R&P Entries

Articles in Journals

Sam, A. & Duncan, B (2022). Assessment of human specimen heavy metals of some selected e-waste miners in Ghana. Elixir Pollution, 162, 55979-55983. http://www.elixirpublishers.com.

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the heavy metals in blood and urine samples of some selected electronic miners (e-miners) in Accra-Ghana. An assessment of heavy metal concentrations in exposed workers is essential in order to monitor and reveal the impact of these metals on human health. Fifty (50) samples of human blood and urine were taken to the laboratory and stored at 4°C until digestion and analysis processes. The results obtained showed that, generally, respondents had more amounts of Cu in their urine (Mean = 0.1844, SD = 0.1245), Cr (Mean = 3.373, SD = 0.8229) in their blood. The study concluded that there is the need for immediate intervention by government and stakeholders for the sake of the community and environment at large. Based on the findings it was recommended immediate government intervention in terms of controlling and regulating the activities of the metal scrap miners with regards to both means of collection and disposal/burning. Further, NGOs, corporate organisation and individuals with the necessary resources can provide capacity training for the elderly involved with such trades. Finally, the capacity of the metal scrap recycling plant has to be enlarged or more of such plants should be built by the government.

 

Faculty of Science EducationJul 21, 20222022/2023

1. Adjei, F., Hanson, R., Sam, A., & Sedegah, S. (2022). The use of collaborative approaches on students’ performance in redox reactions. Science Educational International, 33, (2), 163-170. DOI: doi.org/10.33828/sei.v33.i2.4. http://htttps://doi.org/10.33828/sei.v33.i2.4.

Abstract
This study investigated the use of collaborative instructional approaches on form two science students’ performance in redox reactions. The sample for this study consisted of 106 science students from Winneba Senior High School in Ghana. The sample was selected from two intact classes in the school. After a pre-test organized for both classes, the class with the lower average score was assigned as the experimental group and the other class assigned the control group. Interviews, questionnaires, and tests were used as the main instruments to collect data for the study. The reliability of the questionnaire, pre-test, and post-test items which were determined using Cronbach alpha ranged from 0.76 to 0.80. A collaborative learning text-oriented instruction was applied in teaching the experimental group whereas conventional approach was used in teaching the control group. It was also found that a number of the students who took part in the study had wrong notions about redox reactions. The findings showed that there was a significant difference in performance between the experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed better in the post-test than the control group. It is recommended that chemistry teachers in Ghana should employ the collaborative learning approach in teaching chemistry to enhance the students’ learning. KEY WORDS: Collaborative instructional approaches; collaborative learning approach; redox reactions; text-oriented instruction

 

Faculty of Science EducationJul 21, 20222022/2023

Samlafo, B.V, Tordzro, G.K, Ankudze, B, Mahama, A (2022). Assessment of Seasonal Variations in Water Quality of River Tordzie, Ghana. Resources and Environment, 12, (2), 59-65. DOI: 10.5923/j.re.20221202.03. http://journal.sapub.org/re.

Abstract
River Tordzie is one of the least studied rivers for its water quality and, hence was analysed for seasonal variations in water quality using nineteen physicochemical and metal ion parameters. Water samples were collected from seven sta-tions in triplicates along the banks of the river during the wet and the dry seasons. The water quality index (WQI) was used to estimate water quality, while the student's t-test (two-tailed) assuming equal variance was used to establish any statistically significant difference between the water quality for the dry and wet seasons. Among the physicochemical and metal ions parameters analysed, except for three parameters (SO42-, NO3- and COD) representing 15.79% which did not show statistically significant differences between the wet and dry seasons, statistically significant differences were ob-served among the rest of the 16 parameters representing 84.21%. Eight parameters (Alkalinity, Total hardness (TH), pH, PO43-, TDS, EC, BOD, and DO) showed the highest peak during the dry season representing 42%, while, the other param-eters (colour, turbidity, SO42-, nitrate, COD, TSS, Cl-, and NH4-H) and all the metal ions showed the highest peak during the wet season representing 68%. The evaluated water quality indices for the two seasons were 718.37 and 612.06 for the dry and wet seasons respectively, putting the water quality in the two seasons into the unfit for drinking water category. As such, proper chemical treatment should be given to the water from River Tordzie before those living along the banks of the river use it for their domestic activities. Keywords River Tordzie, wet season, dry season, water quality index, variation, physicochemical parameters.

 

Faculty of Science EducationJul 16, 20222022/2023

Nthontho, M. A., & Addai-Mununkum, R (2021). Towards religious literacy in South African schools: Is the Life Orientation curriculum potent enough?. Journal of Beliefs & Values, 42, (4), 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13617672.2020.1859790.

