ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The use of drawings to increase Pupils’ performance in Mathematics

There have been series of concerns raised on the general performance of pupils in mathematics in Ghana. Attainment in mathematics is generally low and this is evident in what pertains at the Ayigya M/A Primary School A, where performance of pupils in mathematics was observed to be low in relation to one other school. This study describes an interventional program for improving pupil performance in mathematics through the use of drawings. The study employed the Quasi-experimental and Action research methods with interviews, observation, achievement test and Likert scale assessment to examine how teaching and learning of mathematics is done in this school. It was also used to find out how drawing interventions can improve mathematical performance of pupils and to compare the performance of pupils in mathematics before and after the intervention. Using the purposive and convenience sampling of the non-probability sampling technique, a sample of 69 respondents comprising 62 pupils and seven teachers of Ayigya M/A Primary School A were selected for the in-depth study. Pupil performance was obtained by analysing the continuous assessment cards from the previous year. Pre- and post-test assessments were administered to measure improvement in pupil performance. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS statistical analysis software and Microsoft Office Excel to generate tables and charts. The study found that the teachers only use the standard textbook when teaching without considering the individual abilities of the pupils. The teachers also seldom integrate practical activities to explain mathematical concepts. Class participation was also found to be very low. With regards to the interventions, the study revealed that drawing exercises significantly improved pupil performance in mathematics over the study period. The interventions employed also heightened pupils’ interest in the learning of mathematics. Their confidence and self-esteem also greatly improved and their problem solving skills were enhanced. The intervention activities also afforded the pupils a broader range of learning styles. It is recommended that to better integrate drawings into mathematics teaching and learning, mathematics teachers should acquaint themselves with the adapted model of Thomas & Switzer (2001) and implement it in their mathematics teaching. This model involves the introduction of mathematics concepts; presentation of scenario to initiate drawing activities; manipulation of drawing tools and materials; ensuring that the pupils draw; understanding of mathematics concept and improvement in mathematics performance.

Source: KNUST
The use of EM34-3 Electromagnetic Terrain Conductivity and Geo-Electrical Methods in Hydrogeological Investigations

Electromagnetic (EM) terrain conductivity and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) methods of geophysical prospecting have been applied in the investigation of groundwater potential in some communities in the Jirapa-Lambussie and Lawra Districts in the Upper West Regions. Geonics EM 34-3 Electromagnetic instrument was used as a fast reconnaissance survey tool in locating probable deep thickly weathered and fissured (i.e. fractured, jointed and sheared) zones. To confirm these conductive zones, depth of the overburden, formation resistivities and the nature of the weathered zone, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique based on the Offset Wenner method was used. The ten communities investigated have varied groundwater potentials. Six communities namely Yagha, Loggu, Nandom, Samoa, Erernon and Tuggo have high potentials at all the sounding points. Jirapa and Lawra have high and low potentials, whilst Doweni have medium potential. After careful deductions in the various communities, groundwater could be found within the region of 30 to 50 m depth, while the regolith and the saprock had resistivity between 50 and 450 ohm-m.

Source: KNUST
Use of fused laterite powder as a partially replacement for cement in concrete

The high cost of Portland cement (which is produced from imported raw material) in Ghana makes building construction very expensive thereby making many people unable to afford. Consequently, there is a quest to find a substitute for cement. Fused laterite (Laterite rock) is a material abundant in Ghana which naturally portrays the properties of a cementitious material. However, knowledge on this local material is limited. Thus the current study aimed at exploring the properties of this material and its effects on the strength of concrete when used as partial replacement of cement in concrete production. To achieve this 150mm concrete cubes and 150mm x 300mm concrete cylindrical specimen were cast and tested for their compressive and split tensile strengths respectively. Chemical analysis of the material was also carried out to find out the compounds/oxides present in the fused laterite. The results revealed that the most dominant chemical in fused laterite is Calcium Oxide (CaO) which represents 19.2% followed by Silica oxide (2.8%), Sulphur oxide (2.5%), Magnesium oxide (1.94%), Sodium oxide (0.06%) and Potassium oxide (0.04%). Thus fused laterite contains a majority of the oxides (chemicals) present in Ordinary Portland cement. However, the quantities of the chemicals are small compared with that in Portland cement thereby making it difficult to be used solely as the binding agent in concrete production. Moreover, fused laterite reduces the compressive and split tensile strengths of concrete as its content in the mix increases. The above effect was attributed to the fact that fused laterite contains little amount of silicate (the primary chemical responsible for strength development). Thus, as more of the fused laterite is used, the content of silicate in the mix is reduced hence a weak concrete is produced. Based on the findings, recommendation was made for further studies to find an effective way of using fused laterite for the production of cement.

