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Vordzorgbe, P. K., Assoah, S. K., Dzakadzie, Y. & Wilson, K. N. (2018). Managing Pre-Retirement Anxiety Among Teachers in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana,. US-China Education Review B, 8,
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate pre-retirement anxiety among teachers in the Eastern region in Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The total population for the study was made up of all the teachers due for retirement in the 2017 academic year in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The estimated population for the study was 200 retirees. Simple random sampling was used in sampling 70 teachers enlisted for retirement in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality. A questionnaire was used in gathering data. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It emerged from the study that the sources of pre-retirement anxiety are inadequate fund, managing mental health, managing a new and lower social status, inadequate planning for retirement, and difficulty in time management. The study revealed that the challenges faced by respondents are related to inadequate financial preparation, retirement contributing to faster ageing, retirement leading to early death, retirement contributing to loneliness, and contributing to friends upon retirement. The study showed that there are no retirement counselling services available in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality. The study further revealed that there was a negative correlation between social support and pre-retirement anxiety. The study therefore recommends that the Yilo-Krobo Municipal educational directorate and the Municipal Social Security Insurance Office should collaboratively work with the various counsellors in the Municipality to fully assist teachers for adequately plan financially, make arrangement for accommodations, the educational directorate, and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) should make retirement processes less bureaucratic and costly. Counsellors should educate teachers on ageing and life after retirement to improve their level of adjustment. Keywords: pre-retirement anxiety, counselling service, challenges, social support, religiosity, teachers
The purpose of the study was to investigate pre-retirement anxiety among teachers in the Eastern region in Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The total population for the study was made up of all the teachers due for retirement in the 2017 academic year in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The estimated population for the study was 200 retirees. Simple random sampling was used in sampling 70 teachers enlisted for retirement in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality. A questionnaire was used in gathering data. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It emerged from the study that the sources of pre-retirement anxiety are inadequate fund, managing mental health, managing a new and lower social status, inadequate planning for retirement, and difficulty in time management. The study revealed that the challenges faced by respondents are related to inadequate financial preparation, retirement contributing to faster ageing, retirement leading to early death, retirement contributing to loneliness, and contributing to friends upon retirement. The study showed that there are no retirement counselling services available in the Yilo-Krobo Municipality. The study further revealed that there was a negative correlation between social support and pre-retirement anxiety. The study therefore recommends that the Yilo-Krobo Municipal educational directorate and the Municipal Social Security Insurance Office should collaboratively work with the various counsellors in the Municipality to fully assist teachers for adequately plan financially, make arrangement for accommodations, the educational directorate, and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) should make retirement processes less bureaucratic and costly. Counsellors should educate teachers on ageing and life after retirement to improve their level of adjustment. Keywords: pre-retirement anxiety, counselling service, challenges, social support, religiosity, teachers
Asiedu, A. A., Assoah, S. K. & Wilson, K. N. (2018). Managing Pre-Retirement Anxiety among Teachers in Asunafo South District of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.. International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Research (IJSAR), 4,
Abstract
Retirement is an inevitable activity in the lives of workers. Unfortunately, the thought of retirement to some workers breeds anxiety, apprehension and disillusionment especially among teachers. The study sought to find out the perception of teachers on retirement, sources of pre-retirement anxiety, and the managerial strategies that would be used to support teachers nearing retirement in Asunafo South. Descriptive survey was employed for this study. The target population of the study was all teachers in Asunafo South District. Purposive sampling technique was used to solicit the views of teachers nearing retirement. 52 respondents were selected for the study, out of the 60 teachers nearing retirement. Questionnaire was used to collate data and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Respondents agreed that they feel nervous when they feel that their retirement is fast approaching. Four major sources of pre-retirement anxiety were identified. Majority of the respondents agreed that seeking retirement counselling from professionals will reduce their level of anxiety. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Reality therapy were identified as two approach of managing pre-retirement anxiety. It was recommended that the teacher unions should regularly organise financial counselling on pre-retirement planning for their members. KEYWORDS: Teachers, Pre-retirement Anxiety
Retirement is an inevitable activity in the lives of workers. Unfortunately, the thought of retirement to some workers breeds anxiety, apprehension and disillusionment especially among teachers. The study sought to find out the perception of teachers on retirement, sources of pre-retirement anxiety, and the managerial strategies that would be used to support teachers nearing retirement in Asunafo South. Descriptive survey was employed for this study. The target population of the study was all teachers in Asunafo South District. Purposive sampling technique was used to solicit the views of teachers nearing retirement. 52 respondents were selected for the study, out of the 60 teachers nearing retirement. Questionnaire was used to collate data and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Respondents agreed that they feel nervous when they feel that their retirement is fast approaching. Four major sources of pre-retirement anxiety were identified. Majority of the respondents agreed that seeking retirement counselling from professionals will reduce their level of anxiety. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Reality therapy were identified as two approach of managing pre-retirement anxiety. It was recommended that the teacher unions should regularly organise financial counselling on pre-retirement planning for their members. KEYWORDS: Teachers, Pre-retirement Anxiety
Matemba,Y. H. & Addai-Mununkum, R, (2018). Exclusion and Misclusion of religion in Religious Education: Lessons from two qualitative studies in Sub-Saharan Africa-Malawi and Ghana. European Conference on Educational Research (ECER). Bolzano, Italy: ECER.
