R&P Entries
Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar with Presentations
Seidina, I.Y., Dominic, O. L., Ibraheem, T. O., Atikumi, N., & Sarpong, E. O.
6th ICHPER.SD African Regional Congress. 22-24 July , 2018
Paper presented:
Built Environment as Correlates and Predictor of Physical Activity Behaviour among University Students in Nigeria
Abstract
Sarpong, E. O
14th Annual International Conference on Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences. Athens Institute for Education and Research, Athens. Greece 27 july - 2 August 2018
Paper presented:
. Physical Activity Participation Variables as Predictors of Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Ghanaian Fitness Club Members
Abstract
Regular participation in physical activity improves fitness, health and well-being. This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of members in Ghanaian fitness Clubs. The objectives of the study were to: determine the percentage of club members with the minimum levels of CRF required to develop health; establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and CRF levels of members; and determine the predictive capacity of physical activity participation variables on CRF levels. A descriptive correlational design was used for the study. The sample for the study was 546 Club Members from 18 fitness clubs randomly selected from the 45 fitness clubs within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and Cooper 12 minutes’ walk/run test were used to gather data for the study. Descriptive statistics of Percentage was used to answer research questions while inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) and Multiple Regression were used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that: i. (74.9%) of the club members possess minimum levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) needed to develop health whilst (25.1%) had low levels that needed improvement, ii. positive significant relationships existed between CRF and Physical Activity Index (PAI) (‘r’=.324,p=.000), Exercise Equipment and Machines (EEM) (‘r’=.178,p =.000), Variety of Physical Activity (VPA) (‘r’=.115,p =.007) while no positive significant relationship existed between CRF and Mode of Instruction (MOI) (‘r’= .065, p=.178 all 2-tailed; iii. (14.1%) of CRF was predicted by PAI, MOI, EEM and VPA (R square =.141) whilst only The study concluded that members in Ghanaian fitness clubs had minimum levels of CRF required for health development implying that improvements in fitness levels can be achieved if the right knowledge on the specific aspects of exercise prescription is applied. It was recommended that stakeholders in the Ghanaian fitness industry should collaborate to institute national policies for the organization of mass sports.
Regular participation in physical activity improves fitness, health and well-being. This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of members in Ghanaian fitness Clubs. The objectives of the study were to: determine the percentage of club members with the minimum levels of CRF required to develop health; establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and CRF levels of members; and determine the predictive capacity of physical activity participation variables on CRF levels. A descriptive correlational design was used for the study. The sample for the study was 546 Club Members from 18 fitness clubs randomly selected from the 45 fitness clubs within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and Cooper 12 minutes’ walk/run test were used to gather data for the study. Descriptive statistics of Percentage was used to answer research questions while inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) and Multiple Regression were used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that: i. (74.9%) of the club members possess minimum levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) needed to develop health whilst (25.1%) had low levels that needed improvement, ii. positive significant relationships existed between CRF and Physical Activity Index (PAI) (‘r’=.324,p=.000), Exercise Equipment and Machines (EEM) (‘r’=.178,p =.000), Variety of Physical Activity (VPA) (‘r’=.115,p =.007) while no positive significant relationship existed between CRF and Mode of Instruction (MOI) (‘r’= .065, p=.178 all 2-tailed; iii. (14.1%) of CRF was predicted by PAI, MOI, EEM and VPA (R square =.141) whilst only The study concluded that members in Ghanaian fitness clubs had minimum levels of CRF required for health development implying that improvements in fitness levels can be achieved if the right knowledge on the specific aspects of exercise prescription is applied. It was recommended that stakeholders in the Ghanaian fitness industry should collaborate to institute national policies for the organization of mass sports.