Source: KNUST
The use of geophysical techniques in siting of boreholes in the Adidome District in the Volta Region, of Ghana

The inhabitants of four communities namely, Andokope, Dadome, Melenu and Tsikpoe, in the Adidome distinct of the Volta Region depend on stream and dug-outs for their water, which are quite a distance from them. In order to improve the water supply situation as well as providing clean water for these communities in the district, the Volta Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Program (VRWSSP) decided to provide boreholes under the sponsorship of the Danish International Development Agency (DAN IDA) In view of this the VRWSSP requested the Water Resources and Research Institute (WRRI) the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to conduct hydrogeological studies in the four communities. The objective of the study was to provide the district VRWSSP with sufficient data to he used in evaluating hand dug wells or borehole drilling points in these communities. The study was carried out between 4th April to 12th May, 1997. The investigations consisted of office and field work. The office work involved the acquisition and study of geological, location and topographical maps. The field work consisted of field reconnaissance and geophysical survey. In the field reconnaissance, features on the location maps were identified and confirmed. Traverse lines were also selected, cleared and pegged. The Geophysical survey carried out in the four communities involved the use of the Electromagnetic (VLF) profiling and Resistivity profiling along traverses to locate weathered or fractured zones. The Vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique was used to obtain the depth at which the fracture zones could be located. The equipment used was the ADEM, WADI, VLF system and the ABEM Terrameter SAS 300C. Data obtained by using the VLF WADI system and the ABEM Terrameter were processed with the sector and the Sondel V 0.9 software’s. In all, 11,980 m length of ground was profiled with the VLF system, and the resistivity profiling covered 5750 m. A total of 35 potential borehole sites were selected.

Source: KNUST
The use of insurance as a major tool in risk management in the Ghanaian construction industry

Construction works are hazardous by nature and accidents are frequent and often severe. The annual toll of deaths, bodily injuries and property damage in construction world is very high. Not only this but construction works involve large amount of investment especially in public projects. All of this increases the risk of construction business and makes handling of financial matters more critical. Insurance and Surety are some of the methods utilized by the contractors and client as risk controlling mechanisms. There is a growing body of interests in construction insurance, supporting interactions between the construction industry and the insurance industry. The main aim of the research was to conduct an investigation into how insurance is used as a risk transfer tool in the Ghanaian construction industry. The existing literature on construction insurance was reviewed in the light of this analysis to identify key gaps in knowledge and help to focus further the research priorities. The research methodology comprised a questionnaire survey supplemented with interviews among Clients, Consultants, Insurance Companies and Contractors (mainly D1 and D2). To provide a convincing explanation on this interaction, one need to improve the theoretical and analytic frameworks in four key areas: the nature of construction risks, risk transfer and insurance mechanism, insurable risks, and perspectives on risks from concerned parties.The research revealed that Insurance companies only provide insurance covers to projects but do not normally visit project site or educate other participants especially contractors as to the control or minimizing the occurrence of risk. It was recommended that right from the briefing stage till handover to users, the client should involve the various contract groups in discussing risk management process as well as drafting of insurance policies before and during construction.

Source: KNUST
The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the management of public procurement of road works, case study: Ghana Highway Authority (GHA)

