R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Appau, O. B. (2016). Using Counselling to Improve Academic Performance of Students at the College of Agriculture Education of the University of Education, Winneba. International Journal of Educational Leadership, 6,
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the extent improved students’ counselling could contribute to academic achievements of students of the College of Agriculture Education of the University of Education, Winneba. Statistics of graduates from 2010 to 2013 for the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and Integrated Science Education were collated and analysed using descriptive statistics. Besides this approach, the student counselling system in the College was observed over the same period. In doing this, a literature search on students’ academic success measures were equally done to compare with the students’ counselling system used at the College. It was found that most students did not know their academic counsellors; there were too many students to one counsellor; counsellors did not have adequate space for counseling. Consequently, it was recommended, among other things, that senior members (non-teaching) should be given the responsibility to counsel students so as to reduce the counsellor-counsellee ratio.
This study was undertaken to assess the extent improved students’ counselling could contribute to academic achievements of students of the College of Agriculture Education of the University of Education, Winneba. Statistics of graduates from 2010 to 2013 for the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and Integrated Science Education were collated and analysed using descriptive statistics. Besides this approach, the student counselling system in the College was observed over the same period. In doing this, a literature search on students’ academic success measures were equally done to compare with the students’ counselling system used at the College. It was found that most students did not know their academic counsellors; there were too many students to one counsellor; counsellors did not have adequate space for counseling. Consequently, it was recommended, among other things, that senior members (non-teaching) should be given the responsibility to counsel students so as to reduce the counsellor-counsellee ratio.
Iddris, F. & Musa, A. M. (2016). The perception of Ghanaian students on teaching and learning at the College of Technology Education, University of Education, Winneba.. International Journal of Educational Leadership, 6,
Abstract
Amoako-Gyampah K. A. (2015). STRIKING WHERE IT HURTS: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF GRADUATE TEACHERS STRIKES AND LABOUR RELATIONS IN GHANA’S PUBLIC EDUCATION SECTOR. African Review of Economics and Finance, 7,
Abstract
This article examines the 2005 and 2006 strike actions of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT). It seeks to investigate the root causes of teacher grievances during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s administration; government responses to these agitations; and, finally, to highlight significant contours of the political economy of labour relations in Ghana’s public education sector. It is demonstrated that, among other things, it was the lackadaisical attitude of government, the Education Ministry and the Ghana Education Service in resolving the teachers’ grievances that resulted in the 2005 and 2006 strikes. I also argue that the posturing of the government and its institutions in resolving the teacher’s grievances, once the strike had started, entrenched the attitudes of the striking teachers and prolonged the strike action. Government’s failure to stifle teacher’s discontent and find an amicable settlement resulted in legal pressure and threats of dismissal aimed at compelling the striking teachers to end their action. Government also attempted to drive a wedge between NAGRAT and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) by hiding behind the technicality of the use of the collective bargaining certificate in the education sector, and presented the strike action as a rift between GNAT and NAGRAT, rather than between NAGRAT and the government. Furthermore, government sought, subtly, to pitch the public (at least its sympathisers) against the striking teachers by constructing the strike action as politically inspired to discredit its administration. Primary sources used for the article were drawn from personal interviews, newspaper reports, observations, and official union documents, which include letters, memoranda and press releases.
This article examines the 2005 and 2006 strike actions of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT). It seeks to investigate the root causes of teacher grievances during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s administration; government responses to these agitations; and, finally, to highlight significant contours of the political economy of labour relations in Ghana’s public education sector. It is demonstrated that, among other things, it was the lackadaisical attitude of government, the Education Ministry and the Ghana Education Service in resolving the teachers’ grievances that resulted in the 2005 and 2006 strikes. I also argue that the posturing of the government and its institutions in resolving the teacher’s grievances, once the strike had started, entrenched the attitudes of the striking teachers and prolonged the strike action. Government’s failure to stifle teacher’s discontent and find an amicable settlement resulted in legal pressure and threats of dismissal aimed at compelling the striking teachers to end their action. Government also attempted to drive a wedge between NAGRAT and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) by hiding behind the technicality of the use of the collective bargaining certificate in the education sector, and presented the strike action as a rift between GNAT and NAGRAT, rather than between NAGRAT and the government. Furthermore, government sought, subtly, to pitch the public (at least its sympathisers) against the striking teachers by constructing the strike action as politically inspired to discredit its administration. Primary sources used for the article were drawn from personal interviews, newspaper reports, observations, and official union documents, which include letters, memoranda and press releases.
