R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Hanson, R., Antwi, V. & Ayim, G. (2017). The Potential of integrating ICT into the Teaching and Learning of Chemical Bonds in Senior High Schools in Ghana – A Case study. International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, 3,
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the potential of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the teaching and learning of chemical bonding. Chemical bonding is a topic which is abstract in nature and requires the introduction of tangible elements to enable students build mental models for conceptual understanding. Nowadays, students spend more time with technological tools and prefer to use them in performing tasks and so this was tapped upon. Thirty students of Keta Senior High School in Keta, Ghana, who were randomly selected and three chemistry teachers purposely chosen, participated in the study. It employed both qualitative and quantitative methods for collection of data through pre- and post-tests, and the administration of an opinion questionnaire to assess improvement in performance after a chemistry software was used to teach the concept of chemical bonds. The integration of ICT into the teaching and learning of chemical bonds had the potential to reduce its abstraction while allowing students the premise to apply technologies that they were familiar with. Majority of the students (about 95%) had higher marks during the post test. Keywords: Chemical Bonding, Conceptual understanding, ICT. Ghana
This study was undertaken to investigate the potential of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the teaching and learning of chemical bonding. Chemical bonding is a topic which is abstract in nature and requires the introduction of tangible elements to enable students build mental models for conceptual understanding. Nowadays, students spend more time with technological tools and prefer to use them in performing tasks and so this was tapped upon. Thirty students of Keta Senior High School in Keta, Ghana, who were randomly selected and three chemistry teachers purposely chosen, participated in the study. It employed both qualitative and quantitative methods for collection of data through pre- and post-tests, and the administration of an opinion questionnaire to assess improvement in performance after a chemistry software was used to teach the concept of chemical bonds. The integration of ICT into the teaching and learning of chemical bonds had the potential to reduce its abstraction while allowing students the premise to apply technologies that they were familiar with. Majority of the students (about 95%) had higher marks during the post test. Keywords: Chemical Bonding, Conceptual understanding, ICT. Ghana
Hanson, R. (2017). ENHANCING STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY THROUGH CONTEXT-BASED LEARNING AND MICRO ACTIVITIES- A CASE STUDY. European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Sciences, 5,
Abstract
This study explored high school students’ reasoning patterns towards conceptual change and academic achievement as they learned to construct concepts in basic organic chemistry through everyday experiences for life. Analysis revealed a number of patterns by which students constructed ideas in formal and contextual aspects. A formal procedure used to teach and learn organic chemistry for life is presented. Tasks for context-based problem solving procedures were designed using combinations of familiar contexts and concepts based on the students’ syllabus. In this study the application of concepts like addition reactions, saturation, unsaturation, electronegativity, molecular formula, molecular structure, bonding, polarity and electronegativity were expected. Students’ reasoning patterns after an intervention showed that they could apply their gained concepts to solve problems in different contexts. Results were explored and implications for context-based teaching and learning assessed. Keywords: Analytical, conceptual change, context-based, remediation.
This study explored high school students’ reasoning patterns towards conceptual change and academic achievement as they learned to construct concepts in basic organic chemistry through everyday experiences for life. Analysis revealed a number of patterns by which students constructed ideas in formal and contextual aspects. A formal procedure used to teach and learn organic chemistry for life is presented. Tasks for context-based problem solving procedures were designed using combinations of familiar contexts and concepts based on the students’ syllabus. In this study the application of concepts like addition reactions, saturation, unsaturation, electronegativity, molecular formula, molecular structure, bonding, polarity and electronegativity were expected. Students’ reasoning patterns after an intervention showed that they could apply their gained concepts to solve problems in different contexts. Results were explored and implications for context-based teaching and learning assessed. Keywords: Analytical, conceptual change, context-based, remediation.
