ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Error analysis on concord of students of Gwiraman senior high school Bamiamkor, Nzema East District

English as a Second Language (ESL) writing is a challenge to most of the learners in the Ghanaian schools. This study was carried out to investigate the concord problems among students of Gwriman Senior High School, Bamiankor in the Nzema East District. The purpose was to find out the nature and causes of these concord errors which involved subject- verb agreement in students' use of English language especially in writing. The students who participated in the study were students of Gwriman Senior High School. The techniques used were interviews, observation and test in addition to errors observed in their spoken English and during concord lessons with their English teacher. Data collected were analyzed using tables, percentages, and descriptions which made comparison of pre-intervention and post- intervention results easy. Having analyzed the data, the study revealed that students are not proficient in the use of grammatical concord as a result of poor foundation they had in their previous class (primary six) before entering junior high school. Concord errors are caused by such factors as the inconsistency in the concord rules of English, overgeneralization of the rules as well as the interference of the subjects' mother tongue in English, in order to minimize concord errors, the study offered a variety of strategies that could be employed by both teachers and learners of English.

Source: UEW
Errors and misconceptions in solving problems in linear inequalities among preservice teachers at Komenda College of education, Ghana

This research examined errors and misconceptions in solving problems in linear inequalities among preservice teachers at Komenda College of Education, Ghana. Four research objectives were formulated for the study. The study adopted the sequential explanatory design using the mixed-method approach for data collection. The simple random sampling technique was used to sample 285 preservice teachers from the Komenda College of Education to respond to the achievement test out of which fifteen (15) were conveniently sampled for the interviews. The instruments used for the study were an achievement test and a semi-structured interview guide. Frequencies and percentages were used as the main analytical tool for the quantitative phase of the study. One hundred and seventy-seven (177) responses were received from the achievement test out of the 285 sampled for the study. The quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS version 26.0) using descriptive statistics specifically, the frequencies and percentages and the qualitative data were analysed thematically. It was found out that rules mixed up error, surface understanding, inability to assimilate concepts, carelessness, and poor understanding were the errors whiles discrete and separate operations, fact tests, overspecialized learning process on addition and/or subtraction, misapplication of commutative property using addition and subtraction and value of the digits, instead of place value were the misconceptions revealed in preservice teachers‘ solutions to linear inequality problems. The major source of these errors was teachers‘ teaching methods. Additionally, students perceived inequality as an amalgam of images or symbols encountered in a mathematics setting. Finally, teacher educators should vary their mode of teaching linear inequalities to preservice teachers, since their method of teaching influences students‘ mode of thinking and addressing problems in mathematics.

Source: UEW
Errors in the English writing of senior high school students th

This is a qualitative study that analyzed errors in the written essays of form tow students of Guakro Effah in Offuman-Techiman North the study sought to find out the types and causes of errors in the written essays of students in the senior high schools. The data used for the analysis of the errors comprised written essays of the students in form two. Form this, a total of 2128 errors were identified from two essay topics. Seven error types were identified and they include concord errors, punctuation errors, spelling errors, tense errors, article errors, and errors of preposition. Form the study, concord errors had the highest frequency with errors on punctuation being the lowest. Based on the findings of the study, causes of errors in learners’ writings were identified as interlingual transformer, intralingual transfer, context of instruction as well as l1 interferences. The pedagogical implications of the errors in the students’ essays have also been discussed in the study. Finally, in the study, some suggestions are made to various stakeholders to ensure effective teaching and learning of the English language in the senior high schools in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Errors in the English writing of Senior High School students the case of Offuman Senior High School in Ghana

This is a qualitative study that analyzed errors in the written essays of form tow students of Guakro Effah in Offuman-Techiman North the study sought to find out the types and causes of errors in the written essays of students in the senior high schools. The data used for the analysis of the errors comprised written essays of the students in form two. Form this, a total of 2128 errors were identified from two essay topics. Seven error types were identified and they include concord errors, punctuation errors, spelling errors, tense errors, article errors, and errors of preposition. Form the study, concord errors had the highest frequency with errors on punctuation being the lowest. Based on the findings of the study, causes of errors in learners’ writings were identified as interlingual transformer, intralingual transfer, context of instruction as well as l1 interferences. The pedagogical implications of the errors in the students’ essays have also been discussed in the study. Finally, in the study, some suggestions are made to various stakeholders to ensure effective teaching and learning of the English language in the senior high schools in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Errors in the use of coordinating conjunctions among pupils. A case of Amasaman MA 2 Junior High School