Kweku Esia-Donkoh
Images of Childhood and Future: Cross-cultural Perspectives. 59, Flensburg, and Room 065, Building “Helsinki” (HEL), Europa-University Flensburg 29th June - 1st July 2017
Paper presented:
Childhood and Study Habits: Perceptions of the Present and the Future
Abstract
Based on Bakare’s (1977) study habit theory, this study investigated the perception of children in public basic schools in Ekumfi District in the Central Region of Ghana, on their study habits considering the present (nature and challenges) and the expectations for the future. The descriptive survey design in the form of mixed methods was used. Through stratified random sampling technique 380 children were obtained for the quantitative aspect of the study while ten children were conveniently sampled for the qualitative aspect. Data were collected using questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. Quantitative analysis was done by using descriptive (mean, standard deviation) statistics while qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach. It was revealed that the dominant study habit practiced by the children was examination related, followed by homework and assignment, concentration, reading and note-taking, and time management. Inability to recollect information learnt, poor reading ability, poor spelling, high text/examination anxiety, studying many subjects at a time, and lack of parental support were identified as some of the challenges the children faced in their studies. The children were of the view that regular symposia on strategies (including time management) to learn effectively, remedial lessons by teachers on reading skills, and bye-laws by School Management Committee (SMC) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to monitor and prevent children from loitering and watching videos at night will help improve their study habits. It is thus recommended that Guidance and Counselling programmes in public basic schools in the District should be strengthened by the Ghana Education Service (GES) so that children will be counselled on the need to develop effective and appropriate study habits. In-service training should be organized by GES for teachers to adopt teaching techniques that suit the children’s study habits. Key words: childhood, perceptions, study habits, nature, challenges, future strategies
Based on Bakare’s (1977) study habit theory, this study investigated the perception of children in public basic schools in Ekumfi District in the Central Region of Ghana, on their study habits considering the present (nature and challenges) and the expectations for the future. The descriptive survey design in the form of mixed methods was used. Through stratified random sampling technique 380 children were obtained for the quantitative aspect of the study while ten children were conveniently sampled for the qualitative aspect. Data were collected using questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. Quantitative analysis was done by using descriptive (mean, standard deviation) statistics while qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach. It was revealed that the dominant study habit practiced by the children was examination related, followed by homework and assignment, concentration, reading and note-taking, and time management. Inability to recollect information learnt, poor reading ability, poor spelling, high text/examination anxiety, studying many subjects at a time, and lack of parental support were identified as some of the challenges the children faced in their studies. The children were of the view that regular symposia on strategies (including time management) to learn effectively, remedial lessons by teachers on reading skills, and bye-laws by School Management Committee (SMC) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to monitor and prevent children from loitering and watching videos at night will help improve their study habits. It is thus recommended that Guidance and Counselling programmes in public basic schools in the District should be strengthened by the Ghana Education Service (GES) so that children will be counselled on the need to develop effective and appropriate study habits. In-service training should be organized by GES for teachers to adopt teaching techniques that suit the children’s study habits. Key words: childhood, perceptions, study habits, nature, challenges, future strategies
Kweku Esia-Donkoh
1st International Conference on Competency-Based Training and Research (ICCBTR) on Building the Next Generation of Technologists: The CBT Paradigm. College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of the University of Education, Winneba 13th - 15th September, 2017
Paper presented:
Demographic Variables as Determinants of Leadership Styles of Principals of Public Colleges of Education
Abstract
The study investigated the differences in leadership styles of principals of public Colleges of Education (CoEs) in Ghana in relation to their gender, age, years of work experience, and academic qualification. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and with the purposive sampling technique, 38 principals were sampled and used for the study. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire developed by Bass and Avolio (2004) was adapted for the study. Means, standard deviations, t-test and ANOVA were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the leadership styles of the principals in relation to their gender, age, and academic qualification. However, there were statistically significant differences in the leadership styles adopted by the principals in relation to their years of work experience. It was therefore concluded that many years of experience of principals of public CoEs in Ghana is critical for good leadership in these colleges. Among the recommendations was that the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) should consider years of work experience in the selection and appointment of principals for public CoEs in Ghana. Additionally, in-service training and refresher courses should be organized regularly by NCTE for principals on the leadership styles suitable for achievement of objectives and goals of their colleges. Key Words: leadership style, transformational, transactional, laissez-faire, gender, age, experience, academic qualification