The application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become necessary in all human endeavors as the world continues to experience globalization of all forms. ICT has been applied in various fields of human endeavor to improve the operations of organizations both corporate and governmental in nature. One area that has not witnessed massive application of globalization is the construction industry. In this industry, one main function required for commencement of works is procurement; a major part of the construction industry and its variant forms of projects such as buildings and road construction. The road construction subsector is crucial to the development of every country and this is why works procurement in this subsector of the construction industry must be improved. One way of improving procurement in the road construction sector is the utilization of ICT facilities. However, this novel agenda has been lacking for some time now hence the desire to embark on a study of this nature to assess the modalities for utilization of ICT in road works procurement. The study adopted the quantitative approach in its conduct yielding key findings including online documentation of tender processes; creation of feedback system (Frequently Ask Questions) to pave way for sharing of information; training of employees in the use of ICT tools among others. The study found that the implementation of the ICT tool in public procurement of roadwork is still in the infancy stage in Ghana. Usage is limited to transfer of documentation and tender adverts; however obstacles such as employee resistance, security, cost, and lack of involvement of end users in the developmental stages impede the process of implementation. Employees in public procurement entities responsible for road works procurement must be trained in the rudiments of using ICT facilities.

Source: KNUST
The use of Kinaesthetic Activities as art therapy tools to improve performance in pre-reading and pre-writing among kindergarten pupils

This study was conducted to find out the existing teaching strategies for teaching at the kindergarten, their usage in the classroom as well as their impact on pupils’ performance. The study sought to identify instructional materials and activities that teachers of KNUST Nursery School engaged the pupils in when teaching the English alphabet and their related sounds, as well as the challenges associated with them and what teachers do to manage such challenges. The study employed the qualitative research approach to critically study the Curriculum and Handbook for Pre-School Education, both of which guide the teachers in order to find out the existing strategies used in teaching the letters and sounds of the alphabet. Observation, questionnaire and interview were used to identify and study how teachers employ the existing strategies, activities and instructional materials in the classroom and their impact on the pupils’ performance in pre-reading and pre-writing. The major findings of the study indicated that the KG 1 and KG2 teachers in the school were not abreast with current strategies because their lessons centred mostly on patterns, joining of patterns and songs were used to teach the letter names and sounds. They employ child centred teaching approaches with play activities in the teaching and learning of the alphabet and sounds. Because some of the pupils had challenges writing the letters accurately, new art based activities were introduced for the teaching and learning of the alphabet and their sounds which made the pupils very active in class and got them fully involved. The activities motivated them to work sometimes without supervision and on the playground. At the end of the study, pupils’ showed positive signs of improvement in their reading and writing of the alphabets. To improve the pupils performance, it is recommended that the Kindergarten teachers be trained to use the kinesthetic teaching and learning strategies and related instructional materials to teach their pupils to learn to read and write the letters of the English alphabet and recognise them by their sounds.

Source: KNUST
The use of learning support assistants in visual arts education in Ghana: a case study in Al-azhariya School for Islamic ideology Junior High, Kumasi

The focus of this study was to identify and train Visual Arts Senior High School graduates, who were neither pursuing further education nor in employment as Learning Support Assistants, as a possible intervention in the teaching of Visual Arts at the Junior High Schools. The Learning Support Assistants (LSA) were to assist the teacher as other adults in the classroom and also to support the pupils of Al-Azhariya Junior High School to study Visual Arts. A training programme was designed to train the Learning Support Assistants (LSA) before they were introduced into the classroom to support teaching and learning. There were two groups of pupils involved in the research. The pupils were grouped into two that is the controlled group and the experimental group. The experimental group, were the class that had the privilege of being supported by the LSA, while the other group had none other support with the exception of the teacher. The Learning Support Assistants supported the teacher who was the researcher herself to organize and prepare materials for the experiment group and also support the group during teaching and learning. It was discovered that, pupils behave better when they feel loved and also get the needed attention required of their teachers in class; they learn to trust them, open up to share their problems with them and also make an effort to learn.

Source: KNUST
The use of health information system for planning and decision-making in Ejisu-Juaben District of Ghana