Sarpong, E. O., Apaak, D. & Dominic, O.L (2015). Reported Physical Activity Levels And Equipment Use As Predictors Of Body Composition Of Members In Ghanaian Fitness Clubs. Researchjournali’s Journal of Public Health, 1,
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether Ghanaian adults‟ self-reported physical activity and exercise equipment use reflected their fitness levels in body composition as measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio(WHR) using the descriptive correlational study design. The population for the study was all the 40 registered Fitness Clubs in the Western Region of Ghana with an accessible population of 550 members. A total of Fifty-Five (55) respondents were randomly selected as the sample using the Proportionate Sampling by Size Technique .Data was collected through a researcher-designed Structured Questionnaire which was validated by three experts that elicited information from members on reported level of physical activity and equipment use. Standardized measurements of BMI, WHR and BFP were used to assess body composition. Inferential statistics of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient and Stepwise Regression analysis were employed to test three hypotheses that were generated at a significant level of 0.05. Findings of this study revealed that there were no significant relationship between body composition and reported physical activity and equipment use among apparently healthy Ghanaian adults in fitness clubs; also the independent variables were not significant predictors of body composition. Based on the findings it was recommended that physical fitness specialists should depend on reliable and objective recall measures than self-reports in assessing fitness parameters, again investigation into the effects of other factors like age, gender, dietary patterns that may predict body composition among adults should be the focus of future research. Keywords: Apparently Healthy Adults; Body Composition; Health-related Physical Fitness Components; Obesity; Physical activity
The purpose of this study was to determine whether Ghanaian adults‟ self-reported physical activity and exercise equipment use reflected their fitness levels in body composition as measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio(WHR) using the descriptive correlational study design. The population for the study was all the 40 registered Fitness Clubs in the Western Region of Ghana with an accessible population of 550 members. A total of Fifty-Five (55) respondents were randomly selected as the sample using the Proportionate Sampling by Size Technique .Data was collected through a researcher-designed Structured Questionnaire which was validated by three experts that elicited information from members on reported level of physical activity and equipment use. Standardized measurements of BMI, WHR and BFP were used to assess body composition. Inferential statistics of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient and Stepwise Regression analysis were employed to test three hypotheses that were generated at a significant level of 0.05. Findings of this study revealed that there were no significant relationship between body composition and reported physical activity and equipment use among apparently healthy Ghanaian adults in fitness clubs; also the independent variables were not significant predictors of body composition. Based on the findings it was recommended that physical fitness specialists should depend on reliable and objective recall measures than self-reports in assessing fitness parameters, again investigation into the effects of other factors like age, gender, dietary patterns that may predict body composition among adults should be the focus of future research. Keywords: Apparently Healthy Adults; Body Composition; Health-related Physical Fitness Components; Obesity; Physical activity
Sarpong, E.O. & Apaak, D. (2016). Assessing the Predictors of the Content and Pedagogical Knowledge of Fitness Instructors in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 7,
Abstract
Fitness centers require professional instructors to ensure members obtain the safest and most effective exercise classes. Certification and licensure enable fitness instructors to demonstrate a strong desire to be knowledgeable and committed to expand their capabilities and offer more diverse services to their clientele. This study therefore sought to determine whether fitness instructors in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana had the needed professional competence required to be effective as instructors. A descriptive correlational research design was used for the study. A total of 18 instructors were purposively selected from an accessible population of 45. A researcher designed appraisal questionnaire was used to gather data for the study. Three hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed no significant relationship existed between highest academic qualification (HAQ) (‘r’ = .427, p = .077), area of study (AoS) (‘r’ = -.385, p = .115, as well as years of experience (YoE) and level of knowledge (‘r’ = .192, p = .444) all 2-tailed. It was concluded that academic qualification, area of study and years of experience did significantly relate with the level of knowledge suggesting that the instructors’ lack of training, certification and licensure culminated into their low levels of current knowledge in fitness instruction. It was recommended that the National Association for all Sports, Ghana and other stakeholders should develop a national plan for the training, certification and licensure of Fitness Instructors in Ghana. Keywords: fitness instructor, pedagogical knowledge, training, certification,
