R&P Entries
Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar with Presentations
Mensah, B.; Darkwa , I.O; Bonful,E.; Moses, B. T. Pomeyie,C. N; Mohammed S. & Danso-Wiredu E. Y
Ghana Geographers Association Annual Conference 2019: Smart Cities in the 21st Century: The Geographers Perspective.. KNUST, Kumasi 6th-10th August 2019
Paper presented:
Application of Classical Urban Land Use Models to Internal Structure of Ghanaian Cities
Abstract
Ghana is rapidly urbanizing. Villages are growing into towns, towns into cities, and cities into more sophisticated planned areas. Theories and models have been postulated to explain the internal structure of cities in developed countries, especially with respect to land use variations: Concentric Zone model by Ernest W. Burgess, Sector model by Homer Hoyt, and Multiple nuclei by Harris and Ullman. Some scholars have argued that these classical models of urban structure developed in North America prior to 1945 have cross-cultural application. This paper basically sought to assess the extent to which the internal structure of some selected Ghanaian cities portray the land uses put forward by the classical urban land-use models. The study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) as a major tool of analysis whiles making use of in-depth ground observations of the study cities. The findings of the study showed that, whereas the Central Business District, the wedge-shaped residential zones, and the presence of multiple nuclei were characteristic of some Ghanaian cities, the absence of homogeneity in most of the sectors and undefined industrial zones were typical contradictions. The models could therefore be applied minimally to the older inner areas of the selected cities. Based on this, a new urban land use model for Ghanaian cities is proposed in the study
Ghana is rapidly urbanizing. Villages are growing into towns, towns into cities, and cities into more sophisticated planned areas. Theories and models have been postulated to explain the internal structure of cities in developed countries, especially with respect to land use variations: Concentric Zone model by Ernest W. Burgess, Sector model by Homer Hoyt, and Multiple nuclei by Harris and Ullman. Some scholars have argued that these classical models of urban structure developed in North America prior to 1945 have cross-cultural application. This paper basically sought to assess the extent to which the internal structure of some selected Ghanaian cities portray the land uses put forward by the classical urban land-use models. The study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) as a major tool of analysis whiles making use of in-depth ground observations of the study cities. The findings of the study showed that, whereas the Central Business District, the wedge-shaped residential zones, and the presence of multiple nuclei were characteristic of some Ghanaian cities, the absence of homogeneity in most of the sectors and undefined industrial zones were typical contradictions. The models could therefore be applied minimally to the older inner areas of the selected cities. Based on this, a new urban land use model for Ghanaian cities is proposed in the study
Danso-WireduE. Y. and Mohammed S.
Ghana Geographers Association Annual Conference 2019: Smart Cities in the 21st Century: The Geographers Perspective. KNUST, Kumasi 6th-10th August 2019
Paper presented:
Environmental Dynamism: increasing housing needs in Urban Ghana, a threat to environmental resources?
Abstract
The rate of indiscriminate deforestation for housing purpose in Ghana is as a result of lack of a comprehensive land use policy in the country. Land has been managed through various legal instruments and customary practices. Since land is in the hands of the community members, the state seems helpless in ensuring that various land use purposes are achieved. Though it is clearly stated in the country’s land policy that ‘the principle of optimum usage for all types of land uses, will be assured by the government, the same document states clearly that the state will ensure that every socio-economic activity is consistent with sound land use through sustainable land use planning in the long-term. But evidence in the country is contrary to what is stipulated in the land use policy document. The study therefore focuses on the use of agricultural land at the fringes of urban Ghana for housing purposes. This is a largely desktop research focusing on review of literature, the use of Old maps, GIS and employing observation techniques to study land cover change and housing provision. The study found out that land use cover in areas close to the city of Accra and Tamale has largely been replaced by housing. It concluded that if land use policy is not put in place to restrain Ghanaians from excessive deforestation for housing, the country stands the chance of losing its natural resources, especially, the forest vegetation. It ends by advocating sound sustainable housing typologies in the country.
