schools in the Kumasi Metropolis. Using a simple random sampling technique, a sample of 125 head teachers were selected for the study. The study used the questionnaire as instrument for the collection of data. The descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Chi-Square test of independence was used to determine the relation between the variables of age, gender and levels of job satisfaction of head teachers. The study found that head teachers were not satisfied with aspect of the economic job variables relating to salaries, health benefits and leave time, but were moderately satisfied with some other aspects. Head teachers were moderately satisfied under the, psychological job variables and task and performance job variables. It was also established that there was a relation between age, younger head teachers were more dissatisfied than older head teachers. It was also found that there was association between gender and the economic, psychological, and task and responsibility job variables, in that females were more satisfied with some of the variables more than male head teachers. It recommended there must be regular revision of salaries and allowances for head teachers, and also, aside the National Health Insurance policy, the State, in consultation with the teacher unions must design a special health policy that will cater for the health needs of head teachers and teachers in general.

Source: UEW
Job satisfaction, organization commitment and turnover intention of hotel employees in Greater Accra

The issues of job satisfaction, organizational commitment and turnover intention of hotel employees is very important for hospitality industry. The progress and development of the hospitality industry to a great extend depend on the retention of the employees. There is therefore a significant relationship between staff job welfare issues and job expansion. The objectives of the study sought among others to examine, identify and devise strategies to enhance job satisfaction related issues. The main data collection instrument used was questionnaire. Among the issues considered were the demographic, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and turnover intention. 250 respondents were sampled in total participation to the research study. Convenience sampling was utilised in selecting respondents. The results from the research shows significant relationship between job satisfaction, organisation commitment and turnover intention. The results demonstrated the importance of understanding the turnover intention among hotel staff in order to improve organisational career growth. It is recommended that management to establish good and effective retention strategies that would power employees through attending workshops, conferences and other forms of training to boost their capabilities and performance.

Source: UEW
The Journey of Professional Football Career: Challenges and Reflections

The problem of corruption and mismanagement of state resources by governments in Africa has impoverished the continent, throwing many families into daunting challenges. The youth, consequently, is underpowered and unproductive to self-support their own social lives. To accomplish their dreams, some youths turn to social groups through football. This study analyzes the profile of a boy enduring several challenges in search for survival at a tender age. The social activity of football eventually supported the boy�s reintegration in the streets. Relying on social integration theory and interviews, this study exposes how African youths attempt to achieve self-reliance through football in the communities. Findings reveal how the boy�s experiences on the street and in Europe reshaped his livelihood and support for society. Further description of the boy�s lived experience and his socioeconomic contributions to society is outlined. � The Author(s) 2020.

Source: UEW
Junior high school headteachers participation in continuous professional development programmes in Tempane District

The study was conducted to examine Junior High School headteachers participation in continuous professional development programmes in Tempane District of Ghana. The study objectives were to explore headteachers’ preference in continuous professional development, (CPD) investigate the role of continuous professional development programmes in meeting the professional needs of headteachers and to analyse the frequency of continuous professional development programmes organised for Junior High Schools headteachers in the Tempane District. The research approach is quantitative. I employed descriptive survey as the research design for the study. The census sampling technique was used for all Seventy-two (72) headteachers in the Tempane District. Close-ended questions were used to gather data from the study. The date was imported on the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analysed using frequency, percentages. The study found that the CPD programmes initiated in the Tempane District are important to the professional practices of headteachers and highlighted on Headteachers professional domain, school development domain and the professional relationship and service domain. Secondly, the level of preferences in participation of headteachers was very crucial and related to variables that include local conferences, symposia, workshop, and courses. But there is lack of connectivity between CPD programmes and Headteachers professional development Ghana Education Service should design Continuous professional development programmes that meet the relevance of Headteachers ’professional development and teaching and learning outcomes.

Source: UEW
Junior high school integrated science teachers’ assessment practices in the Bia West district in the Western region of Ghana

This study investigated the instructional assessment practices of junior high school integrated science teachers, the pattern, techniques and challenges in Bia West District of the Western region with a view to providing a baseline data on the state of the art of this important aspect of science teaching. A total of 54 science teachers and 250 pupils were drawn from nine circuits consisting of 68 public junior high schools in Bia West District constituted the participants in the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The researcher collected data on certain characters among the randomly selected sample from the target population in the study area. The self – report data obtained by a survey questionnaire revealed that teachers used similar instructional assessment practices regardless of sex, teaching experience, professional qualification, and academic qualification. Teachers reported using collaborative and formative assessment practices most often although the techniques they reported to use did not greatly reflect this. Solutions to their systemic challenges did not reflect the teachers’ claim of using collaborative assessment practices. Based on the findings, it was recommended that teachers will benefit from professional development activities that promote reflection and collaboration in addressing their instructional assessment challenges on a practical level. Further research is necessary to look into the influence of teacher beliefs and attitudes on their instructional assessment practices.

