R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Hanson, R. (2018). Teacher trainees' interpretations of chemical stability and chemical reactivity. International Journal for Cross-Disciplinary Subjects in Education (IJCDSE), 9,
Abstract
This paper reveals teacher trainees’ over-reliance on the octet model. It assesses the nature and possible origins of these conceptions. One hundred and thirty-eight teacher trainees in a teaching university, who were purposely selected, participated in this case study. Instruments used in gathering data were worksheets and focus group interviews. Data obtained were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Records of the interviews were transcribed after thematic descriptions. Findings showed that majority of the trainees relied heavily on the full shell concept model, which they imbibed from teachers, and so confused the chemical reactivity framework with that of chemical stability. This led them to pay attention to irrelevant features to the negligence of other authentic reasons in their assigned task. The octet model also led the trainees to reduce the relevant number of propositions that they could have considered as possibilities in differentiating between models. These findings will add to existing knowledge among the science learning community as they are relevant to educators interested in conceptual development and students’ learning progressions. Remediation was recommended to enable the trainees to form proper mental models of the concept of chemical stability and its application through innovative constructivist teaching strategies.
This paper reveals teacher trainees’ over-reliance on the octet model. It assesses the nature and possible origins of these conceptions. One hundred and thirty-eight teacher trainees in a teaching university, who were purposely selected, participated in this case study. Instruments used in gathering data were worksheets and focus group interviews. Data obtained were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Records of the interviews were transcribed after thematic descriptions. Findings showed that majority of the trainees relied heavily on the full shell concept model, which they imbibed from teachers, and so confused the chemical reactivity framework with that of chemical stability. This led them to pay attention to irrelevant features to the negligence of other authentic reasons in their assigned task. The octet model also led the trainees to reduce the relevant number of propositions that they could have considered as possibilities in differentiating between models. These findings will add to existing knowledge among the science learning community as they are relevant to educators interested in conceptual development and students’ learning progressions. Remediation was recommended to enable the trainees to form proper mental models of the concept of chemical stability and its application through innovative constructivist teaching strategies.
Safo-Adu, G. & Hanson, R. (2019). Practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in the Gomoa East District, Ghana. European Journal of Earth and Environment, 6,
Abstract
This study assessed the practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in Gomoa East District in the Central Region of Ghana. A cross sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. Random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 inhabitants in three urban communities. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The study showed that a significant number of respondents (80.8%) had high knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene than respondents (2.5 %) with low knowledge. Respondents who had good standard practices regarding environmental sanitation and hygiene were 43 % greater than respondents with poor standard practices. Chi-square test results showed that no association exist between sex and knowledge = 2.32, p = 0.31) and age and knowledge = 2.03, p = 0.36). However, there was significant association between occupation and knowledge ( = 42.10, p=0.00). A Pearson product-moment correlation result showed that there was no relationship between standard practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene (r = 0.058, p = 0.274). Major findings of the study leads to a conclusion that even though inhabitants knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene was high there was a clear gap between knowledge and actual practices hence the District Environmental Health and sanitation Department in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency should implement effective behavioral change communication strategy among the urban dwellers to translate knowledge into actual practice. Keywords: Environmental sanitation, Practices, Knowledge, Hygiene, Urban Dwellers.
This study assessed the practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in Gomoa East District in the Central Region of Ghana. A cross sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. Random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 inhabitants in three urban communities. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The study showed that a significant number of respondents (80.8%) had high knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene than respondents (2.5 %) with low knowledge. Respondents who had good standard practices regarding environmental sanitation and hygiene were 43 % greater than respondents with poor standard practices. Chi-square test results showed that no association exist between sex and knowledge = 2.32, p = 0.31) and age and knowledge = 2.03, p = 0.36). However, there was significant association between occupation and knowledge ( = 42.10, p=0.00). A Pearson product-moment correlation result showed that there was no relationship between standard practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene (r = 0.058, p = 0.274). Major findings of the study leads to a conclusion that even though inhabitants knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene was high there was a clear gap between knowledge and actual practices hence the District Environmental Health and sanitation Department in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency should implement effective behavioral change communication strategy among the urban dwellers to translate knowledge into actual practice. Keywords: Environmental sanitation, Practices, Knowledge, Hygiene, Urban Dwellers.
