R&P Entries
Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar with Presentations
Taluah, A. R.
1st International Conference on Language, Literature and Communication – LALICOM. Winneba, Ghana. February 3rd - 5th 2015.
Paper presented:
The Teaching and Learning of the English Language in Ghana: Problems and Implications
Abstract
The teaching and learning of the English language in Ghana and Anglophone countries in Africa for that matter has been a subject of unflinching debate in quite recent times. Many opinions point to the assertion that the teaching and learning of the English language is centred on reading comprehension, summary, grammar, spelling and writing skills and other such related areas to the disregard of oral communication skills. Many researchers have found the neglect of oral communication skills in the school curriculum as the major problem in the leaning of the English language. A survey of trends in the teaching and learning of the English language however reveals that the contention is much on the teaching of the English language as compared to its learning as most teachers of English are unqualified to teach English. Drawing from his experiences as a leaner and a teacher of the English language, the research explores in detail the problems and implications in the teaching and learning of the English language. The origin of the English language and its encounter with the diverse languages in Ghana are examined vis a vis its role in diverse facets in the Ghanaian society and new measures proposed for possible adjustments .
The teaching and learning of the English language in Ghana and Anglophone countries in Africa for that matter has been a subject of unflinching debate in quite recent times. Many opinions point to the assertion that the teaching and learning of the English language is centred on reading comprehension, summary, grammar, spelling and writing skills and other such related areas to the disregard of oral communication skills. Many researchers have found the neglect of oral communication skills in the school curriculum as the major problem in the leaning of the English language. A survey of trends in the teaching and learning of the English language however reveals that the contention is much on the teaching of the English language as compared to its learning as most teachers of English are unqualified to teach English. Drawing from his experiences as a leaner and a teacher of the English language, the research explores in detail the problems and implications in the teaching and learning of the English language. The origin of the English language and its encounter with the diverse languages in Ghana are examined vis a vis its role in diverse facets in the Ghanaian society and new measures proposed for possible adjustments .
Faculty of Agriculture EducationJul 16, 2015
Taluah, A. R.
18th Great Writing International Conference. London Imperial College, United Kingdom. June 20th - 21st 2015.
Paper presented:
Exploring the Perspectives of the Creative Mind: The Innate versus the Acquired
Abstract
From a traditional point of view, every talent is said to be a divine gift: and the creative arts are no exceptions. It is for such reason that there is said to be the god of medicine, thunder, harvest, dance and song, of which the creative arts belong amongst a host of others. It is believed that one who has not been divinely endowed with a gift cannot succeed in the endeavour. Yet, in the very recent generations, diverse formal institutions have been set to fine tune the minds of many individuals into the creative arts. The questions that arise are thus, at what point does the acquired talent supersede the innate or the vice versa? Can formal teaching actually make an artist? And if indeed both perspective can be true of an artist, who is better? While the two perspectives cannot be detached from one another, the fact still remains that the innate talent supersedes the acquired talent. This paper therefore sets out to outline the two main perspectives of the creative mind and examine the diverse notions of the creative arts in the social, economic, political and cultural dimensions. It further delineates the reasons that account for the diverse perspectives of the creative arts and theirs effects on society and the individual creative artists as a whole.
From a traditional point of view, every talent is said to be a divine gift: and the creative arts are no exceptions. It is for such reason that there is said to be the god of medicine, thunder, harvest, dance and song, of which the creative arts belong amongst a host of others. It is believed that one who has not been divinely endowed with a gift cannot succeed in the endeavour. Yet, in the very recent generations, diverse formal institutions have been set to fine tune the minds of many individuals into the creative arts. The questions that arise are thus, at what point does the acquired talent supersede the innate or the vice versa? Can formal teaching actually make an artist? And if indeed both perspective can be true of an artist, who is better? While the two perspectives cannot be detached from one another, the fact still remains that the innate talent supersedes the acquired talent. This paper therefore sets out to outline the two main perspectives of the creative mind and examine the diverse notions of the creative arts in the social, economic, political and cultural dimensions. It further delineates the reasons that account for the diverse perspectives of the creative arts and theirs effects on society and the individual creative artists as a whole.