Source: UEW
Junior high school integrated science teachers’ knowledge and practice of inquiry-based instruction in Tano South Municipality

The purpose of the study was to investigate Junior High School (JHS) integrated science teachers‟ knowledge and practice of inquiry-based instruction in Tano South Municipality of Ghana. In this study, convergent mixed method design was employed. The study was conducted in Tano South Municipality in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. The sample for the quantitative study was 75 Junior High School (JHS) integrated science teachers. In the qualitative study, a sub-sample of 8 Junior High School (JHS) integrated science teachers was sampled. The teachers who participated in the study were included through the census method. The researcher used questionnaire and interview guide as the primary tools for collecting data. The questionnaire and interview guide were employed to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The quantitative data was analysed using frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation whereas the qualitative data was analysed using the cross-case analysis procedure. From the findings, it was revealed that a large number of JHS integrated science teachers do not acknowledge the fact that inquiry-based instruction depicts science as an ongoing process of exploration and discovery rather than a content domain to be memorized. Also, the study findings again revealed that, majority of the teachers do not know that inquiry in science stresses on dialoque, reporting, deliberations as well as debate. Again, the study revealed that a large number of teachers lack the requisite knowledge on how to use the inquiry-based instruction. The study concluded that JHS integrated science teachers although demonstrated some kind of knowledge about inquiry-based instruction but, on average it found out to be low. The study recommends that the Municipal Education Directorate should organize regular in-service training for teachers on the use of inquiry-based approach in teaching.

Source: UEW
Junior high school integrated science teachers’ knowledge and practice of inquiry-based instruction in Tano South Municipality

The purpose of the study was to investigate Junior High School (JHS) integrated science teachers’ knowledge and practice of inquiry-based instruction in Tano South Municipality of Ghana. In this study, convergent mixed method design was employed. The study was conducted in Tano South Municipality in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. The sample for the quantitative study was 75 Junior High School (JHS) integrated science teachers. In the qualitative study, a sub-sample of 8 Junior High School (JHS) integrated science teachers was sampled. The teachers who participated in the study were included through the census method. The researcher used questionnaire and interview guide as the primary tools for collecting data. The questionnaire and interview guide were employed to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The quantitative data was analysed using frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation whereas the qualitative data was analysed using the cross-case analysis procedure. From the findings, it was revealed that a large number of JHS integrated science teachers do not acknowledge the fact that inquiry-based instruction depicts science as an ongoing process of exploration and discovery rather than a content domain to be memorized. Also, the study findings again revealed that, majority of the teachers do not know that inquiry in science stresses on dialoque, reporting, deliberations as well as debate. Again, the study revealed that a large number of teachers lack the requisite knowledge on how to use the inquiry-based instruction. The study concluded that JHS integrated science teachers although demonstrated some kind of knowledge about inquiry-based instruction but, on average it found out to be low. The study recommends that the Municipal Education Directorate should organize regular in-service training for teachers on the use of inquiry-based approach in teaching.

Source: UEW
Junior high school integrated science teachers’ perception and classroom assessment practices in selected schools in Tepa

The purpose of the study was to investigate Junior High Schools Integrated Science teachers’ perceptions of classroom assessment practices. The study employed a descriptive survey research design to collect data from a sample of 22 integrated science teachers’ and 40 students’ in the district. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data on teachers and students perception of classroom assessment in integrated science. Lesson observations and interview schedules as well as document analysis were also used to collect qualitative data on the teachers’ classroom assessment practices. Analysis of the collected data revealed that teachers perceived classroom assessment as test that they gave to their students at specified time interval. Some teachers perceived classroom assessment as a test they showed limited ability to use different methods and tools to assess their students while teaching. The study recommends that, stakeholders be sought to foster alternative assessment approaches in Junior High Schools in the study area. In addition, teachers on the field should also be given in-service training on assessment techniques / tools. Further research should also be carried into the other factors that may also influence classroom assessment practices.

Source: UEW
Junior high school mathematics teachers’ knowledge and practice of differentiated instruction in Tano South district

Differentiated Instruction is an approach to teaching that meets the diverse academic needs of students by considering learner readiness, interest and learning styles. The approach is grounded in the socio-cultural, multiple intelligence and constructivist theories. The study sought to explore Junior High School (JHS) mathematics teachers‟ knowledge and practice of differentiated instruction in Tano South district of Ghana. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, an explanatory sequential mixed method design was employed. A sample size of 50 JHS mathematics teachers comprising 41 general teachers and 9 special teachers was used in the quantitative study whereas 6 JHS mathematics teachers comprising 4 general teachers and 2 special teachers was employed in qualitative phase. A proportionate stratified sampling technique was employed by the researcher to select the sample of teachers for the study. In this mixed method study, the researcher followed up the quantitative results garnered through questionnaire with qualitative data using semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics involving frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation was used to provide counts of the factors underpinning the analysis of the questionnaire data and the demographic responses. Data from the teachers‟ questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistical methods involving frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and average per item rating. Also, inferential statistics such as t-test with a 0.05 level of significance was used to test the hypotheses. The qualitative data collected through the interview were analysed using cross-case approach. The findings of the study revealed that majority of JHS mathematics teachers sometimes practice differentiated instruction even though they were found to possess high knowledge of differentiated instruction. Hypothetically, it was revealed that there is no significant difference in the knowledge and practice of differentiated instruction between general education and special education teachers. The study recommends Ghana Education Service (GES) and headteachers to implement professional development/training programmes for all general education and special education teachers with the focus on the three main elements of differentiated instruction. It is directed that, future studies might look at how school administration supports teachers with the implementation of differentiated instruction in the classrooms.

Source: UEW