Safo-Adu, G. & Hanson, R. (2019). Praactices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in the Gomoa East District, Ghana. European Journal of Earth and Environment, 6,
Abstract
This study assessed the practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in Gomoa East District in the Central Region of Ghana. A cross sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. Random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 inhabitants in three urban communities. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The study showed that a significant number of respondents (80.8%) had high knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene than respondents (2.5 %) with low knowledge. Respondents who had good standard practices regarding environmental sanitation and hygiene were 43 % greater than respondents with poor standard practices. Chi-square test results showed that no association exist between sex and knowledge = 2.32, p = 0.31) and age and knowledge = 2.03, p = 0.36). However, there was significant association between occupation and knowledge ( = 42.10, p=0.00). A Pearson product-moment correlation result showed that there was no relationship between standard practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene (r = 0.058, p = 0.274). Major findings of the study leads to a conclusion that even though inhabitants knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene was high there was a clear gap between knowledge and actual practices hence the District Environmental Health and sanitation Department in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency should implement effective behavioral change communication strategy among the urban dwellers to translate knowledge into actual practice. Keywords: Environmental sanitation, Practices, Knowledge, Hygiene, Urban Dwellers.
This study assessed the practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene among urban dwellers in Gomoa East District in the Central Region of Ghana. A cross sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. Random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 inhabitants in three urban communities. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The study showed that a significant number of respondents (80.8%) had high knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene than respondents (2.5 %) with low knowledge. Respondents who had good standard practices regarding environmental sanitation and hygiene were 43 % greater than respondents with poor standard practices. Chi-square test results showed that no association exist between sex and knowledge = 2.32, p = 0.31) and age and knowledge = 2.03, p = 0.36). However, there was significant association between occupation and knowledge ( = 42.10, p=0.00). A Pearson product-moment correlation result showed that there was no relationship between standard practices and knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene (r = 0.058, p = 0.274). Major findings of the study leads to a conclusion that even though inhabitants knowledge about environmental sanitation and hygiene was high there was a clear gap between knowledge and actual practices hence the District Environmental Health and sanitation Department in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency should implement effective behavioral change communication strategy among the urban dwellers to translate knowledge into actual practice. Keywords: Environmental sanitation, Practices, Knowledge, Hygiene, Urban Dwellers.
Nsiah Asante, J. & Hanson, R. (2018). Exploring Ghanaian children's conservation of number. Journal of Information Technologies and Lifelong Learning (JITLL), 1,
Abstract
The study was based on Piaget’s theory of Cognitive development and the main aim of the study was to find out if Piaget’s theory on children’s number conservation at the concrete stage holds for Ghanaian early children. Fifty-four (54) kindergarten and lower primary school children were randomly selected from three (3) public and two (3) private schools purposively selected from schools in the Winneba Municipality. The procedure used was mainly interview method using some of Piaget’s tasks to test for conservation of number. The 7-8 years old were identified to be conservers of number than the 3-6 years old. Generally, the results supported Piaget’s theory of cognitive development where the older children (7-8 years) performed better than the younger children (3-4 years; 5-6years) at the number tasks. There was also no significant difference on how the public and private school children performed on the number task. In conclusion, the results of this study agree with Piaget’s theory of Cognitive development that the concrete operational stage marks the development of conservation and that the Ghanaian children tested were no different in their cognitive stage as with the Swiss children used by Piaget.
