ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Using cooperative learning to enhance pupils’ understanding about the solar system n The Agortime-Ziope District of Ghana

Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups of learners so that they work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning. This study investigated the use of cooperative learning to enhance the performance of upper primary pupils in science. A mixed method approach with a quasi-experimental design was used. The access population was upper primary pupils from Kortsrala and Takuve D/A primary schools in the Agortime-Ziope district of the Volta region of Ghana with a sample size of 32 pupils. The sample was divided into experimental and control group with each group consisting of sixteen pupils. A pre-test administered at the beginning of the study, showed that both groups had about the same entry point. The experimental group was taught using the cooperative learning method while the control group was taught using the old-fashioned way of teaching. At the end of the four weeks treatment, both groups were post-tested. A whole class interview session was conducted with the experimental group after the post test. Post-test results showed that pupils taught with the cooperative learning approach exhibited high academic performance and thus prove that cooperative learning enhances pupil’s own understanding of concepts. It also showed that using collaborative techniques such as paired or group modeling go further than simply motivating students through other verbal, coercive and independent (individual) work approaches.

Source: UEW
Using cooperative learning to improve the performance of students in qualitative analysis in Tumu Senior High Technical School

The study sought to improve the achievements and attitude of students in qualitative analysis through the cooperative teaching and learning approach. The study used action research design. A total of 71 S H S science Students (participants) were selected from Tumu Senior High Technical School and Kanton Senior High School for the study. Data for the study were collected using achievement tests and the Treatment Verification Checklist. The Treatment Verification Checklist sought response on the attitudes towards cooperative learning shown by students in the experimental group during the intervention stage. Two tests, that is pre-test and post-tests were administered before and after intervention respectively to determine the academic achievement of the students in Qualitative analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to organise the data from the Treatment Verification Checklist into means from the responses. A paired t-test statistic was used to establish the significance of the Cooperative approach on students’ academic achievement. Results from the treatment verification check list showed the attitude of students towards the use of cooperative learning. It came to light that there was significant and steady improvement from the first to the fifth week. This means that the students appreciated the method. The post-intervention findings indicated positive attitudes and a significantly improved performance of the students. It is recommended among other things that cooperative teaching and learning should be employed in teaching chemistry at SHSs to help instil positive attitudes in students by addressing the various factors responsible for poor attitudes towards the subject. Implementation of the Cooperative approach should help teachers identify the weaknesses of students and address them to improve their academic achievement.

Source: UEW
Using cooperative teaching and learning approach to improve students’ attitudes and achievement in biology_a case study of Tamale Business Senior High School in the Northern Region of Ghana

The study sought to improve the attitudes and achievement of Home Economics students in Biology through cooperative teaching and learning approach. The study used action research design. A sample of 66 S H S Home Economics Students was selected from Business Senior High School for the study. Data for the study were collected using questionnaire and tests. The questionnaire sought response on Home Economics students‟ attitude towards Biology. Two tests thus; pre and post-tests were administered before and after intervention respectively to determine the academic achievement of the students in Biology. Descriptive statistics was used to organise the data from the questionnaire into means and standard deviations whiles percentages were also expressed from the responses. A paired t-test statistic was used to establish the significance of the Cooperative approach on students‟ academic achievement. Results from the questionnaire before the intervention demonstrated that Home Economics students indicated poor attitudes towards biology since a significant number of the students‟ responses revealed mean values indicating attitudes and the pre-test also revealed poor performance of the students. The post-intervention findings indicated positive attitudes and a significantly improved performance of the students. It is recommended among other things that cooperative teaching and learning should be employed in teaching Biology at SHSs to help instil positive attitudes in students by addressing the various factors responsible for poor attitudes towards the subject. Implementation of Cooperative approach should help teachers identify the weakness of students and address them to improve their academic achievement.

