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Ngman-Wara, E. I. D., Anamuah-Mensah, J., & Otuka, J. O. E. (2014). Ghanaian junior high school science teachers’ attitude towards contextualised science instruction. International Journal of Pedagogy, Policy and ICT in Education, 4,
Abstract
Contextualising science instruction has been found to improve pupils’ understanding of science content since it links science content to the context of the pupil. Science teachers play vital roles in this effort to make science teaching relevant to the Ghanaian child through contextualisation of science instruction. Their successful role will depend on their attitudes towards contextualised instruction. The study sought to investigate junior high school science teachers’ attitude towards contextualised science instruction. The study employed the survey design to collect data. The study sample consisted of 288 junior high science teachers (33 females and 255 males). However 204 (24 females and 180 males) of the respondents, representing 70.8 % of the total sample, submitted their completed questionnaires. Some key findings that emerged in the study were: Majority of the JHS science teachers had a positive attitude towards contextualised science instruction. The years of teaching experience correlated positively and significantly with the participants’ attitude towards contextualised science instruction. A number of implications for contextualised science instruction were made. Also recommendations were made to the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service and science educators.
Contextualising science instruction has been found to improve pupils’ understanding of science content since it links science content to the context of the pupil. Science teachers play vital roles in this effort to make science teaching relevant to the Ghanaian child through contextualisation of science instruction. Their successful role will depend on their attitudes towards contextualised instruction. The study sought to investigate junior high school science teachers’ attitude towards contextualised science instruction. The study employed the survey design to collect data. The study sample consisted of 288 junior high science teachers (33 females and 255 males). However 204 (24 females and 180 males) of the respondents, representing 70.8 % of the total sample, submitted their completed questionnaires. Some key findings that emerged in the study were: Majority of the JHS science teachers had a positive attitude towards contextualised science instruction. The years of teaching experience correlated positively and significantly with the participants’ attitude towards contextualised science instruction. A number of implications for contextualised science instruction were made. Also recommendations were made to the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service and science educators.
Sarpong, E. O., Apaak, D. & Dominic, O.L (2015). Reported Physical Activity Levels And Equipment Use As Predictors Of Body Composition Of Members In Ghanaian Fitness Clubs. Researchjournali’s Journal of Public Health, 1,
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether Ghanaian adults‟ self-reported physical activity and exercise equipment use reflected their fitness levels in body composition as measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio(WHR) using the descriptive correlational study design. The population for the study was all the 40 registered Fitness Clubs in the Western Region of Ghana with an accessible population of 550 members. A total of Fifty-Five (55) respondents were randomly selected as the sample using the Proportionate Sampling by Size Technique .Data was collected through a researcher-designed Structured Questionnaire which was validated by three experts that elicited information from members on reported level of physical activity and equipment use. Standardized measurements of BMI, WHR and BFP were used to assess body composition. Inferential statistics of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient and Stepwise Regression analysis were employed to test three hypotheses that were generated at a significant level of 0.05. Findings of this study revealed that there were no significant relationship between body composition and reported physical activity and equipment use among apparently healthy Ghanaian adults in fitness clubs; also the independent variables were not significant predictors of body composition. Based on the findings it was recommended that physical fitness specialists should depend on reliable and objective recall measures than self-reports in assessing fitness parameters, again investigation into the effects of other factors like age, gender, dietary patterns that may predict body composition among adults should be the focus of future research. Keywords: Apparently Healthy Adults; Body Composition; Health-related Physical Fitness Components; Obesity; Physical activity
The purpose of this study was to determine whether Ghanaian adults‟ self-reported physical activity and exercise equipment use reflected their fitness levels in body composition as measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio(WHR) using the descriptive correlational study design. The population for the study was all the 40 registered Fitness Clubs in the Western Region of Ghana with an accessible population of 550 members. A total of Fifty-Five (55) respondents were randomly selected as the sample using the Proportionate Sampling by Size Technique .Data was collected through a researcher-designed Structured Questionnaire which was validated by three experts that elicited information from members on reported level of physical activity and equipment use. Standardized measurements of BMI, WHR and BFP were used to assess body composition. Inferential statistics of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient and Stepwise Regression analysis were employed to test three hypotheses that were generated at a significant level of 0.05. Findings of this study revealed that there were no significant relationship between body composition and reported physical activity and equipment use among apparently healthy Ghanaian adults in fitness clubs; also the independent variables were not significant predictors of body composition. Based on the findings it was recommended that physical fitness specialists should depend on reliable and objective recall measures than self-reports in assessing fitness parameters, again investigation into the effects of other factors like age, gender, dietary patterns that may predict body composition among adults should be the focus of future research. Keywords: Apparently Healthy Adults; Body Composition; Health-related Physical Fitness Components; Obesity; Physical activity
