R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Owusu-Ansah, C.M., Rodrigues, A., & Van der Walt, T. (2018). Going the full distance: Strategic support for digital libraries in distance education. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, ,
Abstract
Many African universities have employed distance education to expand access to education and digital libraries can ensure seamless access to information for distance learners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of policies and strategic initiatives for developing digital library services in distance education at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The study relies on the results of semi-structured interviews with selected librarians of the University, and institutional document analysis. The study found that digital library use in distance education at the University is seriously hampered due to the absence of strategic support, consistent policies and dedicated funding for digital library initiatives.
Many African universities have employed distance education to expand access to education and digital libraries can ensure seamless access to information for distance learners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of policies and strategic initiatives for developing digital library services in distance education at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The study relies on the results of semi-structured interviews with selected librarians of the University, and institutional document analysis. The study found that digital library use in distance education at the University is seriously hampered due to the absence of strategic support, consistent policies and dedicated funding for digital library initiatives.
Essuman, J., Acquah, M. & Duku, F. K. (2018). Blowing Our Own Horn:The Departments of Art Educationand Graphic Design. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL STUDIES, 6,
Abstract
Abstract The objective of this paper is to find out how well the potentials of the school has been fully advertised and also identify how best the school can be advertised. The paper was centred on the Departments of Graphic Design and the Art Education of the School of Creative Arts of the University of Education, Winneba. Qualitative and descriptive research methods were used in this research. The qualitative was used to ascertain prevalent information from staff members of the university and some indigenes of the Winneba community, as required by the study whiles the descriptive method was also used to specifically reveal the prevailing situation in the university and its environs. The study revealed that, members of the university community and people within the Winneba community have little knowledge about the two departments, let alone their full potentials in the university’s activities. The study therefore commends that effective and efficient advertising media be used to create the awareness of the existence of the Departments of Graphic Design and Art Education and also publicize their full potentials to the University community and its environs and the country at large. Keywords: Graphic Design, Art, Education, Art Education and Advertisement
Abstract The objective of this paper is to find out how well the potentials of the school has been fully advertised and also identify how best the school can be advertised. The paper was centred on the Departments of Graphic Design and the Art Education of the School of Creative Arts of the University of Education, Winneba. Qualitative and descriptive research methods were used in this research. The qualitative was used to ascertain prevalent information from staff members of the university and some indigenes of the Winneba community, as required by the study whiles the descriptive method was also used to specifically reveal the prevailing situation in the university and its environs. The study revealed that, members of the university community and people within the Winneba community have little knowledge about the two departments, let alone their full potentials in the university’s activities. The study therefore commends that effective and efficient advertising media be used to create the awareness of the existence of the Departments of Graphic Design and Art Education and also publicize their full potentials to the University community and its environs and the country at large. Keywords: Graphic Design, Art, Education, Art Education and Advertisement
Maclean, G. A. (2018). Training Amateur Bandsmen to Perform at Functions: COLTEK Band in Perspective. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education, 5,
Abstract
The study was an action research to assist bandsmen of the College of Technology (COLTEK), University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana, within a short period of time, to perform at the University’s Congregation ceremony. A preliminary diagnostic test conducted revealed among the challenges encountered by the bandsmen as inability to read musical staff notation, and then limited knowledge of keys and their scales. Observations, auditioning and personal interactions were employed as data collection instruments while solfege, varied rehearsal techniques and phrase by phrase approaches were used as the main interventions. Hinged on the theory of expectation, the paper concludes that with the appropriate rehearsal techniques, a band can be prepared within a short time to gain proficiency for public performances in spite of its infantile nature and the less knowledge in theory among the bandsmen. It is recommended that the interventions are employed by tutors and trainers of new bands to deal with fundamental instrumental playing techniques for public performances. Keywords: COLTEK, Solfege, Rehearsal, UEW, Congregation, Matriculation