The study was based on Piaget’s theory of Cognitive development and the main aim of the study was to find out if Piaget’s theory on children’s number conservation at the concrete stage holds for Ghanaian early children. Fifty-four (54) kindergarten and lower primary school children were randomly selected from three (3) public and two (3) private schools purposively selected from schools in the Winneba Municipality. The procedure used was mainly interview method using some of Piaget’s tasks to test for conservation of number. The 7-8 years old were identified to be conservers of number than the 3-6 years old. Generally, the results supported Piaget’s theory of cognitive development where the older children (7-8 years) performed better than the younger children (3-4 years; 5-6years) at the number tasks. There was also no significant difference on how the public and private school children performed on the number task. In conclusion, the results of this study agree with Piaget’s theory of Cognitive development that the concrete operational stage marks the development of conservation and that the Ghanaian children tested were no different in their cognitive stage as with the Swiss children used by Piaget.
Sam, A., Eminah, J. K., Hanson, R., & Raheem, K. (2019). Teacher trainees' alternative conceptions about some aspects of coordination chemistry: A case study at the University of Education, Winneba- Ghana. European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Studies, 7,
Abstract
Students’ alternative conceptions of some aspects of coordination chemistry namely nomenclature and geometry, geometrical isomerism, bonding and colours in complexes differ greatly from scientific concepts. This study investigated the causes of students’ alternative conceptions and how they express these conceptions in coordination chemistry. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction (MER) approach was used. The access population were all third-year chemistry pre-service teacher trainees in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)-Ghana with sample size of fifteen (15) students. A pre-test administered at the beginning of the study in a class of 5 groups, comprising 3 students each over eleven weeks showed that students had alternative conceptions about some aspects of coordination chemistry. The students’ alternative conceptions were derived from two-tiered questions, written tasks and inorganic formulae of some coordination chemistry complexes. The results among others indicated that the causes of the students’ alternative conceptions emanated from their inability to distinguish between 2D and 3D visualisation and the misunderstandings of some inorganic chemistry terms. The study recommended that the coordination chemistry content at UEW has to be well connected in order to give the students a broader basis for conceptual change through meaningful interventional approaches such as Science Writing Heuristics (SWH) and Modelling and Modelling Skills (MMS). Keywords: Alternative conceptions, conceptual change, heuristics, modelling skills.
Students’ alternative conceptions of some aspects of coordination chemistry namely nomenclature and geometry, geometrical isomerism, bonding and colours in complexes differ greatly from scientific concepts. This study investigated the causes of students’ alternative conceptions and how they express these conceptions in coordination chemistry. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction (MER) approach was used. The access population were all third-year chemistry pre-service teacher trainees in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)-Ghana with sample size of fifteen (15) students. A pre-test administered at the beginning of the study in a class of 5 groups, comprising 3 students each over eleven weeks showed that students had alternative conceptions about some aspects of coordination chemistry. The students’ alternative conceptions were derived from two-tiered questions, written tasks and inorganic formulae of some coordination chemistry complexes. The results among others indicated that the causes of the students’ alternative conceptions emanated from their inability to distinguish between 2D and 3D visualisation and the misunderstandings of some inorganic chemistry terms. The study recommended that the coordination chemistry content at UEW has to be well connected in order to give the students a broader basis for conceptual change through meaningful interventional approaches such as Science Writing Heuristics (SWH) and Modelling and Modelling Skills (MMS). Keywords: Alternative conceptions, conceptual change, heuristics, modelling skills.