Faculty of Agriculture EducationJul 16, 2015
Dankwa-Apawu, David & Williams, Rebecca & Acheampong, Bliss
LALICOM Codification, Standardisation and Communication: Linguistic and Literary perspectives on English and Indigenous Languages use in Anglophone West Africa. University of Education, Winneba 3rd-5th February, 2015
Paper presented:
Constructing identities through L2: Accents and attitudes among Ghanaian learners of English
Abstract
The objective of this on-going study is to investigate how second language learners of English in Ghana construct or reconstruct micro-social level identities through pronunciation (accent) and how this affects their attitudes towards learning the English language as a second language. Identity as an academic concept has attracted a lot of attention in sociolinguistics with many of these studies focusing on second/ foreign language learning in both migrant and non-native contexts. Although theories of identity in SLL are evolving, inconclusive and borrowings from post structuralists social theorists and sociolinguists (Block, 2010), various inquiries in this disciplines give overwhelming credence to language as a key construct in identity construction and reconstruction. However, in the attempt to discover the intricate value attitude towards accents on the identity trajectory, the present study adopts Krashen’s (1993) affective filter hypothesis and Norton’s (1997) investment theory as a framework for theoretical discussion. The study also recognizes the concept of the school as an important mediator in the construction of identity; therefore, respondents (mainly students) have been drawn from a selected university in Ghana. Using the verbal-guise technique, (McKenzie, 2006; Zhang, 2009) to uncover respondents’ attitudes as monolithic (fixed) or pluaralithic (fluid) (Jenkins, 2009) towards British accents, American accents and educated Ghanaian English accents, the study will also reveal respondents’ identities as affinities towards native English (British and American) or non-native English or functional (depending on context). Findings of the study would contribute to policy, pedagogy, further research and discourse in SLL.
The objective of this on-going study is to investigate how second language learners of English in Ghana construct or reconstruct micro-social level identities through pronunciation (accent) and how this affects their attitudes towards learning the English language as a second language. Identity as an academic concept has attracted a lot of attention in sociolinguistics with many of these studies focusing on second/ foreign language learning in both migrant and non-native contexts. Although theories of identity in SLL are evolving, inconclusive and borrowings from post structuralists social theorists and sociolinguists (Block, 2010), various inquiries in this disciplines give overwhelming credence to language as a key construct in identity construction and reconstruction. However, in the attempt to discover the intricate value attitude towards accents on the identity trajectory, the present study adopts Krashen’s (1993) affective filter hypothesis and Norton’s (1997) investment theory as a framework for theoretical discussion. The study also recognizes the concept of the school as an important mediator in the construction of identity; therefore, respondents (mainly students) have been drawn from a selected university in Ghana. Using the verbal-guise technique, (McKenzie, 2006; Zhang, 2009) to uncover respondents’ attitudes as monolithic (fixed) or pluaralithic (fluid) (Jenkins, 2009) towards British accents, American accents and educated Ghanaian English accents, the study will also reveal respondents’ identities as affinities towards native English (British and American) or non-native English or functional (depending on context). Findings of the study would contribute to policy, pedagogy, further research and discourse in SLL.
Faculty of Ghanaian Languages EducationJul 16, 2015
Adomina, M. A. K
PASMAE. J. N Ayettey Auditorium, South Campus, Winneba. 10th July, 2014
Paper presented:
The Arts as communication tool for social development.
Abstract
One of the important aspects of African Musical Arts is drumming. Among the people of Mafi-Tonu Ewe communities in the Volta region of Ghana, drumming enhances communication, socialization and education. The facet of this paper highlights the educational role of drumming and then focuses on drumming as a form of communication in music and dance activities. It also examines how the structures of drum patterns, in performance practice, can have implications for the music educator. In dealing with it, I draw on the body of literature on African and Ghanaian ethnographic field research on music, dance and drumming and my own experience as a drummer, dancer and musician. It uses two models: Drumming as a form of communication and social well-being and then educational implication of drumming.The former being the main framework.
