R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Brew, A. K. and Oppong-Frimpong, D. (2015). Occupational Health and Safety: An Assessment of the Situation at University of Education, Winneba (UEW). Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 3,
Abstract
Abstract: The writers took a look at occupational health and safety at University of Education, Winneba (UEW). The Wikipedia’s categorisation of hazards at the workplace was adopted in the discussions. Common occupational hazards and associated risks in the work environment in UEW as well as the categories of staff who are prone to the identified hazards were discussed. It was observed that the University had instituted measures to safeguard the health and safety of its employees. The health and safety measures the University had instituted to manage occupational health were also evaluated. But how adequate and/or appropriate were those measures? Did those measures compare favourably with accepted standards like the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) objectives for occupational health and safety for example? In the opinion of the writers, the University was mindful of the well being of its staff but a lot more remained to be done, if the working environment of the University was to be judged as safe and meeting enviable international standards.
Abstract: The writers took a look at occupational health and safety at University of Education, Winneba (UEW). The Wikipedia’s categorisation of hazards at the workplace was adopted in the discussions. Common occupational hazards and associated risks in the work environment in UEW as well as the categories of staff who are prone to the identified hazards were discussed. It was observed that the University had instituted measures to safeguard the health and safety of its employees. The health and safety measures the University had instituted to manage occupational health were also evaluated. But how adequate and/or appropriate were those measures? Did those measures compare favourably with accepted standards like the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) objectives for occupational health and safety for example? In the opinion of the writers, the University was mindful of the well being of its staff but a lot more remained to be done, if the working environment of the University was to be judged as safe and meeting enviable international standards.
Danso, H. (2016). Influence of Compacting Rate on the Properties of Compressed Earth Blocks. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2016,
Abstract
Compaction of blocks contributes significantly to the strength properties of compressed earth blocks. This paper investigates the influence of compacting rates on the properties of compressed earth blocks. Experiments were conducted to determine the density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and erosion properties of compressed earth blocks produced with different rates of compacting speed. The study concludes that although the low rate of compaction achieved slightly better performance characteristics, there is no statistically significant difference between the soil blocks produced with low compacting rate and high compacting rate. The study demonstrates that there is not much influence on the properties of compressed earth blocks produced with low and high compacting rates. It was further found that there are strong linear correlations between the compressive strength test and density, and density and the erosion. However, a weak linear correlation was found between tensile strength and compressive strength, and tensile strength and density.
Compaction of blocks contributes significantly to the strength properties of compressed earth blocks. This paper investigates the influence of compacting rates on the properties of compressed earth blocks. Experiments were conducted to determine the density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and erosion properties of compressed earth blocks produced with different rates of compacting speed. The study concludes that although the low rate of compaction achieved slightly better performance characteristics, there is no statistically significant difference between the soil blocks produced with low compacting rate and high compacting rate. The study demonstrates that there is not much influence on the properties of compressed earth blocks produced with low and high compacting rates. It was further found that there are strong linear correlations between the compressive strength test and density, and density and the erosion. However, a weak linear correlation was found between tensile strength and compressive strength, and tensile strength and density.
Danso, H., Martinson, D. B., Ali, M. & Williams, J. B. (2017). Mechanisms by which the inclusion of natural fibres enhance the properties of soil blocks for construction. Journal of Composite Materials, ,
Abstract
Soil blocks are widely used for construction, especially in less economically developed countries. Addition of agricultural waste fibres has been shown to improve the properties of these blocks, however unlike most composites the fibres are not bound to the soil matrix. Therefore, the reinforcement mechanisms are different and not well characterised. This article investigates these mechanisms through a series of experimental studies to inform the development of better guidance for practitioners, and hence improve housing for low-income communities. The microstructural characteristics were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, computerised tomography scan, optical microscope analysis and pull out testing. It was established that fibres in the soil matrix are randomly distributed with gaps between the fibres and soil matrix due to fibre shrinkage during drying of the blocks. It also found that natural fibres in soil matrix can either be pulled-out or rupture under load depending on the depth of fibres embedment in the soil matrix.