Abstract
This paper draws on the findings of a comparative study (2011-2014) that examined the problem of religious misrepresentation in RE in Malawi and Ghana. In an earlier paper (recently published in 2017), we examined how classroom discourse in the two countries exacerbates rather challenge religious misrepresentation. The present paper, follow the specific issues of exclusion and misclusion of religion in RE not only in classroom discourse but also in RE ‘texts’ (textbooks, curriculum/syllabuses and policy enactments).
This paper draws on the findings of a comparative study (2011-2014) that examined the problem of religious misrepresentation in RE in Malawi and Ghana. In an earlier paper (recently published in 2017), we examined how classroom discourse in the two countries exacerbates rather challenge religious misrepresentation. The present paper, follow the specific issues of exclusion and misclusion of religion in RE not only in classroom discourse but also in RE ‘texts’ (textbooks, curriculum/syllabuses and policy enactments).
Buer, V.B., Owusu-Ansah, C.M., & Acquah, G.K. (2016). Facebook use among students of University of Education, Winneba. Ghana Library Journal, 26,
Abstract
The paper investigates how chosen samples of students of the University of Education, Winneba on all of its four campuses have been using Facebook. Questionnaire was used to elicit responses from respondents on all the four campuses of the University. The questionnaire comprising 19 questions relating to social networking was given to students in classroom to complete. The study investigates how often students use Facebook, the purposes for using the Facebook and what they actually do on Facebook. The findings indicate that students mainly used Facebook for communication, were careful in sharing of information, pictures and in making comments but privacy concerns were ignored. Conclusion is drawn and recommendations made for the use of Facebook by the students.
The paper investigates how chosen samples of students of the University of Education, Winneba on all of its four campuses have been using Facebook. Questionnaire was used to elicit responses from respondents on all the four campuses of the University. The questionnaire comprising 19 questions relating to social networking was given to students in classroom to complete. The study investigates how often students use Facebook, the purposes for using the Facebook and what they actually do on Facebook. The findings indicate that students mainly used Facebook for communication, were careful in sharing of information, pictures and in making comments but privacy concerns were ignored. Conclusion is drawn and recommendations made for the use of Facebook by the students.
Owusu-Ansah, C.M., Rodrigues, A., Van der Walt, T. (2018). Factors influencing the use of digital libraries in distance education in Ghana. Libri, 68,
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which individual factors such as academic tasks, preference for print sources and information skills influence distance learners’ use of digital libraries in a teacher distance education programme at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The population of the study consisted of 1,834 distance students and from a sample size of 641 distance learners spread across three distance study centers, namely, Winneba (247), Kumasi (276) and Asante-Mampong (118). A total of 453 (70.67 percent) distance learners, selected randomly, completed a 31-item questionnaire. In addition, 30 distance education tutors, four coordinators and four librarians were purposively selected to participate in the study. The findings showed that academic tasks of distance learners did not require them to use digital library resources, which resulted in low or no academic use of digital libraries. The findings also pointed to a high preference for print resources among distance learners which resulted in the low use of digital library resources. Finally, it was noted that even though most of the distance learners possessed basic ICT skills, this did not result in their of use of digital library resources. To improve digital library use in distance education, it is recommended that academic librarians seek and foster collaboration in teaching information literacy and library instruction in distance education, an approach which must be backed by a policy that mandates the use of (digital) library scholarly resources in teaching and learning in distance education. It is also recommended that the Centre for Distance Education and the University Library collaborate to offer training programmes in specific digital resources and general information literacy courses for all distance education stakeholders in the university to boost digital library use.