The rate of indiscriminate deforestation for housing purpose in Ghana is as a result of lack of a comprehensive land use policy in the country. Land has been managed through various legal instruments and customary practices. Since land is in the hands of the community members, the state seems helpless in ensuring that various land use purposes are achieved. Though it is clearly stated in the country’s land policy that ‘the principle of optimum usage for all types of land uses, will be assured by the government, the same document states clearly that the state will ensure that every socio-economic activity is consistent with sound land use through sustainable land use planning in the long-term. But evidence in the country is contrary to what is stipulated in the land use policy document. The study therefore focuses on the use of agricultural land at the fringes of urban Ghana for housing purposes. This is a largely desktop research focusing on review of literature, the use of Old maps, GIS and employing observation techniques to study land cover change and housing provision. The study found out that land use cover in areas close to the city of Accra and Tamale has largely been replaced by housing. It concluded that if land use policy is not put in place to restrain Ghanaians from excessive deforestation for housing, the country stands the chance of losing its natural resources, especially, the forest vegetation. It ends by advocating sound sustainable housing typologies in the country.
Akayuure, P.
International Conference on Engineering, Science and Mathematics Education. Acapulco Resort and Convention & SPA, Kyrenia, North Cyprus 8-10 November, 2019
Paper presented:
The Spatial Competency of Prospective Teachers to Teach Basic Shape and Space Concepts in Ghanaian Curriculum
Abstract
Teachers’ spatial competency is very critical for the effective teaching of shape and space concepts in the basic mathematics curriculum. However, it seems developing such competency remains a blind spot or implicit in teacher education curriculum in Ghana. Does teacher education provide the spatial thinking skills needed by basic schoolteachers to teach spatial concepts? The study investigated the spatial ability and self-efficacy levels reached by prospective teachers prior to their final-year teaching internship programme at the basic schools. The spatial competencies of 378 final-year prospective teachers from 4 colleges of education in Ghana were measured using spatial orientation and visualization tests, and self-efficacy questionnaire. The two tests were highly reliable with 60% correlation between them. No gender or programme differences existed. The mean achievement in orientation was significantly higher than the visualization test. Findings support the argument for teacher institutions to pay more attention to prospective teachers’ spatial skills development as means of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Teachers’ spatial competency is very critical for the effective teaching of shape and space concepts in the basic mathematics curriculum. However, it seems developing such competency remains a blind spot or implicit in teacher education curriculum in Ghana. Does teacher education provide the spatial thinking skills needed by basic schoolteachers to teach spatial concepts? The study investigated the spatial ability and self-efficacy levels reached by prospective teachers prior to their final-year teaching internship programme at the basic schools. The spatial competencies of 378 final-year prospective teachers from 4 colleges of education in Ghana were measured using spatial orientation and visualization tests, and self-efficacy questionnaire. The two tests were highly reliable with 60% correlation between them. No gender or programme differences existed. The mean achievement in orientation was significantly higher than the visualization test. Findings support the argument for teacher institutions to pay more attention to prospective teachers’ spatial skills development as means of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
International Conference on Engineering, Science and Mathematics Education. Acapulco Resort and Convention & SPA, Kyrenia, North Cyprus 8-10 November, 2019
Paper presented:
The Spatial Competency of Prospective Teachers to Teach Basic Shape and Space Concepts in Ghanaian Curriculum
Abstract
Teachers’ spatial competency is very critical for the effective teaching of shape and space concepts in the basic mathematics curriculum. However, it seems developing such competency remains a blind spot or implicit in teacher education curriculum in Ghana. Does teacher education provide the spatial thinking skills needed by basic schoolteachers to teach spatial concepts? The study investigated the spatial ability and self-efficacy levels reached by prospective teachers prior to their final-year teaching internship programme at the basic schools. The spatial competencies of 378 final-year prospective teachers from 4 colleges of education in Ghana were measured using spatial orientation and visualization tests, and self-efficacy questionnaire. The two tests were highly reliable with 60% correlation between them. No gender or programme differences existed. The mean achievement in orientation was significantly higher than the visualization test. Findings support the argument for teacher institutions to pay more attention to prospective teachers’ spatial skills development as means of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Teachers’ spatial competency is very critical for the effective teaching of shape and space concepts in the basic mathematics curriculum. However, it seems developing such competency remains a blind spot or implicit in teacher education curriculum in Ghana. Does teacher education provide the spatial thinking skills needed by basic schoolteachers to teach spatial concepts? The study investigated the spatial ability and self-efficacy levels reached by prospective teachers prior to their final-year teaching internship programme at the basic schools. The spatial competencies of 378 final-year prospective teachers from 4 colleges of education in Ghana were measured using spatial orientation and visualization tests, and self-efficacy questionnaire. The two tests were highly reliable with 60% correlation between them. No gender or programme differences existed. The mean achievement in orientation was significantly higher than the visualization test. Findings support the argument for teacher institutions to pay more attention to prospective teachers’ spatial skills development as means of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Essel, O. Q & .Amissah, E. R. K.