Source: UEW
Using cooperative teaching and learning approaches to improve form 3 science (A) SHS students’ performance in tritrimetry

This study on titrimtry which is practical oriented sought to find out the effectiveness of using cooperative learning to improve upon the performance of students in titrimetry in senior high schools in St. Francis Girls’ SHS. The research also assessed the attitude of students towards the use of cooperative learning.The main instruments used for data collection was achievement test with observation as supplementary instrument. One hundred and twenty students participated in the study. The participants were selected from third year students science classes in the school, thus, 3 Science (A) and 3 Science (B). These two classes were randomly assigned as a control group, instructed through the traditional (lecture method) and the other as experimental group instructed through cooperative strategies. A pre test on student’s knowledge and skill in titrimetry was conducted before instruction to determine their baseline achievement. At the end of the instruction, a post test was administered. The scores obtained from the pre tests and post tests were analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16 for windows 2007. The results obtained from the statistical analysis showed a significant improvement of the students, largely attributed to the use of cooperative learning. It was concluded that cooperative instructional approaches had a positive effect on the students’ performance in titrimetry. It was recommended that teachers should endeavor to incorporate cooperative learning strategy into any method of teaching to enable the student reap the benefits.

Source: UEW
Using diagrams that will enhance conceptual understanding and skills development in circle theorems among SHS 2 students of Mankessim senior high school

The study investigated the impact and the importance of the use of circle diagrams in the application of circle theorems towards geometry instructions. This study sought to find out what type of instructional approach mathematics teachers use in delivering the concept of circle theorems in mathematics classrooms. Also to find out perceptions students hold towards the learning of circle theorems in geometry. The study also sought to look at the extent diagrams can be used to improve upon learning for application of the concepts of circle theorems in geometry. The study was carried out in Mankessim Senior High School (SHS) in the Central region. The sample consisted of 63 form two students of the selected Senior High School. Business two (2) class was chosen for the study in the school. All the students in the Business class were used with the exception of two students who were absent during the start of the study. Questionnaires, Pre- test and Post- test were administered on mathematics teachers and students in the school. The data were then examined to obtain the attitudes students hold towards the use of circle diagrams in the application questions relating to circle theorems in geometry. The findings from the research questions were analysed which indicated that majority of the students liked the use of diagrams to enable them understand the geometry concept, like in the case of circle theorems. Also, majority of the students felt satisfied when using the circle diagrams in learning the concepts of circle theorems in geometry. The findings from pre-test and the post-test results indicated that the understanding and application of circle theorems using diagrams have improved upon the level of conceptual knowledge of the students in a given mathematical area. The results indicated that students’ knowledge and understanding and application have improved as a result of the use of circle diagrams.

Source: UEW
Using differentiated instruction to improve SHS students’ performance of cell division

This study used Differentiated Instructional to improve students‘ performance of cell division among Senior High School Form Three (SHS 3) students of the Delcam Senior High School in the Adentan Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Quasiexperimental research design was used. The sampling technique was census. The instrument for data collection was the tests (pre-test and pre-test). Student‘s census was taken of all science students in form three. A Pre-test (Student Knowledge on Mitosis Test) was conducted to identify students‘ misconceptions related to the subject. The researcher taught the students using differentiated instruction. A post-test was administered to the sample. The pre-test elicited several alternate concepts from the students. This was to prove that students of Delcam SHS have alternate concepts in cell division (mitosis). The means of the pre-test and post-test were compared using the paired t-test. The differentiated instruction used was able to improve the performance of Students at the intervention stage. The post-test (Student Assessment on Mitosis Test) had 80% pass rate whiles the pre-test had 5% pass rate. There was a significant difference between the post-test and pre-test scores [t= 11.906: p<0.05]. There was no significant difference between the scores of the male and female students in the post-test [t=1.4; P>0.05]. From the research, gender had no effect on differentiated instruction. The study concluded that differentiated instruction improves students‘ performance in cell division (mitosis). Since the findings of the study showed that students exposed to the differentiated instructional in cooperative learning settings performed better in such learning settings, students should be encouraged to develop social interaction in the use differentiated instruction. This implies that biology teachers should model their instructions to enforce student-student interaction in differentiated instruction class.