Fitness centers require professional instructors to ensure members obtain the safest and most effective exercise classes. Certification and licensure enable fitness instructors to demonstrate a strong desire to be knowledgeable and committed to expand their capabilities and offer more diverse services to their clientele. This study therefore sought to determine whether fitness instructors in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana had the needed professional competence required to be effective as instructors. A descriptive correlational research design was used for the study. A total of 18 instructors were purposively selected from an accessible population of 45. A researcher designed appraisal questionnaire was used to gather data for the study. Three hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed no significant relationship existed between highest academic qualification (HAQ) (‘r’ = .427, p = .077), area of study (AoS) (‘r’ = -.385, p = .115, as well as years of experience (YoE) and level of knowledge (‘r’ = .192, p = .444) all 2-tailed. It was concluded that academic qualification, area of study and years of experience did significantly relate with the level of knowledge suggesting that the instructors’ lack of training, certification and licensure culminated into their low levels of current knowledge in fitness instruction. It was recommended that the National Association for all Sports, Ghana and other stakeholders should develop a national plan for the training, certification and licensure of Fitness Instructors in Ghana. Keywords: fitness instructor, pedagogical knowledge, training, certification,
Doamekpor, L.K, Darko, R., Klake, R.K, Samlafo, B.V, Bobobee, L.H, Akpabli, C.K and Nartey, V.K (2016). Assessment of the contribution of road runoffs to surface water pollution in the New Juaben Municipality, Ghana. Journal of Geoscience and Environmental Protection, 4,
Abstract
Road runoffs were sampled from five highways and five urban roads located in the New Juaben Municipality during the late storm events in the month of November 2014 and the early storm events in January 2015. A variety of water quality parameters such as, pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), aqueous concentrations of Chloride (Cl−), Phosphate , Nitrate and Sulphate ions as well as the total concentrations of some selected heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr) were analysed for both periods. Although the results for the studied parameters, particularly the heavy metals varied for both sampling periods, the general trend indicated an increase in accumulation from November 2014 to January 2015. This was attributed to vehicular deposition as well as other natural and anthropogenic depositions on the road surfaces during the antecedent dry weather period between the two sampling months. The highest increase in pollutant loadings was associated with the heavy metals and some physico-chemical parameters such as TSS, TDS, EC and turbidity. Generally, EC, TDS, TSS and turbidity were above the permissible limits of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana for both sampling periods. However, almost all the mean concentrations of heavy metals recorded for both road runoffs and the control samples were within the permissible limits of the Ghana EPA with some few exceptions.
Road runoffs were sampled from five highways and five urban roads located in the New Juaben Municipality during the late storm events in the month of November 2014 and the early storm events in January 2015. A variety of water quality parameters such as, pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), aqueous concentrations of Chloride (Cl−), Phosphate , Nitrate and Sulphate ions as well as the total concentrations of some selected heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr) were analysed for both periods. Although the results for the studied parameters, particularly the heavy metals varied for both sampling periods, the general trend indicated an increase in accumulation from November 2014 to January 2015. This was attributed to vehicular deposition as well as other natural and anthropogenic depositions on the road surfaces during the antecedent dry weather period between the two sampling months. The highest increase in pollutant loadings was associated with the heavy metals and some physico-chemical parameters such as TSS, TDS, EC and turbidity. Generally, EC, TDS, TSS and turbidity were above the permissible limits of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana for both sampling periods. However, almost all the mean concentrations of heavy metals recorded for both road runoffs and the control samples were within the permissible limits of the Ghana EPA with some few exceptions.