Soil blocks are widely used for construction, especially in less economically developed countries. Addition of agricultural waste fibres has been shown to improve the properties of these blocks, however unlike most composites the fibres are not bound to the soil matrix. Therefore, the reinforcement mechanisms are different and not well characterised. This article investigates these mechanisms through a series of experimental studies to inform the development of better guidance for practitioners, and hence improve housing for low-income communities. The microstructural characteristics were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, computerised tomography scan, optical microscope analysis and pull out testing. It was established that fibres in the soil matrix are randomly distributed with gaps between the fibres and soil matrix due to fibre shrinkage during drying of the blocks. It also found that natural fibres in soil matrix can either be pulled-out or rupture under load depending on the depth of fibres embedment in the soil matrix.
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.
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.
Kemevor, A.K., & Aibie, A. (2016). Kundum Festival – A repository of the rich culture of the Nzema at Axim in the Western Region, Ghana.. International Journal of Engineering Research and Management (IJERM)., 3,
Abstract
In this survey, an attempt has been made to give an account of the functions art-forms play in the cultural preservation of the Kundum festival. A mixed method approach which included observation of scenes, interviews and questionnaire administration was employed in collecting data. The sample size for the research analysis was Sixty-eight (68) made up of Fifteen (15) royals and significant community members and fifty-three (53) individual respondents comprising participants, elders, opinion leaders among others. Responses from the royals and significant community members were through interviews conducted whiles research questionnaires were used to gather information from fifty-three (53) individual respondents. The survey outcome indicated that (100%) of the individual respondents said that Akotoko Yanzu is credited with the introduction of the festival from Aboadze. In addition, the outcome from the interview with some royals affirm that all respondents (i.e. [15] 100%) interviewed mentioned the "sienu"(i.e. rites at outskirt of Axim town), the "akpazo"( i.e. sacrificial rites on Tuesday), singing of Kundum dirges, lighting of the Kundum fires among others as some of the important rites, rituals and taboos associated with Kundum celebration. The important role arts play in cultural preservation is that it helps to educate the celebrants to imbibe their cultural practices to help in the preservation of the arts and culture of the people for these is to set the pace for the celebration and to harmonize the relationship between the people and their ancestors.
In this survey, an attempt has been made to give an account of the functions art-forms play in the cultural preservation of the Kundum festival. A mixed method approach which included observation of scenes, interviews and questionnaire administration was employed in collecting data. The sample size for the research analysis was Sixty-eight (68) made up of Fifteen (15) royals and significant community members and fifty-three (53) individual respondents comprising participants, elders, opinion leaders among others. Responses from the royals and significant community members were through interviews conducted whiles research questionnaires were used to gather information from fifty-three (53) individual respondents. The survey outcome indicated that (100%) of the individual respondents said that Akotoko Yanzu is credited with the introduction of the festival from Aboadze. In addition, the outcome from the interview with some royals affirm that all respondents (i.e. [15] 100%) interviewed mentioned the "sienu"(i.e. rites at outskirt of Axim town), the "akpazo"( i.e. sacrificial rites on Tuesday), singing of Kundum dirges, lighting of the Kundum fires among others as some of the important rites, rituals and taboos associated with Kundum celebration. The important role arts play in cultural preservation is that it helps to educate the celebrants to imbibe their cultural practices to help in the preservation of the arts and culture of the people for these is to set the pace for the celebration and to harmonize the relationship between the people and their ancestors.
Addai-Mununkum, R (2017). Adding and Dividing by Religion: The Not-So-Hidden Curriculum of Mission-Public Schools in Ghana. Religion & Education, 44,
Abstract
With the abundance of religious conflicts globally, public schools are called to nurture students for this religiously plural world. To achieve this, scholarship has overly focused on promoting teaching about religion to the neglect of schools’ religious climate and its’ impact on diversity education. This article, written to fill this need, is based on a qualitative case study of 3 pseudo-religious public schools in Ghana. Through interviews, observations, and focus groups, I infer from the findings to argue that, although opportunities exist for schools to create dialogue out of their diversities, it also offers scenarios for dissections along religious lines.
With the abundance of religious conflicts globally, public schools are called to nurture students for this religiously plural world. To achieve this, scholarship has overly focused on promoting teaching about religion to the neglect of schools’ religious climate and its’ impact on diversity education. This article, written to fill this need, is based on a qualitative case study of 3 pseudo-religious public schools in Ghana. Through interviews, observations, and focus groups, I infer from the findings to argue that, although opportunities exist for schools to create dialogue out of their diversities, it also offers scenarios for dissections along religious lines.