Abstract
Owing to the mixed-bag effects of religion on society, and particularly South Africa’s history with religion as embedded in the oppression of and liberation from apartheid, a recent curricular review has seen the introduction of teaching about religion in the Life Orientation (LO) curriculum. From our standpoint as academics in Religion Education, we question whether the current curricular arrangement is potent enough to carry the mandate of the National Policy on Religion and Education (hereafter referred to as the religion policy) of promoting religious literacy. To answer this question, we subjected the LO curriculum to content analysis, assessing the underlying content and pedagogical assumptions within the frame of scholarship in religious literacy. While doing so, we make critical reference to the religion policy with the aim of reflecting on government’s intentions with RE in schools.

 

Faculty of Educational StudiesJul 15, 20222022/2023

Acquaye V., Addai-Mununkum, R., Acquah, S., Ananga E. (2022). The new B.Ed. Curriculum and the making of 21st Century teachers in Ghana: Perceptions of UEW teacher trainees on digital pedagogies. International Journal of Basic Education Research and Policy, 4, (3), 87-104.

Abstract
The promulgation of the National Teachers’ Standards has brought to the fore the need to prepare a 21st century teacher who is “effective, engaging, inspirational, and fully prepared to teach the basic school curriculum in order to improve the learning outcomes and life chances of all learners”. To do this, teachers ought to demonstrate soft skills, but more importantly literacy in Information & Communications Technology (ICT). With the introduction of the new B.Ed. curriculum for colleges of Education & Teacher Education Universities, scholarship is curious about how the promise of the new curriculum is manifesting its’ outcome in practice. To respond to this uncertainty, we designed a quantitative descriptive survey to explore how student-teachers perceive of the opportunities offered by the new B.Ed. curriculum for their ICT skills development. All 473 first year students enrolled in B.Ed. Basic Education programme at the University of Education –Winneba for the 2018/2019 academic year were engaged in the study that required them to fill out a 48-item questionnaire. Following descriptive quantitative analyses, the data revealed students’ access to smartphones can be harnessed by educators to facilitate teaching and learning. Yet, gender and age differences exist in students’ access to, abilities to, and appreciation of, ICT use. Besides, access to internet connectivity, and challenges relating to accessing credible information remain obstacles. Implications of these findings for scholarship and practice are presented for discussion.

 

Faculty of Educational StudiesJul 15, 20222022/2023

Acheampong, E.Y., Sarpong, E.O. & Mahamah, M (2022). Understanding sports betting among young male student-teachers in Ghana. Journal of Gambling Issues, 49, 174-200. DOI: 10.4309/jgi.2022.49.8. http://https://jgi.camh.net.

Abstract
Drawing on sports betting, leisure studies and the rationality concept provide information to understand how those training to be teachers are gradually gravitating towards gambling to the detriment of their studies at the university. A thorough analysis of 42 young male adults interviewed at betting shops in the university community revealed how they have become involved in sports betting activities for additional financial rewards. Results show that peer pressure is a strong persuader drawing new student-teachers to sports betting activities, which makes it difficult for them to effectively focus on their studies. This has resulted in certain of the students getting poor grades, loss of concentration in class, strained relationships, increased exclusion or rejection from study groups, as well as significant negative effects on academic work, health and well-being, family, and society at large. This study recommends that stakeholders in education address this increasing social issue among young male adults through effective preventive strategy and educational promotion as an intervention to avoid thwarting the progress of the new educational reforms in Ghana.

 

Faculty of Science EducationJul 07, 20222022/2023

Bansie, M.A., & Sarpong, E.O. (2022). Assessment of Physical Activity Participation Levels among Workers in Financial Institutions. Researchjourali's Journal of Public Health, 8, (2), 1-13. http://www.researchjournali.com.

Abstract
Working in financial institutions can be more time consuming. The available literature on physical activity participation levels among workers in financial institutions in Ghana is scarce. This was the stimulus for this study. The study assessed physical activity levels of participants in financial institutions. Descriptive design within quantitative approach was adopted for the study. One hundred and twenty-six respondents were sampled using multi-stage sampling techniques. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Long Form) was used for data collection. The findings revealed that participants in Micro Finance Institutions recorded the highest mean Metabolic Equivalence of Task (MET) of 1237.80, followed by those in Credit Unions with mean MET of 422.17 and Bank participants recording a mean MET of 318.18 for the work domain. Results also showed that participants in Micro Finance Institutions recorded the highest mean MET in the transportation domain of 523.78, followed by Credit Unions (423.10) and Banks (387.67). Results further indicated that, male participants significantly recorded a higher MET scores of (531.82) than their female counterparts (331.44). An independent samples t-test revealed a statistical difference between male and female Bank workers (t= - 4.04, df= 33.34, p < 0.05). Male Bank workers (M= 565.54; SD = 281.02) recorded higher significant levels of PA than did female Bank workers (M= 324.40; SD = 118.45). Also, a statistical significant difference in PA levels was recorded between male and female Credit Union workers (t= - 2.52, df= 42.88, p < 0.05). Male Credit Union workers (M= 565.15; SD = 162.00) recorded higher significant levels of PA than did females Credit Union workers (M= 448.64; SD = 146.95). A statistical significant difference in PA levels was also recorded between male and female Micro Finance workers (t= - 2.61, df= 23.07, p < 0.05). Male Micro Finance workers (M= 1984.73; SD = 162.00) recorded higher significant levels of PA than did female Micro Finance workers (M= 1431.47; SD = 489.74). It was concluded that workers in financial institutions did not do active physical activities. It was recommended that Managers of Banks and Credit Unions in La Dade Kotopon Municipality of the Greater Accra Region should periodically organise fitness programmes on weekends for their workers to help enhance their physical activity levels. Also, Banks and Credit Unions workers in La Dade Kotopon Municipality of the Greater Accra Region should be encouraged by the Human Resource Manager (HRM) to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activities daily during off times at least 5 times a week or 2 hours on weekends.