The study investigated the differences in leadership styles of principals of public Colleges of Education (CoEs) in Ghana in relation to their gender, age, years of work experience, and academic qualification. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and with the purposive sampling technique, 38 principals were sampled and used for the study. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire developed by Bass and Avolio (2004) was adapted for the study. Means, standard deviations, t-test and ANOVA were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the leadership styles of the principals in relation to their gender, age, and academic qualification. However, there were statistically significant differences in the leadership styles adopted by the principals in relation to their years of work experience. It was therefore concluded that many years of experience of principals of public CoEs in Ghana is critical for good leadership in these colleges. Among the recommendations was that the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) should consider years of work experience in the selection and appointment of principals for public CoEs in Ghana. Additionally, in-service training and refresher courses should be organized regularly by NCTE for principals on the leadership styles suitable for achievement of objectives and goals of their colleges. Key Words: leadership style, transformational, transactional, laissez-faire, gender, age, experience, academic qualification
Kweku Esia-Donkoh
Mathematics Education and Research Methodology Conference and Workshop on “Fostering Professional Development of Early Career Researchers in Ghana. Auditorium of the Institute of Education, University of Cape Coast. 16th - 20th October, 2017
Paper presented:
Influence of Students’ Demographic Variables on their Learning Style Preferences: The Case of Public Colleges of Education in the Central-Western Zone of Ghana
Abstract
Using the VAK Learning Style Model, the study investigated the learning style preferences of students of public Colleges of Education (CoEs) in the Central-Western Zone of Ghana, and how demographic variables of the students influence these preferred learning styles. The cross-sectional survey design was used and through the random sampling technique 1,396 students were sampled from five public CoEs in the zone for the study. Frequencies, percentages, and t-test were used to analyse the data. Generally the students preferred a combination of visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning styles. There were statistically significant differences in the learning style preference by sex of the students, and the nature of the college. However, there were no such differences in terms of their level of study. It was concluded that even though the VAK learning style has been critiqued, especially on the basis that it is based on human senses, and that there has not been rigorous research evidence on its reliability, it underscored the need for the tutors to combine various pedagogical approaches to suit the learning needs of all students. Among the recommendations was that tutors should encourage students to adopt multiple learning styles and effective study habits to enhance their academic endeavours. Key words: learning style preference, gender, nature of college, level of study
Using the VAK Learning Style Model, the study investigated the learning style preferences of students of public Colleges of Education (CoEs) in the Central-Western Zone of Ghana, and how demographic variables of the students influence these preferred learning styles. The cross-sectional survey design was used and through the random sampling technique 1,396 students were sampled from five public CoEs in the zone for the study. Frequencies, percentages, and t-test were used to analyse the data. Generally the students preferred a combination of visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning styles. There were statistically significant differences in the learning style preference by sex of the students, and the nature of the college. However, there were no such differences in terms of their level of study. It was concluded that even though the VAK learning style has been critiqued, especially on the basis that it is based on human senses, and that there has not been rigorous research evidence on its reliability, it underscored the need for the tutors to combine various pedagogical approaches to suit the learning needs of all students. Among the recommendations was that tutors should encourage students to adopt multiple learning styles and effective study habits to enhance their academic endeavours. Key words: learning style preference, gender, nature of college, level of study
Kweku Esia-Donkoh
5th International Conference on Sciences, Technology and Social Sciences (ICSTSS). Hotel Grand Flora, Al-Rigga Road Deira, Dubai, UAE. 30th - 31st December, 2017
Paper presented:
Instructional Supervisory Practices of Headteachers and Teacher Motivation in Public Basic Schools in Anomabo Education Circuit
Abstract