A case study was conducted to deal with errors in the use of coordinating conjunctions in the sentences among pupils of the Amasaman MA “2” Junior High School. Objectives of the study are to find factors that have militated against the correct use of English coordinating conjunctions among students and how to improve the use of English coordinating conjunctions in the writing among students of Amasaman MA”2” Junior High School. The study population was made up of all students of the Amasaman M/A’2’ Junior High School a total of 456 students. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 33 boys and 40 girls in Junior High School form one (1) in the Amasaman M/A’2’ of the Ga West Municipal of Greater Accra region. The data of this research were obtained from student’s tests items. From a pretest below average performance of 60% to a posttest above-average performance of 66% in the post test indicating that there is an improvement in performances. The study concluded that though students have problems in their daily engagement with teachers in the use of coordinating conjunctions, there are strategies to overcome these problems to improve their writing skills. The study recommended that the workload on the English Language curriculum must be reduced to enable them to gain maximum time in teaching all other aspects of the English Language. The researcher suggested facilitation of the use of teaching and learning of coordinating conjunctions in more compound sentences at the Junior High Schools.

Source: UEW
Errors in the use of coordinating conjunctions among students a case study of Kurawura Kura MA Junior High School

This research work investigated errors in the use of coordinating conjunctions by students at the Junior High School level in Ghana. The objectives of the study were to; ascertain the actual coordinating conjunction errors in students' writing and also, establish the factors that account for the errors the students commit. The research was a qualitative case study, which explored the errors in the use of coordinating conjunctions by students of Kurawura Kura M/A Junior High School in the Kintampo municipality of the Bono-East Region of Ghana. The study population was made up of 67 students. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 23 students in the form-two class. The coordinating conjunction errors that were identified by the researcher include; additive errors, adversative errors, and causal errors. Several factors account for coordinating conjunction errors committed by the respondents. These factors include; limitations in the scope of conjunction topics in the Junior High School syllabus and textbooks, students’ developmental attributes, and L1 interference in the second language acquisition. Others include students’ negative attitude toward the study of the English language, inadequate repertoire of knowledge of coordinating conjunctions, and how teachers teach the coordinating conjunction in class. The study concluded that students have a limited repertoire of coordinating conjunctive expressions hence, their inability to express the causal and adversative relations satisfactorily. The researcher recommends a study that will compare the use of coordinating conjunctions by students at the junior high school level against those at the Senior High School level. A study will compare how students use conjunctions in their L1 against the usage in their L2 and also investigate the effect of the use of coordinating conjunctions in the L1 on English language coordinating conjunctions. It is also recommended that a similar study be conducted in schools across the length and breadth of the country and the findings be compared.

Source: UEW
Errors in written essays, a case study of form two students of St. Paul Methodist JHS, Tema

English Language has emerged as an important means of communication enjoying the status of a second language as it is offered as a compulsory subject in Ghanaian schools from the upper primary to the SHS. This is a qualitative study aimed at finding the common errors form two students of Saint Paul Methodist JHS in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana commit in their essay writing. The study also sought to examine the causes of the errors and how they can be remedied to improve the teaching of L2 writing in the school. The study used a corpus of essay writings of 40 form two students. The school and the participants were purposively selected. The data were analyzed using the error analysis approach. The study identified these common errors spelling, word omission, tense, punctuation, article and capitalization. The study also found that the most frequently committed error was spelling errors followed by word omission errors. The implications of these findings to the teaching of English writing are that teachers, where possible should have sufficient understanding of both the L1 and L2 of the students and teachers should explicitly teach for transfer, have adequate knowledge of how to identify students’ writing errors, and use effective teaching strategies to improve students’ English writing. Additionally, teachers should serve as worthy models of using appropriate English for students to emulate and also create a conducive classroom environment for students to participate in class activities. Lastly, teachers should create more opportunities for students to write.