Sarpong, E.O. & Apaak, D. (2016). Assessing the Predictors of the Content and Pedagogical Knowledge of Fitness Instructors in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 7,
Abstract
Fitness centers require professional instructors to ensure members obtain the safest and most effective exercise classes. Certification and licensure enable fitness instructors to demonstrate a strong desire to be knowledgeable and committed to expand their capabilities and offer more diverse services to their clientele. This study therefore sought to determine whether fitness instructors in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana had the needed professional competence required to be effective as instructors. A descriptive correlational research design was used for the study. A total of 18 instructors were purposively selected from an accessible population of 45. A researcher designed appraisal questionnaire was used to gather data for the study. Three hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed no significant relationship existed between highest academic qualification (HAQ) (‘r’ = .427, p = .077), area of study (AoS) (‘r’ = -.385, p = .115, as well as years of experience (YoE) and level of knowledge (‘r’ = .192, p = .444) all 2-tailed. It was concluded that academic qualification, area of study and years of experience did significantly relate with the level of knowledge suggesting that the instructors’ lack of training, certification and licensure culminated into their low levels of current knowledge in fitness instruction. It was recommended that the National Association for all Sports, Ghana and other stakeholders should develop a national plan for the training, certification and licensure of Fitness Instructors in Ghana. Keywords: fitness instructor, pedagogical knowledge, training, certification,
Fitness centers require professional instructors to ensure members obtain the safest and most effective exercise classes. Certification and licensure enable fitness instructors to demonstrate a strong desire to be knowledgeable and committed to expand their capabilities and offer more diverse services to their clientele. This study therefore sought to determine whether fitness instructors in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana had the needed professional competence required to be effective as instructors. A descriptive correlational research design was used for the study. A total of 18 instructors were purposively selected from an accessible population of 45. A researcher designed appraisal questionnaire was used to gather data for the study. Three hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed no significant relationship existed between highest academic qualification (HAQ) (‘r’ = .427, p = .077), area of study (AoS) (‘r’ = -.385, p = .115, as well as years of experience (YoE) and level of knowledge (‘r’ = .192, p = .444) all 2-tailed. It was concluded that academic qualification, area of study and years of experience did significantly relate with the level of knowledge suggesting that the instructors’ lack of training, certification and licensure culminated into their low levels of current knowledge in fitness instruction. It was recommended that the National Association for all Sports, Ghana and other stakeholders should develop a national plan for the training, certification and licensure of Fitness Instructors in Ghana. Keywords: fitness instructor, pedagogical knowledge, training, certification,
Doamekpor, L.K, Darko, R., Klake, R.K, Samlafo, B.V, Bobobee, L.H, Akpabli, C.K and Nartey, V.K (2016). Assessment of the contribution of road runoffs to surface water pollution in the New Juaben Municipality, Ghana. Journal of Geoscience and Environmental Protection, 4,
Abstract
Road runoffs were sampled from five highways and five urban roads located in the New Juaben Municipality during the late storm events in the month of November 2014 and the early storm events in January 2015. A variety of water quality parameters such as, pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), aqueous concentrations of Chloride (Cl−), Phosphate , Nitrate and Sulphate ions as well as the total concentrations of some selected heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr) were analysed for both periods. Although the results for the studied parameters, particularly the heavy metals varied for both sampling periods, the general trend indicated an increase in accumulation from November 2014 to January 2015. This was attributed to vehicular deposition as well as other natural and anthropogenic depositions on the road surfaces during the antecedent dry weather period between the two sampling months. The highest increase in pollutant loadings was associated with the heavy metals and some physico-chemical parameters such as TSS, TDS, EC and turbidity. Generally, EC, TDS, TSS and turbidity were above the permissible limits of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana for both sampling periods. However, almost all the mean concentrations of heavy metals recorded for both road runoffs and the control samples were within the permissible limits of the Ghana EPA with some few exceptions.