Esia-Donkoh, K., Eshun, E. S., Acquaye, V. N. A.., & Amponsah, N. (2017). Learning style preferences of male and female sandwich students of the department of basic education, university of education, Winneba, Ghana. Journal of Innovation in Education in Africa, 1,
Abstract
The study investigated the learning style preference of male and female sandwich students of the Department of Basic Education, University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Ghana. It employed descriptive (quantitative) survey design. Convenience sampling was used to obtain the respondents for the study. Questionnaire was distributed to all 476 students. Four hundred and forty-six (94.5%) questionnaires which were correctly filled were used for the analysis. It was found out that the most preferred learning style of the students was a combination of auditory and visual learning styles. However, more of the male students preferred a combination of auditory and visual learning styles while more of the female students opted for a combination of visual and kinesthetic learning styles. Teacher and learner factors greatly influenced the learning style preferences of the students. There was no statistically significant difference in the perception of male and female students on physical and environmental factors; personal factors; and teacher and learning factors that affect their learning style preferences. Again, there was no statistically significant difference between the male and female students’ perception on the overall factors that affect their learning style preferences. Among other things, it is recommended that lecturers of the Department should ensure that they identify the learning styles of male and female students in order to structure their teaching to suit the learning style needs of the students. Key Words: learning style, preference, male, female, post-diploma, sandwich students.
The study investigated the learning style preference of male and female sandwich students of the Department of Basic Education, University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Ghana. It employed descriptive (quantitative) survey design. Convenience sampling was used to obtain the respondents for the study. Questionnaire was distributed to all 476 students. Four hundred and forty-six (94.5%) questionnaires which were correctly filled were used for the analysis. It was found out that the most preferred learning style of the students was a combination of auditory and visual learning styles. However, more of the male students preferred a combination of auditory and visual learning styles while more of the female students opted for a combination of visual and kinesthetic learning styles. Teacher and learner factors greatly influenced the learning style preferences of the students. There was no statistically significant difference in the perception of male and female students on physical and environmental factors; personal factors; and teacher and learning factors that affect their learning style preferences. Again, there was no statistically significant difference between the male and female students’ perception on the overall factors that affect their learning style preferences. Among other things, it is recommended that lecturers of the Department should ensure that they identify the learning styles of male and female students in order to structure their teaching to suit the learning style needs of the students. Key Words: learning style, preference, male, female, post-diploma, sandwich students.
Akayuure, P. Asiedu-Addo, S. K. & Alebna, V. (2016). Investigating the Effect of Origami Instruction on Pre-service Teachers’ Spatial Ability and Geometric Knowledge for Teaching. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 4,
Abstract
Whereas origami is said to have pedagogical benefits in geometry education, research is inclusive about its effect on spatial ability and geometric knowledge among preservice teachers. The study investigated the effect of origami instruction on these aspects using pretest posttest quasi-experiment design. The experimental group consisted of 52 students while students in the control group were 42. Paper folding test and mental rotation test were used to assess two subscales of spatial ability of the pre-service teachers and achievement test was also used to assess geometric knowledge for teaching shape and space. Data were analyzed using (M)ANOVAs at .05 significance level. The results of univariate ANOVAs show statistical and practical significant effect on spatial orientation and geometric knowledge for teaching, but unpredictably no statistical significant difference in spatial visualization between groups was found. The MANOVA however indicated overall statistically significant difference in posttest mean scores between groups with treatment accounting for 17% of multivariate variance of dependent variable. Implications for adopting origami instructions at the colleges of education were discussed.
Whereas origami is said to have pedagogical benefits in geometry education, research is inclusive about its effect on spatial ability and geometric knowledge among preservice teachers. The study investigated the effect of origami instruction on these aspects using pretest posttest quasi-experiment design. The experimental group consisted of 52 students while students in the control group were 42. Paper folding test and mental rotation test were used to assess two subscales of spatial ability of the pre-service teachers and achievement test was also used to assess geometric knowledge for teaching shape and space. Data were analyzed using (M)ANOVAs at .05 significance level. The results of univariate ANOVAs show statistical and practical significant effect on spatial orientation and geometric knowledge for teaching, but unpredictably no statistical significant difference in spatial visualization between groups was found. The MANOVA however indicated overall statistically significant difference in posttest mean scores between groups with treatment accounting for 17% of multivariate variance of dependent variable. Implications for adopting origami instructions at the colleges of education were discussed.