Hanson, R. (2017). ENHANCING TEACHER TRAINEES’ UNDERSTANDING ABOUT CHEMICAL REACTIONS AND EQUATIONS. International Journal of Academic Research and Reflection, 5,
Abstract
Teacher trainees with misconceptions about chemical phenomena tend to pass this on to their students, thereby creating a vicious cycle of misconceptions which are often difficult to break among learners. This article presents the use of micro chemistry activities and worksheet activities in remediating identified alternative conceptions about types of chemical reactions and their diverse representations among 74 chemistry teacher trainees. The design adopted for the study was a case study which followed the pre- test, post-test, delayed test approach in order to assess trainees’ retention of desired basic concepts about types of chemical reactions. The study which lasted for four weeks exposed the trainees’ weaknesses about the nature of matter, types of chemical reactions and their representations. Remediation was offered to enable the trainees to distinguish between types of chemical reactions, with a success rate of 85%. The tools used in this study were found to have great potential in uncovering, deconstructing, and remediating trainees’ misconceptions as well as equipping them with skills, such that authentic conceptions were built at the end of the study period. Keywords: chemical equation, chemical reaction, conceptions, representational levels.
Teacher trainees with misconceptions about chemical phenomena tend to pass this on to their students, thereby creating a vicious cycle of misconceptions which are often difficult to break among learners. This article presents the use of micro chemistry activities and worksheet activities in remediating identified alternative conceptions about types of chemical reactions and their diverse representations among 74 chemistry teacher trainees. The design adopted for the study was a case study which followed the pre- test, post-test, delayed test approach in order to assess trainees’ retention of desired basic concepts about types of chemical reactions. The study which lasted for four weeks exposed the trainees’ weaknesses about the nature of matter, types of chemical reactions and their representations. Remediation was offered to enable the trainees to distinguish between types of chemical reactions, with a success rate of 85%. The tools used in this study were found to have great potential in uncovering, deconstructing, and remediating trainees’ misconceptions as well as equipping them with skills, such that authentic conceptions were built at the end of the study period. Keywords: chemical equation, chemical reaction, conceptions, representational levels.
Yorke, J. O., Amissah, E. R. K., Essuman, J. & deGraft-Yankson, P (2017). A Conceptual Shift in Educational Logo Designs: The Impact of Kwame Nkrumah’s Cultural Policy on Ghana’s Educational Philosophy. Arts and Design Studies, 60,
Abstract
This paper explores the conceptual shift in educational logo designs as an indirect result of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies on Ghana’s educational philosophy. The study was an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm and the data collection instruments used were interviews, field notes, observation and discussions. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study was concerned with qualities and non-numerical characteristics of the data. The data collection techniques used was observation and structured interviews and the data collected was in the form of narrations. The study examined how the ideologies of the founding fathers of the formal educational institutions established in Ghana both before and after political independence. It identifies the significance of the ethnic insignias and Adinkra symbols used in capturing their visual corporate identities as against the reorientation of the thinking of the “new” Ghanaian. The selected educational institutions used for the study are Adisadel College - Cape Coast, Wesley Girls' Senior High School - Cape Coast, St. Augustine’s College - Cape Coast, Ghana National College - Cape Coast, University of Cape Coast - Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology – Kumasi and University of Education, Winneba – Winneba. Keywords: Adinkra, Ideologies, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies, Philosophy of Africa’s formal education.
This paper explores the conceptual shift in educational logo designs as an indirect result of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies on Ghana’s educational philosophy. The study was an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm and the data collection instruments used were interviews, field notes, observation and discussions. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study was concerned with qualities and non-numerical characteristics of the data. The data collection techniques used was observation and structured interviews and the data collected was in the form of narrations. The study examined how the ideologies of the founding fathers of the formal educational institutions established in Ghana both before and after political independence. It identifies the significance of the ethnic insignias and Adinkra symbols used in capturing their visual corporate identities as against the reorientation of the thinking of the “new” Ghanaian. The selected educational institutions used for the study are Adisadel College - Cape Coast, Wesley Girls' Senior High School - Cape Coast, St. Augustine’s College - Cape Coast, Ghana National College - Cape Coast, University of Cape Coast - Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology – Kumasi and University of Education, Winneba – Winneba. Keywords: Adinkra, Ideologies, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies, Philosophy of Africa’s formal education.