Source: UEW
Using excel to improve the teaching and learning of probability in Colleges of Colleges of Education_an action research of Gbewaa College of Education, Pusiga-Bawku

Many students in our Colleges of Education have not been exposed to explore MS Excel in solving mathematical problems. The aim of this study was, therefore, set out to explore the various ways for teaching and learning Probability, using the MS Office Excel software programme. The study has explored how tutors and students can use MS Excel to solve problems in probability. The researcher integrated both qualitative (interviews and observation instruments) and quantitative methodologies (pretest and post test instruments) methodologies to obtain the research data. The sampling procedure was purposively targeted on students who performed abysmally low marks in Probability as depicted from the test results. Simple bar charts, pie charts and percentages were employed for the qualitative data and t-tests (Paired and independent) were used for the hypotheses set to answer the quantitative data. Thirty (30) most poorly performed students were selected for the study; 5 from each of the 6 classes. Simple programs in MS Excel such as random sampling, binomial sampling, one way tables and two way tables were taught. The results showed that the performance of the students in Probability did not depend on whether his/her former school was mixed or single-sex, he/she had former school had ICT training or not, he/she had experience in Excel or not, and one was a male or a female. That is, on the whole, the performance of each student had improved significantly after MS Excel was used. The conclusion was that, integration of any kind when considering the introduction of MS Excel software program in the teaching and learning of Probability did not hinder performance of the students. The study in particular, would help policy makers, especially, the Ghana Education Service (GES) to include Information Communication Technology (ICT) at all levels of education

Source: UEW
Using extensive reading to enhance the vocabulary acquisition of Ghana senior high school students

Despite the constant efforts made by teachers, stakeholders in education and parents to develop English education in Ghana, it is still obvious that students cannot express themselves in speaking Standard English, write meaningful essays or read with comprehension. This canker is attributed to low vocabulary acquisition. That is why this study sought to use extensive reading to enhance the vocabulary acquisition of students of senior high schools, particularly Ghana Senior High School, Tamale. The researcher used oral interview, pretest, posttest, questionnaire and other interventional activities to collect data on the study. From the pre intervention activities’ results, it was clear that students had vocabulary problems. Most of their difficulty was in a form of grammatical errors in writing, reading speaking and spelling. Interventional methods such as extensive reading activities among others were used to address the vocabulary problems in students. The findings established that, some of the causes of students’ vocabulary problems were interlingual and intralingual interference. It was also realized that students were not interested in reading, particularly, extensive reading. Most importantly poor teaching style of teachers was another cause. Therefore, the researcher suggests that a lot of reading books should be made available both at home and school for students by parents and school authorities. Stakeholders and for that matter parents must always show interest in supporting and supervising their children in their day to day learning activities, especially, inculcating in them the interest and spirit of engaging in extensive reading.

Source: UEW
Using financial ratios to analyse the financial performance of manufacturing companies in Ghana a case of Guinness Ghana breweries

In today‘s financial world, financial performance is a requirement amongst the perspective of various stakeholders, be it in the management, lenders, owners and investors‘ perspective. Financial performance is crucial for taking financial decisions related to planning and control. Hence, it forms the basis as one of the importance for taking financial decisions effectively. Manufacturing Sector plays an important role in economic development of a country. The manufacturing system of Ghana is featured by a large network, producing different kinds of assorted product to be consumed by the people Ghana. Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited is among the leading manufacturing companies in Ghana and is deeply engaged in human and economic development at the national level. This paper attempts to analyse the financial performance of manufacturing company and to the extent at which financial performance of Guinness Ghana breweries limited were examine on liquidity, profitability and capital structure ratios. Ratios and descriptive design was adopted using the published financial statements of company listed on Ghana stock exchange for ten years periods. Microsoft Excel was also used to obtain the mean and Standard deviation. This paper therefore recommends that there is the need to bring organizations system under control and make them to fit.