The study examined the supervisory practices of headteachers and how these supervisory practices relate with teacher motivation in public basic schools in the Anomabo Education Circuit of the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Quantitative approach of the cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques, 69 respondents, made up of 15 headteachers and 54 teachers were used for the study. Two sets of questionnaire (one each for headteachers and teachers) were used to collect data. A test-re-test method was used and to establish the reliability of the instruments, and correlation coefficients of 8.45 and 8.72 were obtained for headteachers and teachers questionnaires respectively. The data obtained were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results indicated that headteachers in the Anomabo Education Circuit often used all the instructional supervisory practices outlined in the study and they performed above average. However, orientation of new teaching staff was the dominant supervisory practice among the headteachers while the least practiced was provision of in-service training for teachers. Generally, teachers in public basic schools in the Circuit were highly motivated, and there was a statistically significant positive but weak relationship between headteachers’ supervisory practices and teacher motivation. The study concluded that pupils’ performance had not been encouraging even though the teachers were adequately motivated. It was therefore recommended among others, that, the Mfantseman Municipal Directorate of Ghana Education Service should organize regular in-service training programmes for headteachers in public basic schools in the Anomabo Education Circuit to improve their skills to effectively balance and practice their instructional supervisory practices to enhance very high teacher motivation. Key Words: instructional supervision, practices, headteachers, teachers, motivation
The study examined the supervisory practices of headteachers and how these supervisory practices relate with teacher motivation in public basic schools in the Anomabo Education Circuit of the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Quantitative approach of the cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques, 69 respondents, made up of 15 headteachers and 54 teachers were used for the study. Two sets of questionnaire (one each for headteachers and teachers) were used to collect data. A test-re-test method was used and to establish the reliability of the instruments, and correlation coefficients of 8.45 and 8.72 were obtained for headteachers and teachers questionnaires respectively. The data obtained were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results indicated that headteachers in the Anomabo Education Circuit often used all the instructional supervisory practices outlined in the study and they performed above average. However, orientation of new teaching staff was the dominant supervisory practice among the headteachers while the least practiced was provision of in-service training for teachers. Generally, teachers in public basic schools in the Circuit were highly motivated, and there was a statistically significant positive but weak relationship between headteachers’ supervisory practices and teacher motivation. The study concluded that pupils’ performance had not been encouraging even though the teachers were adequately motivated. It was therefore recommended among others, that, the Mfantseman Municipal Directorate of Ghana Education Service should organize regular in-service training programmes for headteachers in public basic schools in the Anomabo Education Circuit to improve their skills to effectively balance and practice their instructional supervisory practices to enhance very high teacher motivation. Key Words: instructional supervision, practices, headteachers, teachers, motivation
Hanson, R.
International Teacher Education Conference. Harvard University, Boston, Massachussetts, U.S.A August 16-19, 2017
Paper presented:
Using activity worksheets to unearth 10th grade students’ perceptions about word chemical equations
Abstract
An in-depth constructivist and interpretive study was carried out with 31 students from a Ghanaian High School over a period of three weeks in order to elicit their interpretations, concerns, and constructions of word equations. This was a qualitative research to generate, analyse, and interpret data from individual narratives and translate ideas belonging to a community to represent discourses of that community. Results indicated that psychological, cognitive and language issues affected students’ conception. Their capacity to reason was linked to both concept, structure and strategies for presenting analysis.
An in-depth constructivist and interpretive study was carried out with 31 students from a Ghanaian High School over a period of three weeks in order to elicit their interpretations, concerns, and constructions of word equations. This was a qualitative research to generate, analyse, and interpret data from individual narratives and translate ideas belonging to a community to represent discourses of that community. Results indicated that psychological, cognitive and language issues affected students’ conception. Their capacity to reason was linked to both concept, structure and strategies for presenting analysis.
Hanson, R.
Canada International Conference on Education (CICE-2017) Edited By Charles A. Shoniregun Galyna A. Akmayeva Collated By Holly Green Glen Potter CICE ©. University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada June 26-29, 2017
Paper presented:
Assessing the potential of worksheets as a tool for revealing teacher trainees' conceptions about chemical bonds
Abstract
The conceptions held by undergraduate teacher trainees about basic types of chemical bonds are investigated in this paper. The research was carried out with 95 first year Chemistry education teacher trainees purposely chosen from two teacher training institutions. Participants worked on worksheets which showed figures of compounds with different kinds of chemical bonds after which their answers were scored and interpreted in order to understand the possible reasons behind their choices. Results from the activity indicated that more than 80% of the chemistry education trainees had vernacular and conceptual misconceptions about basic chemical bonding, which stemmed from their environment, text books and teachers. Some suggestions were made for more effective teaching approaches to enhance teacher trainees’ conceptual understanding of chemical bonds.