Samlafo, B.V (2018). Assessment of Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium and Mercury levels in Earthenware Clay Deposits at Mankessim, in Mfantsiman District, Ghana. Chemical Science Transactions, 7,
Abstract
This study assessed the suitability of Mankessim clay deposits as the raw material for earthenware products in terms of toxic metal levels such as Hg, Pb and Cd and As, which impact on human health. Atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) technique was used to determine the levels of the toxic metals in the samples. The mean levels of Hg, Pb and Cd, were within the safe limit levels. Cadmium was however below the method’s detection limit at four sites. The mean Arsenic level was generally very high; however, this level was lower than the levels reported in some geophagy clays which were eaten directly. The precision and the accuracy of the analytical method (AAS) were evaluated by the use of standard reference material IAEA-Soil-7. The values obtained for the various elements in soil-7 compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman’s correlation coefficient was +0.94. The experimental values were within ±6% of the recommended value. The measurement precision defined by the relative standard deviation was within +5%. Arsenic was found to be generally high in the study site. Potters need to find ways of reducing arsenic levels before using the raw material for any product that comes into contact with food. Keywords: Mankessim, Earthenware, Clay, Toxic metals, Geophagy, Pottery
This study assessed the suitability of Mankessim clay deposits as the raw material for earthenware products in terms of toxic metal levels such as Hg, Pb and Cd and As, which impact on human health. Atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) technique was used to determine the levels of the toxic metals in the samples. The mean levels of Hg, Pb and Cd, were within the safe limit levels. Cadmium was however below the method’s detection limit at four sites. The mean Arsenic level was generally very high; however, this level was lower than the levels reported in some geophagy clays which were eaten directly. The precision and the accuracy of the analytical method (AAS) were evaluated by the use of standard reference material IAEA-Soil-7. The values obtained for the various elements in soil-7 compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman’s correlation coefficient was +0.94. The experimental values were within ±6% of the recommended value. The measurement precision defined by the relative standard deviation was within +5%. Arsenic was found to be generally high in the study site. Potters need to find ways of reducing arsenic levels before using the raw material for any product that comes into contact with food. Keywords: Mankessim, Earthenware, Clay, Toxic metals, Geophagy, Pottery
Samlafo, B.V and Ofoe, E.O (2017). Water quality Assessment of River Bonsa in Tarkwa, a Mining-impacted Area of Ghana. Chemical Science International Journal, 20,
Abstract
The suitability of River Bonsa for drinking, without any chemical treatment was assessed using a developed and robust water quality index (WQI), with modification for the river under study. In evaluating WQI, nine parameters in water quality, which were harmful to human health were considered. They were pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness, total alkalinity, chlorides, sulphates and nitrates. On the basis of the computed WQI (55.054), River Bonsa fell within the poor for drinking water category. Hence the water needs to be treated before it can be drunk directly. Intensive education on water-related diseases is also needed to inform the inhabitants living along the river bank, who use the water from the river directly without any chemical treatment. Keywords: River Bonsai; illegal mining; water quality index; Tarkwa; heavy metals
The suitability of River Bonsa for drinking, without any chemical treatment was assessed using a developed and robust water quality index (WQI), with modification for the river under study. In evaluating WQI, nine parameters in water quality, which were harmful to human health were considered. They were pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness, total alkalinity, chlorides, sulphates and nitrates. On the basis of the computed WQI (55.054), River Bonsa fell within the poor for drinking water category. Hence the water needs to be treated before it can be drunk directly. Intensive education on water-related diseases is also needed to inform the inhabitants living along the river bank, who use the water from the river directly without any chemical treatment. Keywords: River Bonsai; illegal mining; water quality index; Tarkwa; heavy metals
Samlafo, B.V (2017). Comparative Analysis of Leachable Heavy Metals in Earthenware Clay Deposits in the Central and Volta Regions of Ghana. American Journal of Chemistry, 7,
Abstract
Abstract This paper, sought to compare and contrast the potential leachable heavy metals in earthenware clay deposits in the Central and Volta regions of Ghana, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The study also tried to establish the suitability of which clay deposit is the ideal raw material for earthenware products used as food wares, based on toxic heavy metal and micronutrient/essential metal levels. The toxic metals determined were Pb, As, Hg, and Cd, while the micronutrients/essential elements examined were Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe. The results showed that, apart from Hg and Cr, there was no statistical difference in heavy metal levels in the two regions. Earthenware clay deposits in the two regions were found to be suitable raw materials for food ware products based on their heavy metal levels. The reproducibility of the analytical method was assessed by analysis of the standard reference material IAEA soil-7. The values obtained, compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman correlation coefficient was +0.96%. The experimental values were within ± 4% of the recommended values. The measurement precision specified by the relative standard deviation was within ± 5%. The error margins are standard deviations. A two-tailed student’s t-test was used to establish any statistical differences between the mean concentrations of the two earthenware clay deposits. The level of probability at which significant differences existed between the deposits was set at p< 0.05 at 95% confidence level. In general, the two clay deposits were found to be suitable sources of raw materials for food ware products. Keywords Heavy metals, Essential elements, Clay, Earthenware, Central region, Volta region