Road runoffs were sampled from five highways and five urban roads located in the New Juaben Municipality during the late storm events in the month of November 2014 and the early storm events in January 2015. A variety of water quality parameters such as, pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), aqueous concentrations of Chloride (Cl−), Phosphate , Nitrate and Sulphate ions as well as the total concentrations of some selected heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr) were analysed for both periods. Although the results for the studied parameters, particularly the heavy metals varied for both sampling periods, the general trend indicated an increase in accumulation from November 2014 to January 2015. This was attributed to vehicular deposition as well as other natural and anthropogenic depositions on the road surfaces during the antecedent dry weather period between the two sampling months. The highest increase in pollutant loadings was associated with the heavy metals and some physico-chemical parameters such as TSS, TDS, EC and turbidity. Generally, EC, TDS, TSS and turbidity were above the permissible limits of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana for both sampling periods. However, almost all the mean concentrations of heavy metals recorded for both road runoffs and the control samples were within the permissible limits of the Ghana EPA with some few exceptions.
Sarpong, E.O. (2016). Waist-to-hip ratio measures as predictors of cardiorespiratory fitness among female human kinetics students in university of Ilorin. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 3,
Abstract
Being overweight is a major risk factor for a variety of chronic ailments and injuries including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type II diabetes, and certain body site- specific cancers. The study aimed at determining the predictive capacity of waist-to-hip ratio measures and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of female students. The ex-post facto design was used in this study. The population comprised all 200 level female students that offered ‘Fitness for Life’ (HKE 210) for the 2014/2015 academic session numbering 60. The waist –to- hip ratio and the Cooper 12 minute walk/run test were used to collect data for this study. Percentage was used to answer research questions while the PPMC and Multiple Regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings showed that (94.9%) were between 17-29 years, (58.3%) had waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measures detrimental to health while (60.3%) needed improvement in their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). A significant positive relationship existed between WHR and CRF. 60.2 % of CRF was predicted by WHR alone. The study concluded that participants did not have the minimum fitness level and WHR was a significant predictor of CRF. It was recommended that assessment of fitness levels should be a regular feature in the events of the HKE department among others. Keywords: predictors, waist-to-hip ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular disease
Being overweight is a major risk factor for a variety of chronic ailments and injuries including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type II diabetes, and certain body site- specific cancers. The study aimed at determining the predictive capacity of waist-to-hip ratio measures and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of female students. The ex-post facto design was used in this study. The population comprised all 200 level female students that offered ‘Fitness for Life’ (HKE 210) for the 2014/2015 academic session numbering 60. The waist –to- hip ratio and the Cooper 12 minute walk/run test were used to collect data for this study. Percentage was used to answer research questions while the PPMC and Multiple Regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings showed that (94.9%) were between 17-29 years, (58.3%) had waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measures detrimental to health while (60.3%) needed improvement in their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). A significant positive relationship existed between WHR and CRF. 60.2 % of CRF was predicted by WHR alone. The study concluded that participants did not have the minimum fitness level and WHR was a significant predictor of CRF. It was recommended that assessment of fitness levels should be a regular feature in the events of the HKE department among others. Keywords: predictors, waist-to-hip ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular disease
Samlafo, B.V (2016). Awareness levels of possible health hazards associated with the wearing of lipsticks among female students at University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. International Journal Advances in Social Science and humanities, 4,
Abstract