 

Faculty of Science EducationJul 07, 20222022/2023

Sarpong, E.O., Adomah, C.D.,Appiah, B.M., Aniabre M. & Tsikata, E. (2022). Variables Associated with Low Female Participation in College of Education Sports in Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana. Universal Journal of Sports Sciences, 2, (1), 1-15. DOI: 10.31586.2022.274. http://www.scipublications.org/journal/index.php/ujss.

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine factors associated with low female participation in colleges of education sports. The population of the study was made up of female colleges of education athletes from Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana. Purposive and simple random techniques were used to the colleges of education and the respondents for the study. All the all the six colleges of education were purposively sampled and sampling technique was used to select the one hundred and eighty (180) participants who participate in the College of Education Sports Association (CoESA) games and in the Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana were used for the study. The main instrument for the study was a self-structured questionnaire (r= 0.92) containing items based on a five-point Likert scale was used for data collection. The data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages and Chi-square test to determine the relationship among the factors. The study revealed that there is the need for college authorities and female coaches in the colleges of education to take care of female athletes and make adequate provision for more modern sports facilities and equipment to sustain their interest in sports participation. The study recommended that, that the coaches should be mindful of their approach to prospective sportswomen. It is also recommended that, various colleges of education should make a concerted effort to organize programmes and seminars regularly to educate females in the colleges on the career benefits of sports participation and iron out their misconceptions.

 

Faculty of Science EducationJul 07, 20222022/2023

Sarpong, E.O (2022). Physical activity participation variables as predictors of cardiorespiratory fitness of Greater Accra fitness club members. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 9, (1), 361-367. DOI: doi.org/10.22271/kheljournal.2022.v9ilf.2398. http://www.kheljournal.com. ISSN: p-ISSN:2394-1685

Abstract
Regular participation in physical activity improves health and well-being. This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of members in Ghanaian fitness Clubs. A descriptive correlational design was used for the study. The sample for the study was 546 Club Members from 18 fitness clubs randomly selected from clubs within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and Cooper ‘12 minutes’ walk/run test were used to gather data for the study. Inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regression were used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that: 1. (74.9%) of the club members possess minimum levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) needed to develop health whilst (25.1%) had low levels that needed improvement 2. Positive significant relationships existed between CRF and Physical Activity Index (PAI) (‘r’=.324, p=.000), Exercise Equipment and Machines (EEM) (‘r’=.178, p =.000), Variety of Physical Activity (VPA) (‘r’=.115, p =.007) while no positive significant relationship existed between CRF and Mode of Instruction (MOI) (‘r’= .065, p=.178 all 2-tailed; and 3. (14.1%) of CRF was predicted by all variables (R square =.141) The study concluded that members in Ghanaian fitness clubs had minimum levels of CRF required for health development implying that improvements in fitness levels can be achieved if the right knowledge on the specific aspects of exercise prescription is applied. It was recommended that stakeholders in the Ghanaian fitness industry should collaborate to institute national policies for the organization of mass sports

 

Faculty of Science EducationJul 07, 20222022/2023

Sarpong, E. O , Sedegah, M. M. & Ofosu, E. K. (2022). Prevailing Injuries among Senior High Students-Athletes in the Akuapem Municipality. Universal Journal of Sports Sciences, 2, (1), 16-24. DOI: 10.31586.2022.276. http://https://www.scipublications.com/jou rnal/index.php/ujss/article/view/276.

Abstract
Sports injuries among student-athletes in high schools have become prevalent in most developing countries such as Ghana. In identifying the prevailing injuries among senior high student-athletes in the Akuapem municipality, a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 610 student-athletes were purposely selected for the study to respond to the DEMASS inventory questionnaire regarding their opinion on the prevailing sports injuries. The results indicated that wounds (67.8%), knee injury (65.1%), muscle cramps (56.1%), and thigh injury (55.1%) were prevailing in S.H.S tournament than sprain (37.8%), strain (32.0%), dislocation (30.0%), fracture (31.3%), nose bleeding (31.3%) and groin injuries (23.1%). Participants who played more games professed that the number of games played contributed to sustaining sprain, strain, dislocation, and nose bleeding. Further studies should be carried out at other places and districts to uncover more about injuries sustained during high school sports competitions to minimize their occurrence.

 

Faculty of Science EducationJul 07, 20222022/2023

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