Abstract This paper, sought to compare and contrast the potential leachable heavy metals in earthenware clay deposits in the Central and Volta regions of Ghana, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The study also tried to establish the suitability of which clay deposit is the ideal raw material for earthenware products used as food wares, based on toxic heavy metal and micronutrient/essential metal levels. The toxic metals determined were Pb, As, Hg, and Cd, while the micronutrients/essential elements examined were Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe. The results showed that, apart from Hg and Cr, there was no statistical difference in heavy metal levels in the two regions. Earthenware clay deposits in the two regions were found to be suitable raw materials for food ware products based on their heavy metal levels. The reproducibility of the analytical method was assessed by analysis of the standard reference material IAEA soil-7. The values obtained, compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman correlation coefficient was +0.96%. The experimental values were within ± 4% of the recommended values. The measurement precision specified by the relative standard deviation was within ± 5%. The error margins are standard deviations. A two-tailed student’s t-test was used to establish any statistical differences between the mean concentrations of the two earthenware clay deposits. The level of probability at which significant differences existed between the deposits was set at p< 0.05 at 95% confidence level. In general, the two clay deposits were found to be suitable sources of raw materials for food ware products. Keywords Heavy metals, Essential elements, Clay, Earthenware, Central region, Volta region
Yorke, J. O., deGraft-Yankson, P., Essuman, J. & Amissah, E. K. (2017). Ghana’s Presidential Seats and Sword of State: Aesthetic Manifestation of Kwame Nkrumah’s Cultural Policy on Ghana’s Political Culture. Journal of Literature and Art Studies, 7,
Abstract
This study explores the aesthetic dimensions of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies in the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword. The study is an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study examined how the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword were influenced by Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and the cultural significance of the aesthetic interplay of ethnic insignias used in capturing the Ghanaian concept of Political authority. The study revealed that, Nkrumah recognised the cultural art forms and elements of ethnic Ghana as assets for national development. In line with his policy of building the Nation State of Ghana, he used ethnic cultural art forms and elements. At independence, Nkrumah commissioned some visual artist to create some artistic pieces (politico-cultural artefacts) for the Ghanaian political authority with inspiration or based on what pertains in the traditional authority (Chieftaincy) of Ghana. Politico-cultural artefacts as used in this study refer to the artefacts produced based on the cultural concepts of the ethnic states for the use of the political authority of the Republic of Ghana. Among these artistic pieces are the three Presidential Seats, The State Sword, The President’s Personal Standard Pole and the State Mace. Keywords: Adinkra, Presidential Seats, State Sword, politico-cultural artefacts, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies
This study explores the aesthetic dimensions of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies in the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword. The study is an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study examined how the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword were influenced by Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and the cultural significance of the aesthetic interplay of ethnic insignias used in capturing the Ghanaian concept of Political authority. The study revealed that, Nkrumah recognised the cultural art forms and elements of ethnic Ghana as assets for national development. In line with his policy of building the Nation State of Ghana, he used ethnic cultural art forms and elements. At independence, Nkrumah commissioned some visual artist to create some artistic pieces (politico-cultural artefacts) for the Ghanaian political authority with inspiration or based on what pertains in the traditional authority (Chieftaincy) of Ghana. Politico-cultural artefacts as used in this study refer to the artefacts produced based on the cultural concepts of the ethnic states for the use of the political authority of the Republic of Ghana. Among these artistic pieces are the three Presidential Seats, The State Sword, The President’s Personal Standard Pole and the State Mace. Keywords: Adinkra, Presidential Seats, State Sword, politico-cultural artefacts, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies
Kemevor, A. K. & Essuman, J. (2017). The Institutionalization of Photographic Industry and the Society. The Journal of Social Sciences Research, 3,
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to highlight on photography as an excellent art work. This article on photography is based on the authenticity and social influence of the photographer. In discussing the paper, some attempts have been made to examine the nature and dynamics of photography, as well as the appreciation of photographs as a human achievement. There is also a general overview on photography in Ghana, outlining in particular the visual aesthetics of the photographic industry, and the specialized fields that exist. The paper concludes that the use of technological photography in teaching at all levels should be encouraged. It is when we add our personal vision to the technology of photography then we cross that line from mere reproduction to transformation. With this shift from science to art, we begin speaking with a vocabulary of aesthetics. Keywords: Photography; Camera; Visual elements; Creativity; Communication.