AFRICAN STUDIES ASSOCIATION OF AFRICA (ASAA) THIRD INTERNATIONAL BIENNIAL CONFERENCE 2019. United States International University-Africa. Nairobi, Kenya 24th to 26th OCTOBER 2019
Paper presented:
Fashion journalism (re)presentation on apprenticeship-trained fashion designers of Ghana from the 1950s to 1970s
Abstract
Sartorial apprenticeship system in Ghana predates colonialists’ invasion. This system of training tailors, dressmakers and designers in fashion making and production was handed-down from generation to generation. It was the main mode of skill development and training acquisition. This system produced creative tailors, dressmakers and designers who produced both simple and complex dress fashion for the people. Their designs helped in clothing the kings, chiefdom and the Ghanaian society at large. They produced pure Ghanaian classical fashion that continue to inspire global fashion, and dress fashion that exhibits cross-cultural influences in main market places. Colonialists’ contact with the people of Ghana, sought to the introduction of relatively new system of training they called formal education while the apprenticeship system was labelled as informal education. Though the introduction of formal education in Ghana was not totally negative, the elitist nomenclature and popular perception about it portrayed it as most perfect system of sartorial education and training. This bred negative perceptions about apprenticeship training as inferior and positioned it as the preserve of those who are not academically gifted. Consequently, this brought into existence two main modes of fashion education and training namely academic (formal school education) and non-academic (apprenticeship). Amidst the longstanding colonial-inspired perception of non-academic fashion training and education as inferior, how did the Ghanaian fashion press (re)presented apprenticeship-trained tailors, dressmakers and designers in the local popular print media at the time? What narrative did the press give about the dress fashion creation of the tailors, dressmakers and designers? How did Ghana’s press (re)presentation of tailors, dressmakers and designers repress and or transmit local fashion history? The study investigates the shifting perceptions of apprenticeship-trained dress fashion designers and their (re)presentation in the eyes of the press (fashion journalism) in the 1950s. This historical study is premised on textual analysis of fashion discourse in journalism in the 1950s since the period experienced massive government-sponsored fashion training and education of designers overseas.
Sartorial apprenticeship system in Ghana predates colonialists’ invasion. This system of training tailors, dressmakers and designers in fashion making and production was handed-down from generation to generation. It was the main mode of skill development and training acquisition. This system produced creative tailors, dressmakers and designers who produced both simple and complex dress fashion for the people. Their designs helped in clothing the kings, chiefdom and the Ghanaian society at large. They produced pure Ghanaian classical fashion that continue to inspire global fashion, and dress fashion that exhibits cross-cultural influences in main market places. Colonialists’ contact with the people of Ghana, sought to the introduction of relatively new system of training they called formal education while the apprenticeship system was labelled as informal education. Though the introduction of formal education in Ghana was not totally negative, the elitist nomenclature and popular perception about it portrayed it as most perfect system of sartorial education and training. This bred negative perceptions about apprenticeship training as inferior and positioned it as the preserve of those who are not academically gifted. Consequently, this brought into existence two main modes of fashion education and training namely academic (formal school education) and non-academic (apprenticeship). Amidst the longstanding colonial-inspired perception of non-academic fashion training and education as inferior, how did the Ghanaian fashion press (re)presented apprenticeship-trained tailors, dressmakers and designers in the local popular print media at the time? What narrative did the press give about the dress fashion creation of the tailors, dressmakers and designers? How did Ghana’s press (re)presentation of tailors, dressmakers and designers repress and or transmit local fashion history? The study investigates the shifting perceptions of apprenticeship-trained dress fashion designers and their (re)presentation in the eyes of the press (fashion journalism) in the 1950s. This historical study is premised on textual analysis of fashion discourse in journalism in the 1950s since the period experienced massive government-sponsored fashion training and education of designers overseas.