It appears people find many reasons for applying various chemical preparations such as cosmetics to their body. This study explores the reasons why female students in University of Education, Winneba (UEW) wear lipsticks and whether or not they are aware of the presence of lead (Pb) in these products, and its possible health hazards. The participants (358) were all female students in the Faculty of Science Education from levels 100 to 600 and within age bracket of 18- 20 years to above 36 years. The study revealed that, the use of lipsticks among UEW female students was common with 74.86% ( n= 268) of the participants patronising the products and 25,14% (n=90) not utilizing the products on grounds of religious and personal principles. The main reason behind the wearing of lipstick among UEW female students was self-esteem, contrary to the perception that, lipsticks are worn by female students to attract the opposite sex. However, 81.56% (n=292) of the participants were unaware of the presence of lead in lipsticks. The 18.44% of participants who claimed to be aware of the presence of lead in lipsticks could not demonstrate a basic test to show that a given product contained lead. Only 2.23% (n=8) of the participants gave the correct test for the presence of lead in a given product, though none of the 8 participants could give an example of the health implications of lead in consumable products. A total of 95.81%, (n=343) of the participants have on idea about the test for the presence of lead in lipstick. Poor reading culture and lack of scientific literacy were suspected to be some of the reasons behind female students not knowing the possible health hazards associated with the wearing of lipsticks. Hence, a cosmetic producer in business today, scarcely receive a letter of complaint saying your product has cause damage to my body.
It appears people find many reasons for applying various chemical preparations such as cosmetics to their body. This study explores the reasons why female students in University of Education, Winneba (UEW) wear lipsticks and whether or not they are aware of the presence of lead (Pb) in these products, and its possible health hazards. The participants (358) were all female students in the Faculty of Science Education from levels 100 to 600 and within age bracket of 18- 20 years to above 36 years. The study revealed that, the use of lipsticks among UEW female students was common with 74.86% ( n= 268) of the participants patronising the products and 25,14% (n=90) not utilizing the products on grounds of religious and personal principles. The main reason behind the wearing of lipstick among UEW female students was self-esteem, contrary to the perception that, lipsticks are worn by female students to attract the opposite sex. However, 81.56% (n=292) of the participants were unaware of the presence of lead in lipsticks. The 18.44% of participants who claimed to be aware of the presence of lead in lipsticks could not demonstrate a basic test to show that a given product contained lead. Only 2.23% (n=8) of the participants gave the correct test for the presence of lead in a given product, though none of the 8 participants could give an example of the health implications of lead in consumable products. A total of 95.81%, (n=343) of the participants have on idea about the test for the presence of lead in lipstick. Poor reading culture and lack of scientific literacy were suspected to be some of the reasons behind female students not knowing the possible health hazards associated with the wearing of lipsticks. Hence, a cosmetic producer in business today, scarcely receive a letter of complaint saying your product has cause damage to my body.
Twumasi, A.K, Samlafo, B.V, and Addo, G.M (2016). Assessment of domestic water quality supplied to households in the Effutu Municipality, Ghana. International Journal of Current Research, 8,
Abstract
The quality of domestic water supplied to households in the Effutu Municipality was evaluated using twenty-two physico-chemical parameters. Pearson rank correlation coefficient and an independent one-tailed student t-test were used to analyse the results. Except for colour, no significant statistical differences were observed between the samples from the headworks (HW) and the households. The correlation between the headworks (Hw) and household in terms of the other parameters varied from 0.99-1.0. Generally, water samples from both the Hw and the households were potable by WHO standards. However, the presence of total coliform ranging from 10.0 cfu/100.0mL at V7 (Pupils) to 489.25 cfu/100.0 mL at V1 (Roman school) and faecal coliform of 0.75 cfu/100.0 mL at V8 (New Winneba) to 20.50 cfu/100.0 mL at V4 (Junction) in some household samples were of much concern as these levels have a high tendency to compromise the health status of consumers. Occasional breaks in pipe-lines and water rationing were found to be some of the causes of external waters infiltrating into the distribution systems. Passing pipelines through gutters and illegal connections by individuals should be discouraged by Ghana Water Company (GWC) Ltd.