The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which individual factors such as academic tasks, preference for print sources and information skills influence distance learners’ use of digital libraries in a teacher distance education programme at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The population of the study consisted of 1,834 distance students and from a sample size of 641 distance learners spread across three distance study centers, namely, Winneba (247), Kumasi (276) and Asante-Mampong (118). A total of 453 (70.67 percent) distance learners, selected randomly, completed a 31-item questionnaire. In addition, 30 distance education tutors, four coordinators and four librarians were purposively selected to participate in the study. The findings showed that academic tasks of distance learners did not require them to use digital library resources, which resulted in low or no academic use of digital libraries. The findings also pointed to a high preference for print resources among distance learners which resulted in the low use of digital library resources. Finally, it was noted that even though most of the distance learners possessed basic ICT skills, this did not result in their of use of digital library resources. To improve digital library use in distance education, it is recommended that academic librarians seek and foster collaboration in teaching information literacy and library instruction in distance education, an approach which must be backed by a policy that mandates the use of (digital) library scholarly resources in teaching and learning in distance education. It is also recommended that the Centre for Distance Education and the University Library collaborate to offer training programmes in specific digital resources and general information literacy courses for all distance education stakeholders in the university to boost digital library use.
Owusu-Ansah, C.M., Rodrigues, A., & Van der Walt, T. (2018). Going the full distance: Strategic support for digital libraries in distance education. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, ,
Abstract
Many African universities have employed distance education to expand access to education and digital libraries can ensure seamless access to information for distance learners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of policies and strategic initiatives for developing digital library services in distance education at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The study relies on the results of semi-structured interviews with selected librarians of the University, and institutional document analysis. The study found that digital library use in distance education at the University is seriously hampered due to the absence of strategic support, consistent policies and dedicated funding for digital library initiatives.
Many African universities have employed distance education to expand access to education and digital libraries can ensure seamless access to information for distance learners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of policies and strategic initiatives for developing digital library services in distance education at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The study relies on the results of semi-structured interviews with selected librarians of the University, and institutional document analysis. The study found that digital library use in distance education at the University is seriously hampered due to the absence of strategic support, consistent policies and dedicated funding for digital library initiatives.
Addai-Mununkum, R.; Abroampa, W. K. ; Agordzo Edoh-Torgah, N, (2018). Decolonized curriculum in colonized contexts: Assessing Ghanaian Public schools’ role in the decolonization agenda.. American Education Research Association Annual Meeting 2018. Washington DC: AERA. http://www.aera.net
Abstract
Ghana has since independence taken steps to Africanize its education system. Sixty-years on, we ask how challenging it has been for the school curriculum to live its promise of inculcating Afrocentrism in students. Using a qualitative case study design, we researched six public schools. Data from interviews, focus groups and observations lead us to conclude that Afrocentrism inspired curriculum is in place in Ghanaian public schools. Yet, the contexts within which such curricula are implemented are themselves centers of complex interrelationships between personal faiths, institutional ideology, and school ownership/management. We draw from these to echo that curricula reforms are successful if equivalent ideological and structural reforms are implemented in the contexts within which such curriculum will be implemented.
Ghana has since independence taken steps to Africanize its education system. Sixty-years on, we ask how challenging it has been for the school curriculum to live its promise of inculcating Afrocentrism in students. Using a qualitative case study design, we researched six public schools. Data from interviews, focus groups and observations lead us to conclude that Afrocentrism inspired curriculum is in place in Ghanaian public schools. Yet, the contexts within which such curricula are implemented are themselves centers of complex interrelationships between personal faiths, institutional ideology, and school ownership/management. We draw from these to echo that curricula reforms are successful if equivalent ideological and structural reforms are implemented in the contexts within which such curriculum will be implemented.