The study was an action research to assist bandsmen of the College of Technology (COLTEK), University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana, within a short period of time, to perform at the University’s Congregation ceremony. A preliminary diagnostic test conducted revealed among the challenges encountered by the bandsmen as inability to read musical staff notation, and then limited knowledge of keys and their scales. Observations, auditioning and personal interactions were employed as data collection instruments while solfege, varied rehearsal techniques and phrase by phrase approaches were used as the main interventions. Hinged on the theory of expectation, the paper concludes that with the appropriate rehearsal techniques, a band can be prepared within a short time to gain proficiency for public performances in spite of its infantile nature and the less knowledge in theory among the bandsmen. It is recommended that the interventions are employed by tutors and trainers of new bands to deal with fundamental instrumental playing techniques for public performances. Keywords: COLTEK, Solfege, Rehearsal, UEW, Congregation, Matriculation
Maclean, G. A. (2018). An Analytical View of Selected Commercialized Recordings of Ghanaian Art Music Compositions. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 5,
Abstract
The paper takes a scrutiny of how selected Ghanaian art compositions, specifically choral works, have been wrongly performed and recorded for commercial purposes by renowned choral groups and gospel artistes in Ghana. The selected recorded works evince errors heard in some passages of the compositions (as scored); in terms of wrong pitches, rhythm interpretation and alteration of some of the texts. Using exploratory, 10 audio-recorded Akan choral compositions were purposively selected from compact discs of renowned choral groups and gospel artistes and analyzed. It was revealed that some commercially recorded choral pieces were done with errors pertaining to particular passages in the original scores. It was concluded that in spite of the seriousness attached to the learning and recording of such pieces, it is not every recorded art musical composition that gives a vivid representation of what exists on the score. It is therefore recommended that art music composers record their works first hand or see to the correct representation by other performers, especially if the intent is a commercialization of the recording. Keywords: Art Music, Choral Music, Commercialization, Akan, Ghana
The paper takes a scrutiny of how selected Ghanaian art compositions, specifically choral works, have been wrongly performed and recorded for commercial purposes by renowned choral groups and gospel artistes in Ghana. The selected recorded works evince errors heard in some passages of the compositions (as scored); in terms of wrong pitches, rhythm interpretation and alteration of some of the texts. Using exploratory, 10 audio-recorded Akan choral compositions were purposively selected from compact discs of renowned choral groups and gospel artistes and analyzed. It was revealed that some commercially recorded choral pieces were done with errors pertaining to particular passages in the original scores. It was concluded that in spite of the seriousness attached to the learning and recording of such pieces, it is not every recorded art musical composition that gives a vivid representation of what exists on the score. It is therefore recommended that art music composers record their works first hand or see to the correct representation by other performers, especially if the intent is a commercialization of the recording. Keywords: Art Music, Choral Music, Commercialization, Akan, Ghana
Phyllis Forster1,*, Rosemary Quarcoo1, Elizabeth Lani Ashong1 & Victoria Ghanney1 (2017). Views of Teacher-Trainees on Clothing and Textiles Education in two Teacher Education Universities in Ghana. World Journal of Education, 7,
Abstract
The study explored the views of teacher-trainees on Clothing and Textiles (C&T) education in two teacher education universities in Ghana. The objectives were to find out whether pre-tertiary Sewing/C&T lessons provided them with small-scale business skills, and foundation for higher education, they could teach Sewing/C&T competently on internship, identify their sources of motivation, and elicit their suggestions to improve on the subject. Data collected revealed that one-tenth and two-thirds acquired small-scale business skills from their lessons at basic and secondary levels respectively. About 71% indicated they taught the subject competently on internship and career intention was their main motivating factor for the subject. For improvement, there is need to provide adequate modern facilities and competent teachers with current ideas in content and pedagogy, and good teacher relationship with students and industry. Other suggestions were, students should remain focused and attract others to the subject through their dressing. Feed-back from the teacher trainees indicates that Sewing/C&T education in Ghana provides occupational skills and foundation for further studies. Keywords: trainee-teachers; internship; clothing and textiles; home economics; teacher education; interns