The quality of domestic water supplied to households in the Effutu Municipality was evaluated using twenty-two physico-chemical parameters. Pearson rank correlation coefficient and an independent one-tailed student t-test were used to analyse the results. Except for colour, no significant statistical differences were observed between the samples from the headworks (HW) and the households. The correlation between the headworks (Hw) and household in terms of the other parameters varied from 0.99-1.0. Generally, water samples from both the Hw and the households were potable by WHO standards. However, the presence of total coliform ranging from 10.0 cfu/100.0mL at V7 (Pupils) to 489.25 cfu/100.0 mL at V1 (Roman school) and faecal coliform of 0.75 cfu/100.0 mL at V8 (New Winneba) to 20.50 cfu/100.0 mL at V4 (Junction) in some household samples were of much concern as these levels have a high tendency to compromise the health status of consumers. Occasional breaks in pipe-lines and water rationing were found to be some of the causes of external waters infiltrating into the distribution systems. Passing pipelines through gutters and illegal connections by individuals should be discouraged by Ghana Water Company (GWC) Ltd.
Samlafo, B.V (2015). Effects of Dietary Selenium on Mercury Toxicity, using Human Hair and Nail Samples as Bioindicators: A Case Study among Residents of Wassa West District of Ghana. Knowledge of Research, 2,
Abstract
This study evaluated the Selenium-to-mercury (Se:Hg) molar ratio model, using human hair and nail as bioindicators, in contrast to the traditional model of measuring mercury alone as index of mercury (Hg) exposure. Fifty each of hair and nail samples collected from volunteers were analysed for Hg and Selenium (Se). Absolute levels of Hg in hair ranged from 1.65 μg/g to 20.46 μg/g with a mean value of 4.64 μg/g.However, ideal levels of Hg in hair is 0.3-0.4 μg/g. Absolute Se levels in hair ranged from 0.5 μg/g to 1.53 μg/g with a mean value of 0.94 μg/g. Ideal Se levels in hair is 1.2 μg/g. Molar concentrations of Hg in hair ranged from 8.23 nM to 101.10 nM with a mean value of 23.09 nM, while molar concentrations of Se in hair ranged from 6.33nM to 19.38 nM with a mean value of 12.0 nM.Absolute Hg in nails ranged from 0.97 μg/g to 31.94 μg/g with a mean value of 10.29 μg/g. Observed Se levels ranged from 0.52 μg/g to 0.85 μg/g with a mean value of 0.70 μg/g. Molar concentrations of Hg in nails ranged from 4.84 nM to 159.23 nM with a mean of 51.32 nM. Molar concentrations of Se in nails ranged from 6.59nM to 10.76 nM with a mean value of 8.94 nM.Based on traditional model of measuring Hg in hair alone, all the residents were exposed to mercury. However, from the Se:Hg molar ratio model, 62% of the residents were exposed to Hg using hair, while 92% were exposed to Hg using nail samples. The precision and the accuracy of the analytical techniques were assessed by simultaneous activation of certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The values obtained compared strongly with the certified values as Pearson’s correlation coefficient was + 0.99 for the two methods.The measurement precision as specified by the relative standard deviation was within ±0.6%.The experimental values were within ±4% of the certified values. Keywords: Hair, Nail, Interaction, Mercury, Selenium, Mining, Molar ratio, Bioindicator