Sam, E. F., Brijs, K., Daniels, S., Brijs, T., & Wets, G
32nd ICTCT conference. Warsaw, Poland 24-25 October 2019
Paper presented:
Testing the convergent- and predictive validity of a multi-dimensional belief-based scale for attitude towards personal safety on public bus/minibus for long-distance trips in Ghana: A SEM analysis
Abstract
We examined the predictive validity of the public bus passenger safety attitude scale (PBPSAS), a measure of personal safety attitude (PSA), to predict future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Using 510 adults, we tested among other things the hypothesis that PSA has a positive significant effect on future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses involved: (1) descriptive analyses of measure reliabilities and the strength and evaluation of people’s safety-related beliefs, (2) fitting measurement and structural models to determine the factorial structure of PSA and (3) path analysis to examine the relationships between two different measures for personal safety-related attitude (indirect (belief-based) measure for PSA and a direct measure) and future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and AMOS 24. We found that: (1) a second-order factor model provides a more parsimonious framework for explaining PSA than a three-factor model, (2) the indirect measure for attitude towards personal safety has convergent validity, (3) PSA has a positive significant effect on both a direct measure for attitude towards personal safety on public bus/minibus, and future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips and (4) that the direct measure for attitude towards personal safety also has a positive significant effect on the future intention to use public bus/minibus. We thus conclude that PBPSAS is a useful instrument for measuring PSA and is valid in predicting future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips.
We examined the predictive validity of the public bus passenger safety attitude scale (PBPSAS), a measure of personal safety attitude (PSA), to predict future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Using 510 adults, we tested among other things the hypothesis that PSA has a positive significant effect on future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses involved: (1) descriptive analyses of measure reliabilities and the strength and evaluation of people’s safety-related beliefs, (2) fitting measurement and structural models to determine the factorial structure of PSA and (3) path analysis to examine the relationships between two different measures for personal safety-related attitude (indirect (belief-based) measure for PSA and a direct measure) and future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips. Data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and AMOS 24. We found that: (1) a second-order factor model provides a more parsimonious framework for explaining PSA than a three-factor model, (2) the indirect measure for attitude towards personal safety has convergent validity, (3) PSA has a positive significant effect on both a direct measure for attitude towards personal safety on public bus/minibus, and future intention to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips and (4) that the direct measure for attitude towards personal safety also has a positive significant effect on the future intention to use public bus/minibus. We thus conclude that PBPSAS is a useful instrument for measuring PSA and is valid in predicting future intentions to use public bus/minibus for long-distance trips.
Sam, E. F.
Smart Cities in the 21st century: The Geographers Perspective. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana 6-10 August 2019
Paper presented:
On the intention to cycle for work and school trips in Winneba, Ghana
Abstract
Cycling is a sustainable transport mode and an indispensable feature of a smart city. As an active transport mode, cycling also has health benefits. In developed countries, cycling is a vital transport mode with wide utility; the situation in developing countries is different. Particularly in Ghana, cycling is not a preferred transport mode given the associated challenges of lack of cycling infrastructure, safety concerns and cultural perceptions. Underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour, this study explores the intention to cycle for work and school trips in Winneba. We used the structural equation modelling technique to model the intention to cycle for work and school trips among a convenient sample of 260 staff and students of the University of Education, Winneba. We found low cycle ownership and use among the study participants occasioned by perceived barriers. We also found that participants’ perceived behavioural control (i.e. the extent to which they feel able and confident to cycle) was the most important predictor of their intention to cycle for work and school trips. Participants’ attitudes toward cycling and subjective norms (social pressures to cycle) did not significantly influence the intention to cycle for work and school trips. Measures to promote cycling for work and school trips should reduce cyclists’ exposure to traffic risks by investing in dedicated cycling infrastructure. Creating awareness of the personal and environmental benefits of cycling and providing incentives for cycle use on campus are other useful interventions to promote cycling on campus.