Akayuure, P. & Ali, C. A. (2016). Incorporating Indigenous Bukre Game Into Mathematics Lessons: A Teaching Experiment. Researchjournali’s Journal of Mathematics, 3,
Abstract
One major drawback to the curriculum demand for the use of indigenous games in mathematics classrooms is the inability of most teachers to identify the mathematics in these games and consequently incorporate them when teaching specific mathematics content. The primary purpose of the study is therefore to analyze and show how the indigenous bukre game could be incorporated into the teaching and learning of probability concepts in junior high school mathematics. Forty-five pupils from Vea Junior High School and a 79-year old knowledgeable man were purposively engaged in bukre game and data were gathered by participant observations and interviews. A comparative analysis uncover that, similar to the classical experiment of tossing a coin, a variety of probability concepts surrounds bukre game. It is also observed that the game can promote pupils’ native conception of probability, intrinsic motivation, friendly classroom dialog and interactions. Implications were discussed within the framework of projecting the use of indigenous games and knowledge systems in teaching and learning mathematics.
One major drawback to the curriculum demand for the use of indigenous games in mathematics classrooms is the inability of most teachers to identify the mathematics in these games and consequently incorporate them when teaching specific mathematics content. The primary purpose of the study is therefore to analyze and show how the indigenous bukre game could be incorporated into the teaching and learning of probability concepts in junior high school mathematics. Forty-five pupils from Vea Junior High School and a 79-year old knowledgeable man were purposively engaged in bukre game and data were gathered by participant observations and interviews. A comparative analysis uncover that, similar to the classical experiment of tossing a coin, a variety of probability concepts surrounds bukre game. It is also observed that the game can promote pupils’ native conception of probability, intrinsic motivation, friendly classroom dialog and interactions. Implications were discussed within the framework of projecting the use of indigenous games and knowledge systems in teaching and learning mathematics.
Ali, C. A. & Peter Akayuure, P. (2016). Infusing Competencies and Skills of Vocational Instructors: Innovations to Boost Science and Technology for National Development. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS), 6,
Abstract
The study explored how teacher-training institutions could infuse the Community Development Vocational and Technical Institutes’ instructors with educational competencies and skills as innovations to boost science and technology to accelerate national development. Even though the restructuring transformed the then Women Vocational Training Institutes into Community Development Vocational and Technical Institutes, and subsequently introduced Core Mathematics, it was still not clear whether the instructors had the required competencies and skills to implement the curriculum. This exploratory survey purposively sampled fifty instructors in three districts of Upper East Region and issued with questionnaires to explore the instructors’ educational and Mathematics backgrounds. Having coded and analysed the data with SPSS software, the findings showed that the educational and mathematical backgrounds of the instructors still require further education and training in the competencies and skills. This would build skilled manpower, create jobs, reduce north-south migration and accelerate national development. We therefore, recommended continuous inter-tertiary collaborations, scholarships and realignment of the CDVTI institutes to the Ghana Education Service to achieve these goals.
The study explored how teacher-training institutions could infuse the Community Development Vocational and Technical Institutes’ instructors with educational competencies and skills as innovations to boost science and technology to accelerate national development. Even though the restructuring transformed the then Women Vocational Training Institutes into Community Development Vocational and Technical Institutes, and subsequently introduced Core Mathematics, it was still not clear whether the instructors had the required competencies and skills to implement the curriculum. This exploratory survey purposively sampled fifty instructors in three districts of Upper East Region and issued with questionnaires to explore the instructors’ educational and Mathematics backgrounds. Having coded and analysed the data with SPSS software, the findings showed that the educational and mathematical backgrounds of the instructors still require further education and training in the competencies and skills. This would build skilled manpower, create jobs, reduce north-south migration and accelerate national development. We therefore, recommended continuous inter-tertiary collaborations, scholarships and realignment of the CDVTI institutes to the Ghana Education Service to achieve these goals.