One of the important aspects of African Musical Arts is drumming. Among the people of Mafi-Tonu Ewe communities in the Volta region of Ghana, drumming enhances communication, socialization and education. The facet of this paper highlights the educational role of drumming and then focuses on drumming as a form of communication in music and dance activities. It also examines how the structures of drum patterns, in performance practice, can have implications for the music educator. In dealing with it, I draw on the body of literature on African and Ghanaian ethnographic field research on music, dance and drumming and my own experience as a drummer, dancer and musician. It uses two models: Drumming as a form of communication and social well-being and then educational implication of drumming.The former being the main framework.
School of Creative ArtsJul 15, 2015
Wilson, K. B., & Acheampong, B.
Codification, Standardisation and Communication: Linguistic and Literary perspectives on English and Indigenous Languages use in Anglophone West Africa. University of Education, Winneba 3rd-5th February, 2015
Paper presented:
Language Students' Attitude toward the Use of Computer Technology: Implications for Communication and the Practice of Teaching
Abstract
The study investigated language students' attitude with a focus on how they use computer technology for communication in the education environment. The study used self-answering questionnaires with closed-ended items to collect empirical data from a group of language students. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed using a stratified sampling to select respondents. The data collected were analysed using simple means and frequencies. The main findings are: 1. Most students have some access to the technology. 2. Most students enter the university with their technology skills or acquire them through the first semester compulsory ICT course, and not their main programme of study. Implications and suggestions for student training were provided. The authors recommended the following: Increased access time to promote improved utilisation of resources; deliberate effort to include technology training skills and assessment of that in courses studied by pre-service English language teachers. From the findings, English language-teacher education programmes need to provide students with further training programs in their specific area aside the mandatory general ICT course to help enhance their skills in the use of computers as an instructional tool for language-teaching and learning.
The study investigated language students' attitude with a focus on how they use computer technology for communication in the education environment. The study used self-answering questionnaires with closed-ended items to collect empirical data from a group of language students. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed using a stratified sampling to select respondents. The data collected were analysed using simple means and frequencies. The main findings are: 1. Most students have some access to the technology. 2. Most students enter the university with their technology skills or acquire them through the first semester compulsory ICT course, and not their main programme of study. Implications and suggestions for student training were provided. The authors recommended the following: Increased access time to promote improved utilisation of resources; deliberate effort to include technology training skills and assessment of that in courses studied by pre-service English language teachers. From the findings, English language-teacher education programmes need to provide students with further training programs in their specific area aside the mandatory general ICT course to help enhance their skills in the use of computers as an instructional tool for language-teaching and learning.
Faculty of Ghanaian Languages EducationJul 15, 2015
Edu, J. K.
School of Creative Arts, Faculty seminar. Seminar room, Central campus, Winneba October 10, 2014
Paper presented:
Scenography: Examining a new marketing strategy for corporate promotion and development
Abstract
This paper presents a critical overview of the recent development by both public and private institutions in Ghana as regards the application of scenic design concepts as an effective interpretation for the promotion of goods and services in the 21st century. Additionally, how these organizations have uncontrollably utilized the design concepts effectively to translate and communicate the values of their business ideas, products and services to consumers. The purpose of the study is to examine the synergy between scenic design and business in relation to institutional identity and the role of the scenic design concept in business promotion and branding. Data for the study was collected using oral interviews and informal interactions. Finally, the research question that directs the discussions in this paper is: how does the scenic design effectively promote corporate business. Findings indicate that scenic design is a visual statement that enhances business practice and presentation.
This paper presents a critical overview of the recent development by both public and private institutions in Ghana as regards the application of scenic design concepts as an effective interpretation for the promotion of goods and services in the 21st century. Additionally, how these organizations have uncontrollably utilized the design concepts effectively to translate and communicate the values of their business ideas, products and services to consumers. The purpose of the study is to examine the synergy between scenic design and business in relation to institutional identity and the role of the scenic design concept in business promotion and branding. Data for the study was collected using oral interviews and informal interactions. Finally, the research question that directs the discussions in this paper is: how does the scenic design effectively promote corporate business. Findings indicate that scenic design is a visual statement that enhances business practice and presentation.
School of Creative ArtsJul 15, 2015
Edu, J. K.