This study evaluated the Selenium-to-mercury (Se:Hg) molar ratio model, using human hair and nail as bioindicators, in contrast to the traditional model of measuring mercury alone as index of mercury (Hg) exposure. Fifty each of hair and nail samples collected from volunteers were analysed for Hg and Selenium (Se). Absolute levels of Hg in hair ranged from 1.65 μg/g to 20.46 μg/g with a mean value of 4.64 μg/g.However, ideal levels of Hg in hair is 0.3-0.4 μg/g. Absolute Se levels in hair ranged from 0.5 μg/g to 1.53 μg/g with a mean value of 0.94 μg/g. Ideal Se levels in hair is 1.2 μg/g. Molar concentrations of Hg in hair ranged from 8.23 nM to 101.10 nM with a mean value of 23.09 nM, while molar concentrations of Se in hair ranged from 6.33nM to 19.38 nM with a mean value of 12.0 nM.Absolute Hg in nails ranged from 0.97 μg/g to 31.94 μg/g with a mean value of 10.29 μg/g. Observed Se levels ranged from 0.52 μg/g to 0.85 μg/g with a mean value of 0.70 μg/g. Molar concentrations of Hg in nails ranged from 4.84 nM to 159.23 nM with a mean of 51.32 nM. Molar concentrations of Se in nails ranged from 6.59nM to 10.76 nM with a mean value of 8.94 nM.Based on traditional model of measuring Hg in hair alone, all the residents were exposed to mercury. However, from the Se:Hg molar ratio model, 62% of the residents were exposed to Hg using hair, while 92% were exposed to Hg using nail samples. The precision and the accuracy of the analytical techniques were assessed by simultaneous activation of certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The values obtained compared strongly with the certified values as Pearson’s correlation coefficient was + 0.99 for the two methods.The measurement precision as specified by the relative standard deviation was within ±0.6%.The experimental values were within ±4% of the certified values. Keywords: Hair, Nail, Interaction, Mercury, Selenium, Mining, Molar ratio, Bioindicator
Faculty of Science EducationDec 14, 2015
Forster, P., (2014). Clothing and Textiles.
Abstract
Faculty of Science EducationOct 15, 2015
Hanson, R., Bobobee, L. H., Twumasi, K. A., & Antwi, V. (2015). Designing micro chemistry experimentation for teacher trainees in a university. European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Sciences, 3,
Abstract
Micro chemistry experimentation has come to reduce the usual traditional experimentation through miniature activities. In addition it has reduced activity time and the cost of resources significantly and yet provided personal hands-on experiences for learners. This study presents the design of micro chemistry experimentation for some quantitative and qualitative inorganic chemistry topics for first year undergraduate teacher trainees as well as to introduce a motivating way to teach and conduct chemistry activities. It basically set out to explore the designed low-cost practical approach that could contribute to improved laboratory practice in Ghana, in view of resource, time, and space constraints in a teaching institution. Overall findings showed that the micro chemistry approach made chemistry lessons interesting, interactive, and enabled learners to acquire many learning skills by themselves. Keywords: Comboplate, wells, microchemistry kit, micro quantity, macro quantity.
Micro chemistry experimentation has come to reduce the usual traditional experimentation through miniature activities. In addition it has reduced activity time and the cost of resources significantly and yet provided personal hands-on experiences for learners. This study presents the design of micro chemistry experimentation for some quantitative and qualitative inorganic chemistry topics for first year undergraduate teacher trainees as well as to introduce a motivating way to teach and conduct chemistry activities. It basically set out to explore the designed low-cost practical approach that could contribute to improved laboratory practice in Ghana, in view of resource, time, and space constraints in a teaching institution. Overall findings showed that the micro chemistry approach made chemistry lessons interesting, interactive, and enabled learners to acquire many learning skills by themselves. Keywords: Comboplate, wells, microchemistry kit, micro quantity, macro quantity.
Faculty of Science EducationOct 13, 2015