Mak-Mensah, E., Sam, A., & Hanson, R. (2018). Using cooperative learning to enhance pupils’ understanding about the solar system in the Agortime-Ziope District of Ghana. European Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5,
Abstract
Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups of learners so that they work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning. This study investigated the use of cooperative learning to enhance the performance of upper primary pupils in science. A mixed method approach with a quasi-experimental design was used. The access population was upper primary pupils from Kortsrala and Takuve D/A primary schools in the Agortime-Ziope district of the Volta region of Ghana with a sample size of 32 pupils. The sample was divided into experimental and control group with each group consisting of sixteen pupils. A pre-test administered at the beginning of the study, showed that both groups had about the same entry point. The experimental group was taught using the cooperative learning method while the control group was taught using the old-fashioned way of teaching. At the end of the four weeks treatment, both groups were post-tested. A whole class interview session was conducted with the experimental group after the post test. Post-test results showed that pupils taught with the cooperative learning approach exhibited high academic performance and thus prove that cooperative learning enhances pupil’s own understanding of concepts. It also showed that using collaborative techniques such as paired or group modeling go further than simply motivating students through other verbal, coercive and independent (individual) work approaches. Keywords: Concepts, cooperative learning, primary school, pupils, solar system.
Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups of learners so that they work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning. This study investigated the use of cooperative learning to enhance the performance of upper primary pupils in science. A mixed method approach with a quasi-experimental design was used. The access population was upper primary pupils from Kortsrala and Takuve D/A primary schools in the Agortime-Ziope district of the Volta region of Ghana with a sample size of 32 pupils. The sample was divided into experimental and control group with each group consisting of sixteen pupils. A pre-test administered at the beginning of the study, showed that both groups had about the same entry point. The experimental group was taught using the cooperative learning method while the control group was taught using the old-fashioned way of teaching. At the end of the four weeks treatment, both groups were post-tested. A whole class interview session was conducted with the experimental group after the post test. Post-test results showed that pupils taught with the cooperative learning approach exhibited high academic performance and thus prove that cooperative learning enhances pupil’s own understanding of concepts. It also showed that using collaborative techniques such as paired or group modeling go further than simply motivating students through other verbal, coercive and independent (individual) work approaches. Keywords: Concepts, cooperative learning, primary school, pupils, solar system.
Oppong, E. K. & Hanson, R. (2019). 2-(pentadinyl-1,3)-5-(3,4-dihydroxy-butynyl-1)-thiophene and stigmasterol from the chloroform extract of the root of Blumea aurita var. foliosa. International Journal of Applied Chemistry, 15,
Abstract
A shade-dried pulverised sample of the whole root of Blumea auirta var. foliolosa was exhaustively extracted with cold chloroform. Chromatographic technique was used to purify two compounds. Spectroscopic methods and other analytical techniques identified the compounds as 2-(pentadinyl-1, 3)–5- (3, 4-dihydoxy-butylnyl-1)-thiophene and stigmasterol, a plant sterol. Key words: Chromatography, spectroscopy, Blumea aurita var. foliolosa.
A shade-dried pulverised sample of the whole root of Blumea auirta var. foliolosa was exhaustively extracted with cold chloroform. Chromatographic technique was used to purify two compounds. Spectroscopic methods and other analytical techniques identified the compounds as 2-(pentadinyl-1, 3)–5- (3, 4-dihydoxy-butylnyl-1)-thiophene and stigmasterol, a plant sterol. Key words: Chromatography, spectroscopy, Blumea aurita var. foliolosa.
Oppong, E. K. & Hanson, R. (2019). 2-(pentadinyl-1,3)-5-(3,4-dihydroxy-butynyl-1)-thiophene and stigmasterol from the chloroform extract of the root of Blumea aurita var. foliosa. International Journal of Applied Chemistry, 15,
Abstract
A shade-dried pulverised sample of the whole root of Blumea auirta var. foliolosa was exhaustively extracted with cold chloroform. Chromatographic technique was used to purify two compounds. Spectroscopic methods and other analytical techniques identified the compounds as 2-(pentadinyl-1, 3)–5- (3, 4-dihydoxy-butylnyl-1)-thiophene and stigmasterol, a plant sterol. Key words: Chromatography, spectroscopy, Blumea aurita var. foliolosa.