WASRC-PASMAE, CONFERENCE & SPECIAL ANNUAL PATAG INSET WORKSHOP. J. N. Ayettey, Winneba June 10 - 14, 2014
Paper presented:
Animated costume puppets: An effective model medium for the dissemination and sensitization in education for participatory community development
Abstract
Traditionally, the adopted forms of organizing open theatre forums aimed at behavioural change within a given community as a result of identified social issues have been hitherto promoted through the use of identified structures like theatre for development, theatre for communication and theatre for behavioural change to mention a few. The animated costume puppet theatre as a complimentary model opens up to a broader perspective in collaboration within the creative arts industry aimed at a total visual educational programme. This paper discusses the impact of the model under review in relation to the socio - economic development of Ghana in the 21st century. It also highlights a unique application and principles of animated puppetry theatre with a fusion of costume props as a more efficient and effective structure for a community mobilization and sensitization programme.
Traditionally, the adopted forms of organizing open theatre forums aimed at behavioural change within a given community as a result of identified social issues have been hitherto promoted through the use of identified structures like theatre for development, theatre for communication and theatre for behavioural change to mention a few. The animated costume puppet theatre as a complimentary model opens up to a broader perspective in collaboration within the creative arts industry aimed at a total visual educational programme. This paper discusses the impact of the model under review in relation to the socio - economic development of Ghana in the 21st century. It also highlights a unique application and principles of animated puppetry theatre with a fusion of costume props as a more efficient and effective structure for a community mobilization and sensitization programme.
School of Creative ArtsJul 15, 2015
Omoregie, P. O., Akuru, G. B & Fatoba, T. M
PSYCHOSOCIAL FIELDS IN SPORT ORAL. The Green Park Pendik Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey 19 - 21 December, 2014
Paper presented:
EFFICACY OF EXERCISE OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND MOOD STATES OF INDIVIDUALS
Abstract
Exercise contributes immensely to the well being of humans. Thus, health scientist agree that exercise has a positive effect upon physical well being and upon specific physiological variables associated with health and wellness (such as heart rate and blood pressure). In addition, the large majority of both health professionals and exercisers believe that exercise has benefits for the improvement of psychological problems encountered, especially depression, anxiety and mood. Given that exercise effects both physical and mental health, it would therefore seem important to evaluate research on the efficacy. By extension, given the pandemic nature of such mental health problems as depression and anxiety, in concert with the cost and potential side-effects or after-effects of various drugs in the treatment, it would seem important to review the efficacy of exercise as a treatment. The aim of the present paper is to review recent studies that have focused on the effect of exercise on mood adjustment. Specifically, the evidence regarding the benefits of exercise for depression, anxiety and other states of disturbed mood. Hence, this paper addresses the current literature related to investigations of the link between exercise treatments and depression, anxiety and other mood states. Results from these investigations are supportive of the anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and mood enhancing effects of exercise programs. However, a number of potential methodological problems in many of the research studies; the nature of these were considered. Finally, some possible directions for future research will be outlined.
Exercise contributes immensely to the well being of humans. Thus, health scientist agree that exercise has a positive effect upon physical well being and upon specific physiological variables associated with health and wellness (such as heart rate and blood pressure). In addition, the large majority of both health professionals and exercisers believe that exercise has benefits for the improvement of psychological problems encountered, especially depression, anxiety and mood. Given that exercise effects both physical and mental health, it would therefore seem important to evaluate research on the efficacy. By extension, given the pandemic nature of such mental health problems as depression and anxiety, in concert with the cost and potential side-effects or after-effects of various drugs in the treatment, it would seem important to review the efficacy of exercise as a treatment. The aim of the present paper is to review recent studies that have focused on the effect of exercise on mood adjustment. Specifically, the evidence regarding the benefits of exercise for depression, anxiety and other states of disturbed mood. Hence, this paper addresses the current literature related to investigations of the link between exercise treatments and depression, anxiety and other mood states. Results from these investigations are supportive of the anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and mood enhancing effects of exercise programs. However, a number of potential methodological problems in many of the research studies; the nature of these were considered. Finally, some possible directions for future research will be outlined.