Source: UEW
Using geometer’s sketchpad to enhance the ability to locate the coordinates of the image of a geometrical object under rigid motion in a cartesian plane of senior high school 4 students of Osei Tutu II College

This research work was set out to see, if Geometer’s Sketchpad could be used to enhance the ability level of SHS 4 students of Osei Tutu II College in the location of the coordinate of the image of a point or geometrical object under Rigid Motion in a Cartesian plane. A non-probability sampling technique known as purposive sampling was employed to select the sample for the study. In all, 45 SHS 4 students comprising 34 girls and 11 boys were involved in the study. The main research instruments and methods used for the collection of data on the students’ ability level on the topic were Tests, Observation and Unstructured Interview. The theoretical framework behind the study was constructivist theory of learning. Based on the theoretical framework, students were guided through activities using Geometer’s Sketchpad with the aim of helping them to develop on their own, a practical procedure for finding the coordinate of the image of a point under a given Rigid Motion instead of relying on memorised formulae to do so. The findings of the study revealed that there has been a drastic improvement in the students’ ability level as far as the study of the Rigid Motion is concerned, which is as the result of the intervention put in place using Geometer’s Sketchpad. It was also observed that the students have developed more positive attitude towards the use of Geometer’s Sketchpad as they use the software to explore other mathematics concepts without any initial instructions from any teacher. The researcher therefore recommended that Geometer’s Sketchpad must be used as teaching and learning material for mathematics especially in the teaching of Rigid Motion

Source: UEW
Using granular palm kernel shells to partially replace sand in sand Crete bricks

A study into the use of granular palm kernel shells (PKS) of varying sizes to partially replace sand in sandcrete bricks was conducted. Portland cement, Palm Kernel Shell-PKS, and portable water were used. PKS sizes used include 1.18mm, 2.36mm and 4.75mm. The materials were batched using 1:3 mix ratio where the sand content was replaced with PKS at 10%, 20% and 30%. A total population of 150 specimens was used for the study with 3 samples in each group to test compressive strength (wet and dry), split tensile strength, water absorption and abrasion resistance. All specimens were tested after 28 days curing. Significant difference was tested using ANOVA. The study shows that the addition of PKS to replace sand content generally and significantly reduced the compressive strength of brick specimen with the exception of 4.75mm size of PKS with 10% and 20% replacement compared to the control. Moreover, the compressive strength of brick increased as the PKS size increased but decreased as the percentage of replacement increased. The same trend was found for split tensile strength. The study recommended that the Government of Ghana should empower Civil engineers and contractors to use palm kernel shell (PKS) aggregate as a replacement in conventional sandcrete bricks in the locality where it is in abundance to enhance environmental cleanliness.

Source: UEW
Using group learning strategies to enhance students’ understanding of selected chemical concepts in science,a case study at Bagabaga college of education, Tamale

The pre-test, post-test small group control experiment with an element of descriptive survey study was used to examine the effects of group learning on college students’ understanding of chemical concepts in science. The study was conducted at Bagabaga College of Education, Tamale. A total of 102 first year students were used for the study. Test and survey questionnaire were the main instruments used for the study. These consisted of Chemical Concepts Achievement Pre-test (CCAPrT); Chemical Concepts Achievement Post-test (CCAPoT); Chemical Concepts Retention Test CCRT as well as Pre-Attitude test (PrAT) and Post-Attitude test (PoAT). These were developed by the author for the purpose of this study. The test items consisted of 40 questions while the survey questionnaires contained 24 items. University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh 14 The data obtained were analysed using t-test to determine if there were significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of performance and retention at 0.05 confidence level, while the Levene’s test for equality of variances was used to investigate the differences in research question 3 at 0.05 confidence level. The t-test analysis of the results showed that there was no significant difference between the control and experimental groups in terms of performance in the pre-test but, there was significant difference between the two groups in the post-test in favour of the experimental group after the treatment. Also, analysis of the post-test and retention-test mean scores of the control and experimental groups showed that the experimental group’s level of retention was higher than that of the control group. Again, analysis of pre-attitude test and post-attitude test mean scores showed significant difference, indicating that the students had improved upon their attitudes towards the learning of chemistry after the intervention.

Source: UEW