Sarpong, E.O. (2016). Waist-to-hip ratio measures as predictors of cardiorespiratory fitness among female human kinetics students in university of Ilorin. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 3,
Abstract
Being overweight is a major risk factor for a variety of chronic ailments and injuries including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type II diabetes, and certain body site- specific cancers. The study aimed at determining the predictive capacity of waist-to-hip ratio measures and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of female students. The ex-post facto design was used in this study. The population comprised all 200 level female students that offered ‘Fitness for Life’ (HKE 210) for the 2014/2015 academic session numbering 60. The waist –to- hip ratio and the Cooper 12 minute walk/run test were used to collect data for this study. Percentage was used to answer research questions while the PPMC and Multiple Regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings showed that (94.9%) were between 17-29 years, (58.3%) had waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measures detrimental to health while (60.3%) needed improvement in their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). A significant positive relationship existed between WHR and CRF. 60.2 % of CRF was predicted by WHR alone. The study concluded that participants did not have the minimum fitness level and WHR was a significant predictor of CRF. It was recommended that assessment of fitness levels should be a regular feature in the events of the HKE department among others. Keywords: predictors, waist-to-hip ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular disease
Being overweight is a major risk factor for a variety of chronic ailments and injuries including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type II diabetes, and certain body site- specific cancers. The study aimed at determining the predictive capacity of waist-to-hip ratio measures and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of female students. The ex-post facto design was used in this study. The population comprised all 200 level female students that offered ‘Fitness for Life’ (HKE 210) for the 2014/2015 academic session numbering 60. The waist –to- hip ratio and the Cooper 12 minute walk/run test were used to collect data for this study. Percentage was used to answer research questions while the PPMC and Multiple Regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings showed that (94.9%) were between 17-29 years, (58.3%) had waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measures detrimental to health while (60.3%) needed improvement in their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). A significant positive relationship existed between WHR and CRF. 60.2 % of CRF was predicted by WHR alone. The study concluded that participants did not have the minimum fitness level and WHR was a significant predictor of CRF. It was recommended that assessment of fitness levels should be a regular feature in the events of the HKE department among others. Keywords: predictors, waist-to-hip ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular disease
Samlafo, B.V (2016). Awareness levels of possible health hazards associated with the wearing of lipsticks among female students at University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. International Journal Advances in Social Science and humanities, 4,
Abstract
It appears people find many reasons for applying various chemical preparations such as cosmetics to their body. This study explores the reasons why female students in University of Education, Winneba (UEW) wear lipsticks and whether or not they are aware of the presence of lead (Pb) in these products, and its possible health hazards. The participants (358) were all female students in the Faculty of Science Education from levels 100 to 600 and within age bracket of 18- 20 years to above 36 years. The study revealed that, the use of lipsticks among UEW female students was common with 74.86% ( n= 268) of the participants patronising the products and 25,14% (n=90) not utilizing the products on grounds of religious and personal principles. The main reason behind the wearing of lipstick among UEW female students was self-esteem, contrary to the perception that, lipsticks are worn by female students to attract the opposite sex. However, 81.56% (n=292) of the participants were unaware of the presence of lead in lipsticks. The 18.44% of participants who claimed to be aware of the presence of lead in lipsticks could not demonstrate a basic test to show that a given product contained lead. Only 2.23% (n=8) of the participants gave the correct test for the presence of lead in a given product, though none of the 8 participants could give an example of the health implications of lead in consumable products. A total of 95.81%, (n=343) of the participants have on idea about the test for the presence of lead in lipstick. Poor reading culture and lack of scientific literacy were suspected to be some of the reasons behind female students not knowing the possible health hazards associated with the wearing of lipsticks. Hence, a cosmetic producer in business today, scarcely receive a letter of complaint saying your product has cause damage to my body.