Faculty of Science EducationJul 15, 2015
Omoregie, P. O
PERSONAL AND CORPORATE FITNESS TRAINING IN NIGERIA. University of Lagos Conference Centre, Lagos Nigeria 22 - 26 September, 2014
Paper presented:
ENGAGING WOMEN AND GIRLS ACTIVELY IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH PERSPECTIVE
Abstract
Participation in physical activity provide a wide range of physical, psychological and social benefits for women and girls. Studies of women’s and girls’ experiences of physical activity suggested that positive experiences can contribute to a sense of empowerment for participants, and the development of ownership of their bodies. Increasing the active engagement of women and girls in physical activity requires a variety of strategies that contribute to a comprehensive approach. The paper examined social-ecological model impact of intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, and policy factors on actively engaging women’s and girls’ in sport and physical activity participation. It is recommended that all stakeholders involved in sport and physical activity must create quality sport, physical activity and physical education programmes for women and girls. Also, inclusive language should be used, and discriminatory language should be avoided against women and girls knowing they have a place in physical activity participation.
Participation in physical activity provide a wide range of physical, psychological and social benefits for women and girls. Studies of women’s and girls’ experiences of physical activity suggested that positive experiences can contribute to a sense of empowerment for participants, and the development of ownership of their bodies. Increasing the active engagement of women and girls in physical activity requires a variety of strategies that contribute to a comprehensive approach. The paper examined social-ecological model impact of intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, and policy factors on actively engaging women’s and girls’ in sport and physical activity participation. It is recommended that all stakeholders involved in sport and physical activity must create quality sport, physical activity and physical education programmes for women and girls. Also, inclusive language should be used, and discriminatory language should be avoided against women and girls knowing they have a place in physical activity participation.
Faculty of Science EducationJul 15, 2015
Kofi Adu – Boahen, & Ekow, J. F
Ghana Geographical Association (GGA) & Ghana Geographical Techers’ Association (GGTA). Notre Dame, Sunyani, Ghana 26th -30th August, 2014
Paper presented:
Coastal environmental injustice in Ghana: the activities of coastal sediment miners in the Elmina, Cape Coast and Moree area.
Abstract
Human impact has increased stunningly during the last century with coastal problems being onemanifestation of environmental injustice with ecological, economic, and social dimensions on coastal resources. The study sought to assess the residents’ perception of coastline changes in the milieu of the rampant sand mining activities along the Elmina, Cape Coast and Moree coastline of Ghana. The study employed the purposive sampling technique: 100 respondents were engaged from the selected study areas through simple random sampling method. Interviews, Focus group discussions, observations and questionnaire were the main instruments used. The study revealed that beach sand mining is widespread across the Elmina-Cape Coast-Moree coastline and takes place in several forms, with the magnitude of sand taken from the beach being dependent on the transportation medium and the purpose to which sand is to be put. It is considered that the 1995 National Environmental Policy has become outdated and the sections dedicated to the coastal zone are irrelevant due to new research data and trends in administration. The time is right for a concerted national policy dedicated to only the coastal zone that takes into consideration the multiplicity of use of the zone and adopts an integrated management approach.
Human impact has increased stunningly during the last century with coastal problems being onemanifestation of environmental injustice with ecological, economic, and social dimensions on coastal resources. The study sought to assess the residents’ perception of coastline changes in the milieu of the rampant sand mining activities along the Elmina, Cape Coast and Moree coastline of Ghana. The study employed the purposive sampling technique: 100 respondents were engaged from the selected study areas through simple random sampling method. Interviews, Focus group discussions, observations and questionnaire were the main instruments used. The study revealed that beach sand mining is widespread across the Elmina-Cape Coast-Moree coastline and takes place in several forms, with the magnitude of sand taken from the beach being dependent on the transportation medium and the purpose to which sand is to be put. It is considered that the 1995 National Environmental Policy has become outdated and the sections dedicated to the coastal zone are irrelevant due to new research data and trends in administration. The time is right for a concerted national policy dedicated to only the coastal zone that takes into consideration the multiplicity of use of the zone and adopts an integrated management approach.
Faculty of Social Sciences EducationJul 14, 2015