A shade-dried pulverised sample of the whole root of Blumea auirta var. foliolosa was exhaustively extracted with cold chloroform. Chromatographic technique was used to purify two compounds. Spectroscopic methods and other analytical techniques identified the compounds as 2-(pentadinyl-1, 3)–5- (3, 4-dihydoxy-butylnyl-1)-thiophene and stigmasterol, a plant sterol. Key words: Chromatography, spectroscopy, Blumea aurita var. foliolosa.
Owusu-Ansah, C. M., Rodrigues, A., & Van der Walt, T. (2019). Integrating Digital Libraries Into Distance Education: A Review Of Models, Roles, And Strategies. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 20,
Abstract
This study examines ongoing efforts by academic libraries to integrate digital resources into distance education courses. The study adopts a conceptual approach and it is thematically focused on the concepts of distance education and digital libraries; academic library models in distance education; the role of digital libraries in distance education; and strategies for integrating digital libraries into distance education. Through a systematic literature review and thematic analysis of extant literature, the paper concludes that academic libraries must pragmatically integrate digital libraries into the distance education curriculum by highlighting the role of digital libraries in the academic community and her processes. In this way, digital libraries may not be perceived as just content providers, but as significant agents of transformative learning.
This study examines ongoing efforts by academic libraries to integrate digital resources into distance education courses. The study adopts a conceptual approach and it is thematically focused on the concepts of distance education and digital libraries; academic library models in distance education; the role of digital libraries in distance education; and strategies for integrating digital libraries into distance education. Through a systematic literature review and thematic analysis of extant literature, the paper concludes that academic libraries must pragmatically integrate digital libraries into the distance education curriculum by highlighting the role of digital libraries in the academic community and her processes. In this way, digital libraries may not be perceived as just content providers, but as significant agents of transformative learning.
Teixeira da Silva, J.A., Adjei, K.O.K., Owusu-Ansah, C.M., Sooryamoorthy. R., Balehegn, M. (2019). Africa’s challenges in the OA movement: risks and possibilities. Online Information review, ,
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the status of the open access (OA) movement on the African continent, and if there is any financial or moral exploitation by dominant “foreign” world powers. OA provided the African intellectual community with a tool to prove its academic prowess and an opportunity to display cultural and intellectual independence. OA publishing is prone to abuse, and some in Africa have sought to exploit the OA boom to profit from non-academic activity rather than use this tool to glorify Africa’s image and diversity on the global intellectual stage. These issues are explored in detail in the paper. Design/methodology/approach – The authors broadly assessed literature that is related to the growth and challenges associated with OA, including the rise of OA mega journals, in Africa. Findings – African OA journals and publishers have to compete with established non-African OA entities. Some are considered “predatory”, but this Jeffrey Beall-based classification may be erroneous. Publishing values that African OA publishers and journals aspire to should not equal those published by non-African publishing entities. Africa should seek solutions to the challenges on that continent via Africa-based OA platforms. The budding African OA movement is applauded, but it must be held as accountable as any other OA journal or publisher. Originality/value – African scholars need to reassess the “published in Africa” OA image.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the status of the open access (OA) movement on the African continent, and if there is any financial or moral exploitation by dominant “foreign” world powers. OA provided the African intellectual community with a tool to prove its academic prowess and an opportunity to display cultural and intellectual independence. OA publishing is prone to abuse, and some in Africa have sought to exploit the OA boom to profit from non-academic activity rather than use this tool to glorify Africa’s image and diversity on the global intellectual stage. These issues are explored in detail in the paper. Design/methodology/approach – The authors broadly assessed literature that is related to the growth and challenges associated with OA, including the rise of OA mega journals, in Africa. Findings – African OA journals and publishers have to compete with established non-African OA entities. Some are considered “predatory”, but this Jeffrey Beall-based classification may be erroneous. Publishing values that African OA publishers and journals aspire to should not equal those published by non-African publishing entities. Africa should seek solutions to the challenges on that continent via Africa-based OA platforms. The budding African OA movement is applauded, but it must be held as accountable as any other OA journal or publisher. Originality/value – African scholars need to reassess the “published in Africa” OA image.