It appears people find many reasons for applying various chemical preparations such as cosmetics to their body. This study explores the reasons why female students in University of Education, Winneba (UEW) wear lipsticks and whether or not they are aware of the presence of lead (Pb) in these products, and its possible health hazards. The participants (358) were all female students in the Faculty of Science Education from levels 100 to 600 and within age bracket of 18- 20 years to above 36 years. The study revealed that, the use of lipsticks among UEW female students was common with 74.86% ( n= 268) of the participants patronising the products and 25,14% (n=90) not utilizing the products on grounds of religious and personal principles. The main reason behind the wearing of lipstick among UEW female students was self-esteem, contrary to the perception that, lipsticks are worn by female students to attract the opposite sex. However, 81.56% (n=292) of the participants were unaware of the presence of lead in lipsticks. The 18.44% of participants who claimed to be aware of the presence of lead in lipsticks could not demonstrate a basic test to show that a given product contained lead. Only 2.23% (n=8) of the participants gave the correct test for the presence of lead in a given product, though none of the 8 participants could give an example of the health implications of lead in consumable products. A total of 95.81%, (n=343) of the participants have on idea about the test for the presence of lead in lipstick. Poor reading culture and lack of scientific literacy were suspected to be some of the reasons behind female students not knowing the possible health hazards associated with the wearing of lipsticks. Hence, a cosmetic producer in business today, scarcely receive a letter of complaint saying your product has cause damage to my body.
Twumasi, A.K, Samlafo, B.V, and Addo, G.M (2016). Assessment of domestic water quality supplied to households in the Effutu Municipality, Ghana. International Journal of Current Research, 8,
Abstract
The quality of domestic water supplied to households in the Effutu Municipality was evaluated using twenty-two physico-chemical parameters. Pearson rank correlation coefficient and an independent one-tailed student t-test were used to analyse the results. Except for colour, no significant statistical differences were observed between the samples from the headworks (HW) and the households. The correlation between the headworks (Hw) and household in terms of the other parameters varied from 0.99-1.0. Generally, water samples from both the Hw and the households were potable by WHO standards. However, the presence of total coliform ranging from 10.0 cfu/100.0mL at V7 (Pupils) to 489.25 cfu/100.0 mL at V1 (Roman school) and faecal coliform of 0.75 cfu/100.0 mL at V8 (New Winneba) to 20.50 cfu/100.0 mL at V4 (Junction) in some household samples were of much concern as these levels have a high tendency to compromise the health status of consumers. Occasional breaks in pipe-lines and water rationing were found to be some of the causes of external waters infiltrating into the distribution systems. Passing pipelines through gutters and illegal connections by individuals should be discouraged by Ghana Water Company (GWC) Ltd.
The quality of domestic water supplied to households in the Effutu Municipality was evaluated using twenty-two physico-chemical parameters. Pearson rank correlation coefficient and an independent one-tailed student t-test were used to analyse the results. Except for colour, no significant statistical differences were observed between the samples from the headworks (HW) and the households. The correlation between the headworks (Hw) and household in terms of the other parameters varied from 0.99-1.0. Generally, water samples from both the Hw and the households were potable by WHO standards. However, the presence of total coliform ranging from 10.0 cfu/100.0mL at V7 (Pupils) to 489.25 cfu/100.0 mL at V1 (Roman school) and faecal coliform of 0.75 cfu/100.0 mL at V8 (New Winneba) to 20.50 cfu/100.0 mL at V4 (Junction) in some household samples were of much concern as these levels have a high tendency to compromise the health status of consumers. Occasional breaks in pipe-lines and water rationing were found to be some of the causes of external waters infiltrating into the distribution systems. Passing pipelines through gutters and illegal connections by individuals should be discouraged by Ghana Water Company (GWC) Ltd.
Alubokin, B. & Akyina, K. O. (2015). Effects of divorce on the academic performance of some selected public senior high school students in the Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 2,
Abstract
The study set off to find out the effect of divorce on academic performance of selected public Senior High School students in Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was adopted and a combination of simple random, purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 100 students, 10 school counsellors and 10 parents for the study. Frequency analysis and t-test were used to answer the research questions and test the hypothesis respectively. It came out that students from divorced homes were high academic achievers but became low academic achievers after their families divorced. Divorce was therefore found to significantly limit students’ academic performance. It was recommended that counsellors identify students from divorced homes and counsel them.
The study set off to find out the effect of divorce on academic performance of selected public Senior High School students in Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was adopted and a combination of simple random, purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 100 students, 10 school counsellors and 10 parents for the study. Frequency analysis and t-test were used to answer the research questions and test the hypothesis respectively. It came out that students from divorced homes were high academic achievers but became low academic achievers after their families divorced. Divorce was therefore found to significantly limit students’ academic performance. It was recommended that counsellors identify students from divorced homes and counsel them.