Health Information Systems (HIS) integrate data collection, processing, reporting, and use of information necessary for improving health service effectiveness and efficiency through better management at all level of health care system. This study determines the use of HIS for planning and decision-making in Ejisu-Juaben District of Ghana. The study type was descriptive and the study design is cross-sectional survey, which employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. This study focused on source, storage and retrieval of data, knowledge and skills of Data Collectors, data analysis and use of information, coordination and networking, monitoring and information feedback, and factors leading to underutilization of information for planning and decision-making. Sample size of 30 Health Managers and 60 Data Collectors were purposively selected from the various facilities. Routine data is the main source of information in the district health service. Most of the respondents rely on paper form of storage as the only means of storing data and information and this make information retrieval very difficult. About forty-five percents of Data Collectors do not have adequate knowledge and skills in data compilation and analysis. Most Data Collectors have not acquired any training in HIS. Raw data is normally transmitted to next level. Consequently, some Managers either transform the raw data into the required information needed or make decisions based on personal intuition. The research revealed that there is no central database within health facilities and the District as a whole and dissemination of information is done through meetings, circulars, morbidity and mortality conference, and review of reports. The present procedures of acquiring information delays planning and decision-making. Some monitoring is done, yet information feedback from Managers to Data Collectors is rarely done. Factors such as shortage of data collection tools, shortage of personnel, delay in submission of returns, and lack of computers appeared to affect utilization of HIS in the district health service. It is recommended that the district health administration provides logistics such as cabinet, computers as well as ensuring regular maintenance of these equipments. There should be prompt dissemination of information and regular monitoring and feedback. Also there should be regular training in data collection, analysis and use of information. In addition, community participation in planning and decision-making be encouraged.

Source: KNUST
Use of Limiting Nutrients for Reclamation of Non-responsive Soils in Northern Ghana

A better understanding of soil fertility factors that constraint positive crop response to fertilizer inputs will facilitate the improvement of soil nutrient management. In this study, a nutrient omission trial was carried out in a greenhouse condition to identify soil chemical properties limiting in non-responsive soils and to ascertain their effect on soybean (Glycine max) production. The treatments evaluated were control (distilled water), complete nutrient solution (all nutrients), and complete solution with the omission of each of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, B, and Mo) arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. After the greenhouse study, the identified limiting nutrients were tested with or without FertiSoil (commercial compost) in a 3 year field experiment. Results of the soil analyses showed low fertility status of the non-responsive soils. The sufficiency quotient index revealed non-responsive soils in all the sites to be predominantly limiting in P and K. The occurrence of other limiting nutrients was also identified: Pishegu (Zn, B), Serekpere (Mg, S), Daffiama Saapare (Ca, Mg, S), and Naaga (Mg, S, Zn, B). The nutrient inputs positively influenced soybean yield response in all the locations. The application of PKZnB with FertiSoil and FertiSoil alone significantly increased soybean grain yields by 585 and 477 kg ha−1, respectively, at Pishegu. Soybean grain yields also increased by 585, 573, and 364 kg ha−1 under the FertiSoil, PKMgS + FertiSoil, and PKMgS applications at Serekpere, respectively. At Daffiama Saapare, the highest (103%) percent increase in soybean grain yield was recorded from the combined application of PKMgSCa and FertiSoil. However, the application of FertiSoil and PKMgSCa singly equally increased soybean grain yield by 77%. Percent soybean grain yield increases of 86, 84, and 74% were observed when PKMgSZnB + FertiSoil, PKMgSZnB, and FertiSoil were applied, respectively, at Naaga. In absolute terms, 83% of the fields had a positive response to mineral fertilizer and 93% to FertiSoil and mineral fertilizer + FertiSoi

Source: KNUST
The use of local clay in the manufacture of honeycomb in catalitic convertor of automobile exhaust system

The study was aimed at investigating on how our local clay can be used in the manufacturing of honeycomb, in a catalytic convertor of automobile exhaust system. The viability of the clay fetched from Fosu a village in the central region of Ghana is ascertained using the various methods below. After series of initial processing techniques to get fine grain clay; it was then soaked and left at a prevailing temperature overnight until a workable consistency was achieved. The clay was then molded into cylindrical and rectangular dimensions of different series. The honeycombs were dried slowly in an open air for some hours at room temperature to prevent cracking. The physical and mechanical properties of the green ware and the bisque were determined using porosity, dry and fired shrinkage and compressive techniques. After these, the recommended honeycomb fired to 1150 0C had its porosity to be 30.5 % and it indicates an appreciable number of pores that could absorb water, since water and smoke are all fluids. Its average fired shrinkage is 14.0% and its average compressive strength is 7.86 KNmm-2. Other test samples fired at different temperatures also gave fired weights, shrinkages porosities and compressive strengths and even though these parameters were suitable,it was relised that they will not last longer .These results are important for researchers and engineers who would like to do further studies and go into mass production.

Source: KNUST