Source: UEW
ESL Students’ writing skills an analysis of authorial stance in the argumentative essays of Senior High School Students in Accra Metropolitan Area

In the composition of writing, writers reveal their thoughts through the use of authorial stance markers, which not only express their stance, but also help them build an interactive relationship with target readers. This thesis investigated the types of authorial stance markers used by Greater Accra SHS students in their argumentative essays and the functions they are used to explore in the language. Using a qualitative approach, data were textually analyzed from 300 purposively sampled scripts of final year General Arts students. The analysis indicates that there was significant use of all the four types of authorial stance markers, expressed through hedges, boosters, Self-mention, and attitude markers. Again, hedges and boosters appeal to their knowledge most. It was also discovered that the markers were used to express certainty, doubt, imprecision, avoid conflicts, minimize face-threatening acts, and mitigate imposition. Other functions are expressing humility, caution, and politeness. Based on the results, it is argued that it is important to take note of what to and how to use authorial stance markers as they help in taking position and making judgements about issues in writing. The study, also suggests that the higher density of authorial stance markers in argumentative essays is not absolutely an indication of a better ability in writing.

Source: UEW
ESL teachers’ communication in the classroom and its impact on the teaching and learning of English Language .The case of Yaa Asantewaa Girls SHS.

The study explores the ESL teachers’ communication in the classroom and its impact on the teaching and learning of English language. Using a population sample of 350 students and 15 teachers from Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School with the help of questionnaire and observation, the study identifies that effective communication plays an important role in the pedagogical process in the ESL classroom. Data were analysed using basic frequency tables. The descriptive analysis was also used to analyse the observation of students’ activities and teachers’ performance during the teaching learning process. The study established that the predominant form of communication used by teachers in the school in the teaching and learning of English language is verbal communication. In the assessment of students, the study revealed that 100% of the teachers resorted to the use of written communication. Again, the study found out that majority of the students did not like the present situation in the school where communication in the ESL classroom is largely dependent on speaking. The study reveals further that majority of the students who felt uncomfortable with the predominant use of speaking as a form of communication had difficulties understanding what their teachers taught in English. The study also reveals that all teachers agreed or strongly agreed that what you say and how you say it can influence effective communication and effective communication makes learning easier and enhances effective communication strengthens relationship between teacher and students. The study recommends that to reduce boredom and make the learning of English language interesting, teachers must blend both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication and use appropriate teaching methods such as pair work, information gap, opinion sharing, scavenger hunt to ensure that learners actively engage in the communication process. Students should be given clear unambiguous instructions and assessed not only through writing but other forms as well.

Source: UEW
Establishing related fitness for motor skill for senior high school students

The purpose of the study was to establish related fitness for motor skills for students in the Sandema and Fumbesi schools in the Builsa district and whether taking part in physical activities during Physical Education lessons will help improve their related fitness for motor skills. This study involved 700 final year students comprising of 400 males and 300 females in Sandema SHS and 400 final year students in Fumbisi SHS in the Builsa District. The researchers employed two types of instruments, the modified University of Illinois six motor tests were design by Corbin, Lindsey and Welk (2000) in Illinois, United State of America and Scale of motor skills related Attitude Questionnaire to collect the data. The 6-item motor test was designed to detect the participants‟ motor skill related fitness along the dimensions of Strength, Coordination, Speed and reaction time and the questionnaires were used to find the participants‟ attitudes towards motor skills related activities. The results of the test were coded and the statistical package for social sciences P.C windows 18.0 statistical software was used for the data analysis Students showed positive attitude towards all the variables measured. Implications of the findings were discussed and recommendations made.