The study explored the views of teacher-trainees on Clothing and Textiles (C&T) education in two teacher education universities in Ghana. The objectives were to find out whether pre-tertiary Sewing/C&T lessons provided them with small-scale business skills, and foundation for higher education, they could teach Sewing/C&T competently on internship, identify their sources of motivation, and elicit their suggestions to improve on the subject. Data collected revealed that one-tenth and two-thirds acquired small-scale business skills from their lessons at basic and secondary levels respectively. About 71% indicated they taught the subject competently on internship and career intention was their main motivating factor for the subject. For improvement, there is need to provide adequate modern facilities and competent teachers with current ideas in content and pedagogy, and good teacher relationship with students and industry. Other suggestions were, students should remain focused and attract others to the subject through their dressing. Feed-back from the teacher trainees indicates that Sewing/C&T education in Ghana provides occupational skills and foundation for further studies. Keywords: trainee-teachers; internship; clothing and textiles; home economics; teacher education; interns
Phyllis Forster., Magdalene Aba Aggrey and Adwoa Nyantakyiwaa Amoah (2018). Menopause and food among women in a perl-urban community in ghana. International Journal of Current Advanced Research, 7,
Abstract
In a descriptive survey, this study explored menopausal symptoms of 120 women aged 40-60 years and the food they ate among the Six Food Groups of Ghana. Questionnaire was used to collect the data which were analysed with the SPSS to generate frequencies and percentage tables for discussion. More than half of the menopausal women experienced mood swings; hot flashes; reduced work output; fatigue; sleeplessness; and weight gain.The main vegetables consumed by all the women were tomatoes, onions, pepper, garden eggs and kontomire (cocoyam leaves). Majority ate fish; maize; mango, orange, apples, pear, banana, and palm oil. A moderate percentage ate rice, wheat, cow peas, soy oil and frytol; minority ate animal foods other than fish; starchy roots and plantain; beans, nuts and oily seeds, carrots cabbage, cucumber, French beans and spring onions, green pepper and lettuce; beverage, fruit drink and fresh fruit juice. The women restricted themselves to a few of the nutritious local foods among the Ghana six food groups that they could take advantage of to reduce or prevent their menopausal challenges. The researchers recommend that menopausal women increase the variety, frequency and portions of fruits and vegetables consumed especially because of their phyto-estrogen, boron and fibre content; topics on nutrition and menopause should be included in the Home Economics curriculum; and Home Economists and Nutritionists in the community should organize talks on Nutrition and Menopause for women groups
In a descriptive survey, this study explored menopausal symptoms of 120 women aged 40-60 years and the food they ate among the Six Food Groups of Ghana. Questionnaire was used to collect the data which were analysed with the SPSS to generate frequencies and percentage tables for discussion. More than half of the menopausal women experienced mood swings; hot flashes; reduced work output; fatigue; sleeplessness; and weight gain.The main vegetables consumed by all the women were tomatoes, onions, pepper, garden eggs and kontomire (cocoyam leaves). Majority ate fish; maize; mango, orange, apples, pear, banana, and palm oil. A moderate percentage ate rice, wheat, cow peas, soy oil and frytol; minority ate animal foods other than fish; starchy roots and plantain; beans, nuts and oily seeds, carrots cabbage, cucumber, French beans and spring onions, green pepper and lettuce; beverage, fruit drink and fresh fruit juice. The women restricted themselves to a few of the nutritious local foods among the Ghana six food groups that they could take advantage of to reduce or prevent their menopausal challenges. The researchers recommend that menopausal women increase the variety, frequency and portions of fruits and vegetables consumed especially because of their phyto-estrogen, boron and fibre content; topics on nutrition and menopause should be included in the Home Economics curriculum; and Home Economists and Nutritionists in the community should organize talks on Nutrition and Menopause for women groups
Quarcoo,R (2018). Factors Influencing Low Performance of Pupils in BDT Sewing at a Junior High School in Efutu Municipality. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 7,
Abstract
Abstract: The study design was a descriptive survey which sought to get answers to the following research questions: ‘What factors accounts for the low performance of pupils in BDT sewing at a particular JHS in Efutu Municipality, Ghana?’ How can pupil’s interest in BDT (Sewing) be enhanced? A purposive sampling technique was used to get a sample size of 100 respondents. A questionnaire was used to collect data and descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze the close ended questions and a thematic approach was adopted for analyzing the open ended questions. Majority of the respondents agreed that, factors influencing the low performance of pupils in BDT (Sewing) include, students consider it unimportant, teaching and learning of BDT sewing is boring, many topics in BDT sewing are difficult. The provision of teaching and learning resources, the effective use of teaching learning resources and strategies, organization of fieldtrips, allocation of more time to BDT ( Home Economics) were suggested as ways of enhancing students’ interest in BDT(Sewing). Keywords: Factors, low performance, pupils, basic design and technology (BDT), sewing