The purpose of this article is to highlight on photography as an excellent art work. This article on photography is based on the authenticity and social influence of the photographer. In discussing the paper, some attempts have been made to examine the nature and dynamics of photography, as well as the appreciation of photographs as a human achievement. There is also a general overview on photography in Ghana, outlining in particular the visual aesthetics of the photographic industry, and the specialized fields that exist. The paper concludes that the use of technological photography in teaching at all levels should be encouraged. It is when we add our personal vision to the technology of photography then we cross that line from mere reproduction to transformation. With this shift from science to art, we begin speaking with a vocabulary of aesthetics. Keywords: Photography; Camera; Visual elements; Creativity; Communication.
Essuman, J. (2017). Photographic Representation of Socio-economic Development on Rural Communities in Ghana. Journal of Literature and Art Studies, 7,
Abstract
It has come to notice that developments that take place in rural communities bring about a lot of challenges both positive and negative. However, people who try to manage these challenges use “text type” in books and through other communication media (publications), but the effect has scarcely been effective because, most of the people living in rural communities are illiterates. The purpose of this study was to use pictorial illustrations to create awareness on how socioeconomic development affects rural communities (Cape Three Points) and the extent to which its effect can be seen on human life within the local communities (fishermen, farmers, and fish mongers) in terms of their livelihood, attitudes, education and on the general environment. Interviews were mainly used to ascertain facts on how the situation was before the new developments started. Workshops were also organized for focus groups, through which the effect of pictorial illustrations on the people were ascertained. Again, how they should prepare for the foreseen changes that will emanate from any form of rural development was also discussed. At the end of the study, it came to light that many of our rural areas face significant challenges. These challenges as a matter of fact affect their cultural practices and the socio-economic development of the people in such rural communities and the country as a whole. It is believed that these challenges and many other related concerns that have emanated from this study would be critically recognized and managed if not solved by the powers that be. Results from this study will form a basis for further discussion of socio-economic effects of rural development on rural communities and any other related effects caused by any physical change on rural environment. Keywords: development, rural community, socio-economic, illustration
It has come to notice that developments that take place in rural communities bring about a lot of challenges both positive and negative. However, people who try to manage these challenges use “text type” in books and through other communication media (publications), but the effect has scarcely been effective because, most of the people living in rural communities are illiterates. The purpose of this study was to use pictorial illustrations to create awareness on how socioeconomic development affects rural communities (Cape Three Points) and the extent to which its effect can be seen on human life within the local communities (fishermen, farmers, and fish mongers) in terms of their livelihood, attitudes, education and on the general environment. Interviews were mainly used to ascertain facts on how the situation was before the new developments started. Workshops were also organized for focus groups, through which the effect of pictorial illustrations on the people were ascertained. Again, how they should prepare for the foreseen changes that will emanate from any form of rural development was also discussed. At the end of the study, it came to light that many of our rural areas face significant challenges. These challenges as a matter of fact affect their cultural practices and the socio-economic development of the people in such rural communities and the country as a whole. It is believed that these challenges and many other related concerns that have emanated from this study would be critically recognized and managed if not solved by the powers that be. Results from this study will form a basis for further discussion of socio-economic effects of rural development on rural communities and any other related effects caused by any physical change on rural environment. Keywords: development, rural community, socio-economic, illustration