Source: UEW
Establishing related fitness for motor skill for senior high school students a case study in Builsa District in Upper East Region Of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to establish related fitness for motor skills for students in the Sandema and Fumbesi schools in the Builsa district and whether taking part in physical activities during Physical Education lessons will help improve their related fitness for motor skills. This study involved 700 final year students comprising of 400 males and 300 females in Sandema SHS and 400 final year students in Fumbisi SHS in the Builsa District. The researchers employed two types of instruments, the modified University of Illinois six motor tests were design by Corbin, Lindsey and Welk (2000) in Illinois, United State of America and Scale of motor skills related Attitude Questionnaire to collect the data. The 6-item motor test was designed to detect the participants‟ motor skill related fitness along the dimensions of Strength, Coordination, Speed and reaction time and the questionnaires were used to find the participants‟ attitudes towards motor skills related activities. The results of the test were coded and the statistical package for social sciences P.C windows 18.0 statistical software was used for the data analysis Students showed positive attitude towards all the variables measured. Implications of the findings were discussed and recommendations made.

Source: UEW
Estimating remittances in the informal sector labour market in a developing economy: A micro-level evidence on Kayayoo migrants in Kumasi, Ghana

The study explores the determinants of informal sector migrant remittances to households in the Northern temtones of Ghana, using data on Kayayoo workers drawn from the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana from July to September, 2009. The Tobit model is used to undertake the estimation of the remittance function. The majority of Kayayoo migrants are found to retain close links with family ties back home with 72% remitting some amount of money in the 12 months preceding the survey date. The sub-stantive findings of the study are that the monthly earnings in the Kayayoo market exert predictable effects on migrant remittances and the remitting behaviour of the internal Kayayoo migrant with regards to time spent in Kumasi suggests an inverse U-shaped relationship which is more consistent with what is obtained in the migration remittance literature. � Medwell Journals, 2011.

Source: UEW
Ethnic related challenges and coping strategies of couples in inter-cultural marriages in Elmina

The number of inter-cultural marriages has grown significantly in the past few decades, as have the numbers of inter-cultural couples presenting for marital and family therapy. Current literature on inter-cultural relationships states that they are at a high risk for failure, with higher divorce rates and lower marital satisfaction reported than for same culture marriages. Therefore, the study sought to explore ethnic-related challenges of couples in inter-cultural marriages in Elmina as well as strategies they employ to manage such challenges. Four specific objectives guided this study. Phenomenological research design was chosen as the guiding principle of this research inquiry and twenty couples were interviewed individually using a semi-structured interview guide. The data was transcribed and coded using QSRNVIVO 9 software. The findings revealed that couples had common challenges such as disapproval from family and society, language barriers, cultural barriers and parenting. Coping resources used by couples included humour, learning about the other’s culture, support from society and family, effective communication, personal preparation, working towards common goals, and religion. These couples were also found to have attitudes of commitment to their marriage and each other, and a belief that they were not that different from their partners. Thus, the study recommended that couples in inter-cultural marriages are to organise their response to cultural differences in a bid to increase dealing with their framing differences, emotional maintenance, positioning in relationship to family, community and societal context. These strategies provide a basis for interventions that may help inter-cultural couples identify what works for them and strengthen their relationships.

Source: UEW
An ethnographic study of audience viewing of the telenovela-Kumkum Bhagya at some selected sites

The study examines the culture that surrounds the immediate viewing of the Hindi produced telenovela-Kumkum Bhagya at selected sites in Winneba. The study further probes the rationale that informants give for viewing the telenovela at the selected sites and for watching the specific telenovela. Using the theory of Popular Culture, Cultural Proximity and the concept of Third Places through an ethnographic approach and anchored on interviews, participant observations, and focus group discussions, the study reveals that viewers of Kumkum Bhagya cut across various classes on the social ladder reiterating the assertion that, in Africa, everyone irrespective of their sex, age, religion, or ethnicity patronizes popular culture. The study also demonstrates that the major characteristic of the selected sites which is the promotion of informal conversations qualified them as third places which became a motivation for informants’ decision to visit the selected sites to join in the viewing of the telenovela- Kumkum Bhagya. The study further reveals that viewers attributed their selection of the specific site for viewing the telenovela to socialization, proximity, financial constraint and escapism. The study indicates that the use of indigenous languages in the telenovela, the presence of verisimilitude in terms of content and humour and the popularity of the telenovela were predominantly, the social factors that influenced informants to view the telenovela- Kumkum Bhagya. The study concludes that when it comes to popular media products, viewers look out for programmes that they can easily relate with in order to derive moral lessons from them.

Source: UEW