Abstract: The study design was a descriptive survey which sought to get answers to the following research questions: ‘What factors accounts for the low performance of pupils in BDT sewing at a particular JHS in Efutu Municipality, Ghana?’ How can pupil’s interest in BDT (Sewing) be enhanced? A purposive sampling technique was used to get a sample size of 100 respondents. A questionnaire was used to collect data and descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze the close ended questions and a thematic approach was adopted for analyzing the open ended questions. Majority of the respondents agreed that, factors influencing the low performance of pupils in BDT (Sewing) include, students consider it unimportant, teaching and learning of BDT sewing is boring, many topics in BDT sewing are difficult. The provision of teaching and learning resources, the effective use of teaching learning resources and strategies, organization of fieldtrips, allocation of more time to BDT ( Home Economics) were suggested as ways of enhancing students’ interest in BDT(Sewing). Keywords: Factors, low performance, pupils, basic design and technology (BDT), sewing
Amissah, E. R. K. & Amporful, A. (2018). Intra-Cultural Issues on Polygamous Marriages in Ghana: A Case Study of the People of Anlo in the Volta Region. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL STUDIES, 6,
Abstract
Polygamous marriage is persistently prevalent in several sub-Saharan countries and remains a socio-cultural issue in the world. A considerable body of research has concluded that polygamy has impacts on children’s and wives’ psychological, social and family functioning but not much was done on this in Ghana. From a case study of the people of Anlo in the Volta Region of Ghana, this study aimed to examine the socio-cultural issues on polygamous marriages among the people and its impact on the family especially on women and children. A random sample of 61 respondents from 61 different families (31 senior high school children and 30 women) were used. Structured questionnaires on socio-demographics, socio-cultural practices of polygamy, family relationship qualities and four psychosocial scales were used to elicit responses from subjects for analysis. The results indicated high prevalence of polygamy in the study area with inverse relationship between education and attitudinal acceptance of polygamy. The study concludes that polygamy affects family quality; creating acrimony, tension, jealousy and competition among co-wives and step-siblings. It also affects psychosocial life of the family members, predominantly in women and children. Targeted sensitization, awareness of the implications of polygamy, educational and economic empowerment are key steps to address this, while focusing on children as the potential key entry points to addressing this in the next generations. Keywords: Polygamy, family, exogamy. Anlo, marriage
Polygamous marriage is persistently prevalent in several sub-Saharan countries and remains a socio-cultural issue in the world. A considerable body of research has concluded that polygamy has impacts on children’s and wives’ psychological, social and family functioning but not much was done on this in Ghana. From a case study of the people of Anlo in the Volta Region of Ghana, this study aimed to examine the socio-cultural issues on polygamous marriages among the people and its impact on the family especially on women and children. A random sample of 61 respondents from 61 different families (31 senior high school children and 30 women) were used. Structured questionnaires on socio-demographics, socio-cultural practices of polygamy, family relationship qualities and four psychosocial scales were used to elicit responses from subjects for analysis. The results indicated high prevalence of polygamy in the study area with inverse relationship between education and attitudinal acceptance of polygamy. The study concludes that polygamy affects family quality; creating acrimony, tension, jealousy and competition among co-wives and step-siblings. It also affects psychosocial life of the family members, predominantly in women and children. Targeted sensitization, awareness of the implications of polygamy, educational and economic empowerment are key steps to address this, while focusing on children as the potential key entry points to addressing this in the next generations. Keywords: Polygamy, family, exogamy. Anlo, marriage
Quarcoo, R., & Tounaa, G. (2017). The Use of instructional Materials and selected Activity Methods of Teaching: A Tool for Improving the Performance of Clothing and Textiles Students.. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development., 6,
Abstract
Abstract: An action was taken to improve upon the performance of Clothing and Textiles students in a selected Senior High Technical School in Ghana using instructional materials and selected activity methods. The objectives were: To arouse and sustain students’ interest in Clothing and Textiles through the use of realia, charts, pictures and illustrations.; Use practical or demonstration to assist students to understand the concept learnt better and set standards for their individual practical.; Use group projects to improve their learning. Forty two SHS two Clothing and Textiles students were purposively sampled and observational guide, questionnaire, class exercises, quizzes and examinations were used for the data collection. Interventions such as vigorous use of instructional materials, hands on practice (practical), encouraging continuous learning by giving practical project work to students and constantly giving prompt feedback to students after an evaluation were put in place. The data was analysed using frequency distribution and percentages. The results showed a tremendous improvement in student’s performance. It is recommended that Clothing Laboratory and other resources needed for teaching and learning of Clothing and Textiles should be provided for the school and Clothing and Textiles teachers should use varied methods for teaching the subject and insist on practical approaches since the subject is a practical- oriented one. Keywords: Instructional materials, activity methods, improving, performance, clothing and textiles