The conceptions held by undergraduate teacher trainees about basic types of chemical bonds are investigated in this paper. The research was carried out with 95 first year Chemistry education teacher trainees purposely chosen from two teacher training institutions. Participants worked on worksheets which showed figures of compounds with different kinds of chemical bonds after which their answers were scored and interpreted in order to understand the possible reasons behind their choices. Results from the activity indicated that more than 80% of the chemistry education trainees had vernacular and conceptual misconceptions about basic chemical bonding, which stemmed from their environment, text books and teachers. Some suggestions were made for more effective teaching approaches to enhance teacher trainees’ conceptual understanding of chemical bonds.
Hanson, R.
Canada International Conference on Education (CICE-2017) Edited By Charles A. Shoniregun Galyna A. Akmayeva Collated By Holly Green Glen Potter CICE ©. University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada June 26-29, 2017
Paper presented:
Assessing the potential of worksheets as a tool for revealing teacher trainees' conceptions about chemical bonds
Abstract
The conceptions held by undergraduate teacher trainees about basic types of chemical bonds are investigated in this paper. The research was carried out with 95 first year Chemistry education teacher trainees purposely chosen from two teacher training institutions. Participants worked on worksheets which showed figures of compounds with different kinds of chemical bonds after which their answers were scored and interpreted in order to understand the possible reasons behind their choices. Results from the activity indicated that more than 80% of the chemistry education trainees had vernacular and conceptual misconceptions about basic chemical bonding, which stemmed from their environment, text books and teachers. Some suggestions were made for more effective teaching approaches to enhance teacher trainees’ conceptual understanding of chemical bonds.
The conceptions held by undergraduate teacher trainees about basic types of chemical bonds are investigated in this paper. The research was carried out with 95 first year Chemistry education teacher trainees purposely chosen from two teacher training institutions. Participants worked on worksheets which showed figures of compounds with different kinds of chemical bonds after which their answers were scored and interpreted in order to understand the possible reasons behind their choices. Results from the activity indicated that more than 80% of the chemistry education trainees had vernacular and conceptual misconceptions about basic chemical bonding, which stemmed from their environment, text books and teachers. Some suggestions were made for more effective teaching approaches to enhance teacher trainees’ conceptual understanding of chemical bonds.
Samlafo, B.V, Bobobee, L.H, Quarshie, E , Sarsah, L.A and Kaka, E.A
2nd World International conference on Industrial Chemistry and Water Treatment. Las Vegas, USA 22nd -23rd, May, 2017
Paper presented:
Quality assessment of groundwater from Avenorfeme: Akatsi District, Ghana
Abstract
A holistic assessment of the quality of groundwater from the shallow unconfined aquifers of the Avenorfeme and surrounding villages in the Akatsi South District in the Volta Region of Ghana has been conducted. A groundwater classification scheme has been developed for groundwater in the area using a robust water quality index (WQI) modified for the case of the study area. For calculating the WQI, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, total dissolved solids, and fluorides have been considered. On the basis of the WQI so computed, groundwater fell within the ‘Excellent”, “Good”, “Poor” and “unsuitable for drinking” categories. This study finds that the salinity of the groundwater in the area is largely attributed to mineral weathering leading to evolution of predominantly intermediate to high salinity Na-Cl water types. On account of salinity hazard, most of the waters are not suitable for irrigation in the area. Based on total hardness, the groundwater in the area is permanently hard. Keywords: Groundwater, Akatsi district, Volta, Water Quality Index, SAR
A holistic assessment of the quality of groundwater from the shallow unconfined aquifers of the Avenorfeme and surrounding villages in the Akatsi South District in the Volta Region of Ghana has been conducted. A groundwater classification scheme has been developed for groundwater in the area using a robust water quality index (WQI) modified for the case of the study area. For calculating the WQI, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, total dissolved solids, and fluorides have been considered. On the basis of the WQI so computed, groundwater fell within the ‘Excellent”, “Good”, “Poor” and “unsuitable for drinking” categories. This study finds that the salinity of the groundwater in the area is largely attributed to mineral weathering leading to evolution of predominantly intermediate to high salinity Na-Cl water types. On account of salinity hazard, most of the waters are not suitable for irrigation in the area. Based on total hardness, the groundwater in the area is permanently hard. Keywords: Groundwater, Akatsi district, Volta, Water Quality Index, SAR