Cycling is a sustainable transport mode and an indispensable feature of a smart city. As an active transport mode, cycling also has health benefits. In developed countries, cycling is a vital transport mode with wide utility; the situation in developing countries is different. Particularly in Ghana, cycling is not a preferred transport mode given the associated challenges of lack of cycling infrastructure, safety concerns and cultural perceptions. Underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour, this study explores the intention to cycle for work and school trips in Winneba. We used the structural equation modelling technique to model the intention to cycle for work and school trips among a convenient sample of 260 staff and students of the University of Education, Winneba. We found low cycle ownership and use among the study participants occasioned by perceived barriers. We also found that participants’ perceived behavioural control (i.e. the extent to which they feel able and confident to cycle) was the most important predictor of their intention to cycle for work and school trips. Participants’ attitudes toward cycling and subjective norms (social pressures to cycle) did not significantly influence the intention to cycle for work and school trips. Measures to promote cycling for work and school trips should reduce cyclists’ exposure to traffic risks by investing in dedicated cycling infrastructure. Creating awareness of the personal and environmental benefits of cycling and providing incentives for cycle use on campus are other useful interventions to promote cycling on campus.
Danso-Wiredu, E. Y.
Development Days 2019 Conference. ‘Repositioning global development: changing actors, geographies and ontologies. Helsinki, Finland 27th February to 1st March, 2019
Paper presented:
Gendered Dynamics and Reciprocity in Fishing Communities in Ghana: The Case of Penkye, Winneba
Abstract
Most fishing communities have preserved their culture and tradition despite the changes in many sectors of the country. For example, in most cases, payments for services provided to fishermen are in kind, with fishes instead of money. This phenomenon is not only common to fishing areas in Ghana but also found in fishing communities in some countries. One peculiar feature of fishing communities is the strict gender division of labour. Again, this is not limited to fishing communities in Ghana but also in other areas Whilst men are responsible for fishing, women are usually involved in basic fish processing and marketing. The gender division roles played by both men and women are culturally embedded in the institutions within the communities. They are pursued in their life courses as institutional norms which no one questions. Both men and women are trained differently by their parents and the community on the roles they play in the fishing industry. They are socially learned as they grow up, the fishing industry shows a classic case of cooperation among men and women where organisation of fishing activities become interdependent. Neither gender would survive without the other. Though women are not involved in fishing, the role women play is as important as that of men, hence, both exercise some authority in their areas of specialization. There are indigenous communities along the coast of Winneba of which Penkye is the oldest with the history of the Winneba revolving around it. Penkye is known for its fishing activities, and for the preservation of the Effutu culture. Fishing activities in the community are done on gender basis as in other fishing communities in Ghana and many parts of the world . Apart from fishing, access to other livelihood assets such as housing is also on gender basis. The history of Penkye is linked to that of Winneba township since it is the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. Located along the coast, majority of its residents are employed in the fishing industry. Intriguing about Penkye is how social and economic livelihoods of residents are entangled in gender roles and reciprocity. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women’s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, the study constructs economic life stories for men and women within the fishing community. It analyzes how they formulate livelihood strategies differently from other parts of the country as a result. The study concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy propagated by the capitalist ideology, thereby questioning the basis of neoliberal ideology that market prices are solely determined by demand and supply interactions.
Most fishing communities have preserved their culture and tradition despite the changes in many sectors of the country. For example, in most cases, payments for services provided to fishermen are in kind, with fishes instead of money. This phenomenon is not only common to fishing areas in Ghana but also found in fishing communities in some countries. One peculiar feature of fishing communities is the strict gender division of labour. Again, this is not limited to fishing communities in Ghana but also in other areas Whilst men are responsible for fishing, women are usually involved in basic fish processing and marketing. The gender division roles played by both men and women are culturally embedded in the institutions within the communities. They are pursued in their life courses as institutional norms which no one questions. Both men and women are trained differently by their parents and the community on the roles they play in the fishing industry. They are socially learned as they grow up, the fishing industry shows a classic case of cooperation among men and women where organisation of fishing activities become interdependent. Neither gender would survive without the other. Though women are not involved in fishing, the role women play is as important as that of men, hence, both exercise some authority in their areas of specialization. There are indigenous communities along the coast of Winneba of which Penkye is the oldest with the history of the Winneba revolving around it. Penkye is known for its fishing activities, and for the preservation of the Effutu culture. Fishing activities in the community are done on gender basis as in other fishing communities in Ghana and many parts of the world . Apart from fishing, access to other livelihood assets such as housing is also on gender basis. The history of Penkye is linked to that of Winneba township since it is the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. Located along the coast, majority of its residents are employed in the fishing industry. Intriguing about Penkye is how social and economic livelihoods of residents are entangled in gender roles and reciprocity. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women’s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, the study constructs economic life stories for men and women within the fishing community. It analyzes how they formulate livelihood strategies differently from other parts of the country as a result. The study concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy propagated by the capitalist ideology, thereby questioning the basis of neoliberal ideology that market prices are solely determined by demand and supply interactions.