Abstract: An action was taken to improve upon the performance of Clothing and Textiles students in a selected Senior High Technical School in Ghana using instructional materials and selected activity methods. The objectives were: To arouse and sustain students’ interest in Clothing and Textiles through the use of realia, charts, pictures and illustrations.; Use practical or demonstration to assist students to understand the concept learnt better and set standards for their individual practical.; Use group projects to improve their learning. Forty two SHS two Clothing and Textiles students were purposively sampled and observational guide, questionnaire, class exercises, quizzes and examinations were used for the data collection. Interventions such as vigorous use of instructional materials, hands on practice (practical), encouraging continuous learning by giving practical project work to students and constantly giving prompt feedback to students after an evaluation were put in place. The data was analysed using frequency distribution and percentages. The results showed a tremendous improvement in student’s performance. It is recommended that Clothing Laboratory and other resources needed for teaching and learning of Clothing and Textiles should be provided for the school and Clothing and Textiles teachers should use varied methods for teaching the subject and insist on practical approaches since the subject is a practical- oriented one. Keywords: Instructional materials, activity methods, improving, performance, clothing and textiles
Kursah, M.B (2018). Resolving the landfill siting impasse: modelling technocratic and indigenous perspectives using GIS multicriteria approach. GeoJournal, 83,
Abstract
Increase in waste generation calls for an effective waste management as this has become a necessity for environmental sustainability. Several methods are adopted in managing waste, which include waste reduction, reuse, thermal treatment, recycling and landfilling. The landfill method is recognised as the most used of all the waste management methods in developing countries such as Ghana. However, the selection of a suitable landfill site is very difficult and tedious. This is because it involves a consideration of many factors such as environmental, topographic, economic, socio-cultural and civil engineering. This research sought to identify a suitable landfill site by applying GIS multicriteria and weighted overlay approach in the Bongo District of Northern Ghana. The analysis relied on criteria and weights provided by the technocrats and the indigenes in the district as a way of demonstrating how landfill siting impasse can be resolved by incorporating the various stakeholders. The results obtained provided clear areas for landfill sites in the study area from the technocratic and the indigenous perspectives. However, the technocratic perspective failed to include an important cultural criterion, sacred groves, as a factor. The indigenous perspective also compromised on the factor related to nearness to residential areas, and is equally not sufficient on its own. The optimal landfill sites, which meets the expectations of both the technocrats and indigenes, was identified. This perspective has produced technically favourable and socio-culturally acceptable landfill site. However, it is recommended an environmental impact assessment (EIA) be conducted to identify the full environmental and social cost of the site. It is concluded that in landfill site selection much attention be given to cultural factors in the same way as the technical factors.
Increase in waste generation calls for an effective waste management as this has become a necessity for environmental sustainability. Several methods are adopted in managing waste, which include waste reduction, reuse, thermal treatment, recycling and landfilling. The landfill method is recognised as the most used of all the waste management methods in developing countries such as Ghana. However, the selection of a suitable landfill site is very difficult and tedious. This is because it involves a consideration of many factors such as environmental, topographic, economic, socio-cultural and civil engineering. This research sought to identify a suitable landfill site by applying GIS multicriteria and weighted overlay approach in the Bongo District of Northern Ghana. The analysis relied on criteria and weights provided by the technocrats and the indigenes in the district as a way of demonstrating how landfill siting impasse can be resolved by incorporating the various stakeholders. The results obtained provided clear areas for landfill sites in the study area from the technocratic and the indigenous perspectives. However, the technocratic perspective failed to include an important cultural criterion, sacred groves, as a factor. The indigenous perspective also compromised on the factor related to nearness to residential areas, and is equally not sufficient on its own. The optimal landfill sites, which meets the expectations of both the technocrats and indigenes, was identified. This perspective has produced technically favourable and socio-culturally acceptable landfill site. However, it is recommended an environmental impact assessment (EIA) be conducted to identify the full environmental and social cost of the site. It is concluded that in landfill site selection much attention be given to cultural factors in the same way as the technical factors.