Hanson, R.
Canada International Conference on Education (CICE-2019). University of Toronto, Missisauga, Ontario, Canada 25th -28th June, 2019
Paper presented:
An illuminative evaluation of the impact of two-tier diagnostic instruments on undergraduate chemistry teacher trainees’ conceptions
Abstract
Tiered diagnostic tools enable learners’ conceptual challenges to be unearthed. They have been used in recent times to facilitate better teaching and learning strategies to offset identified teaching and learning barriers. This study illuminatively evaluated the impact of two-tier tools in diagnosing the conceptual problems of 118 undergraduate teacher trainees. The results were interpreted within an epistemological framework. The outcome of the review was that tiered diagnostic instruments, though difficult to construct, were effective in unveiling learners’ conceptual challenges in inorganic chemistry. As many as 19 alternative conceptions were unearthed for three topics in six semesters, which otherwise would have been lost on the teacher trainees and their lecturers. These findings would contribute towards the chemistry learning community and add up to existing knowledge.
Tiered diagnostic tools enable learners’ conceptual challenges to be unearthed. They have been used in recent times to facilitate better teaching and learning strategies to offset identified teaching and learning barriers. This study illuminatively evaluated the impact of two-tier tools in diagnosing the conceptual problems of 118 undergraduate teacher trainees. The results were interpreted within an epistemological framework. The outcome of the review was that tiered diagnostic instruments, though difficult to construct, were effective in unveiling learners’ conceptual challenges in inorganic chemistry. As many as 19 alternative conceptions were unearthed for three topics in six semesters, which otherwise would have been lost on the teacher trainees and their lecturers. These findings would contribute towards the chemistry learning community and add up to existing knowledge.
Hanson, R.
Chemistry Education Research and Practice Gordon Research Conference. Bates College in Lewiston, ME United States June 16, 2019 - June 21, 2019
Paper presented:
Situating hands-on and minds-on activities in contemporary times to promote chemistry education and conceptual gain
Abstract
This study, sought to introduce simple, less costly, robust equipment and activities, that promote and foster constructivist pedagogies, to enable an intact class of 78 teacher trainees form their own authentic concepts through fun-filled, engaging social interactions. Data were collected by means of a two-tier diagnostic assessment in a constructivist classroom environment. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observation schedules were employed to triangulate obtained data and evaluate acquired learning skills. From the study, it was found that the new hands-on and minds-on approach enhanced the acquisition of many learning skills, environmental awareness, and subsequently concept formation. The implication here is that, the new constructivist approach has the potential to change the way chemistry is taught in a more pragmatic, interactive, simple, fun, and engaging ways to facilitate conceptual understanding of chemistry for sustainability and further innovations in STEM development. Keywords: Concepts, constructivism, hands-on activities, minds-on activities, microscience
This study, sought to introduce simple, less costly, robust equipment and activities, that promote and foster constructivist pedagogies, to enable an intact class of 78 teacher trainees form their own authentic concepts through fun-filled, engaging social interactions. Data were collected by means of a two-tier diagnostic assessment in a constructivist classroom environment. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observation schedules were employed to triangulate obtained data and evaluate acquired learning skills. From the study, it was found that the new hands-on and minds-on approach enhanced the acquisition of many learning skills, environmental awareness, and subsequently concept formation. The implication here is that, the new constructivist approach has the potential to change the way chemistry is taught in a more pragmatic, interactive, simple, fun, and engaging ways to facilitate conceptual understanding of chemistry for sustainability and further innovations in STEM development. Keywords: Concepts, constructivism, hands-on activities, minds-on activities, microscience