Essuman, J., Acquah, M. & Duku, F. K. (2018). Blowing Our Own Horn:The Departments of Art Educationand Graphic Design. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL STUDIES, 6,
Abstract
Abstract The objective of this paper is to find out how well the potentials of the school has been fully advertised and also identify how best the school can be advertised. The paper was centred on the Departments of Graphic Design and the Art Education of the School of Creative Arts of the University of Education, Winneba. Qualitative and descriptive research methods were used in this research. The qualitative was used to ascertain prevalent information from staff members of the university and some indigenes of the Winneba community, as required by the study whiles the descriptive method was also used to specifically reveal the prevailing situation in the university and its environs. The study revealed that, members of the university community and people within the Winneba community have little knowledge about the two departments, let alone their full potentials in the university’s activities. The study therefore commends that effective and efficient advertising media be used to create the awareness of the existence of the Departments of Graphic Design and Art Education and also publicize their full potentials to the University community and its environs and the country at large. Keywords: Graphic Design, Art, Education, Art Education and Advertisement
Abstract The objective of this paper is to find out how well the potentials of the school has been fully advertised and also identify how best the school can be advertised. The paper was centred on the Departments of Graphic Design and the Art Education of the School of Creative Arts of the University of Education, Winneba. Qualitative and descriptive research methods were used in this research. The qualitative was used to ascertain prevalent information from staff members of the university and some indigenes of the Winneba community, as required by the study whiles the descriptive method was also used to specifically reveal the prevailing situation in the university and its environs. The study revealed that, members of the university community and people within the Winneba community have little knowledge about the two departments, let alone their full potentials in the university’s activities. The study therefore commends that effective and efficient advertising media be used to create the awareness of the existence of the Departments of Graphic Design and Art Education and also publicize their full potentials to the University community and its environs and the country at large. Keywords: Graphic Design, Art, Education, Art Education and Advertisement
Maclean, G. A. (2018). Training Amateur Bandsmen to Perform at Functions: COLTEK Band in Perspective. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education, 5,
Abstract
The study was an action research to assist bandsmen of the College of Technology (COLTEK), University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana, within a short period of time, to perform at the University’s Congregation ceremony. A preliminary diagnostic test conducted revealed among the challenges encountered by the bandsmen as inability to read musical staff notation, and then limited knowledge of keys and their scales. Observations, auditioning and personal interactions were employed as data collection instruments while solfege, varied rehearsal techniques and phrase by phrase approaches were used as the main interventions. Hinged on the theory of expectation, the paper concludes that with the appropriate rehearsal techniques, a band can be prepared within a short time to gain proficiency for public performances in spite of its infantile nature and the less knowledge in theory among the bandsmen. It is recommended that the interventions are employed by tutors and trainers of new bands to deal with fundamental instrumental playing techniques for public performances. Keywords: COLTEK, Solfege, Rehearsal, UEW, Congregation, Matriculation
The study was an action research to assist bandsmen of the College of Technology (COLTEK), University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana, within a short period of time, to perform at the University’s Congregation ceremony. A preliminary diagnostic test conducted revealed among the challenges encountered by the bandsmen as inability to read musical staff notation, and then limited knowledge of keys and their scales. Observations, auditioning and personal interactions were employed as data collection instruments while solfege, varied rehearsal techniques and phrase by phrase approaches were used as the main interventions. Hinged on the theory of expectation, the paper concludes that with the appropriate rehearsal techniques, a band can be prepared within a short time to gain proficiency for public performances in spite of its infantile nature and the less knowledge in theory among the bandsmen. It is recommended that the interventions are employed by tutors and trainers of new bands to deal with fundamental instrumental playing techniques for public performances. Keywords: COLTEK, Solfege, Rehearsal, UEW, Congregation, Matriculation
Maclean, G. A. (2018). An Analytical View of Selected Commercialized Recordings of Ghanaian Art Music Compositions. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 5,
Abstract
The paper takes a scrutiny of how selected Ghanaian art compositions, specifically choral works, have been wrongly performed and recorded for commercial purposes by renowned choral groups and gospel artistes in Ghana. The selected recorded works evince errors heard in some passages of the compositions (as scored); in terms of wrong pitches, rhythm interpretation and alteration of some of the texts. Using exploratory, 10 audio-recorded Akan choral compositions were purposively selected from compact discs of renowned choral groups and gospel artistes and analyzed. It was revealed that some commercially recorded choral pieces were done with errors pertaining to particular passages in the original scores. It was concluded that in spite of the seriousness attached to the learning and recording of such pieces, it is not every recorded art musical composition that gives a vivid representation of what exists on the score. It is therefore recommended that art music composers record their works first hand or see to the correct representation by other performers, especially if the intent is a commercialization of the recording. Keywords: Art Music, Choral Music, Commercialization, Akan, Ghana
The paper takes a scrutiny of how selected Ghanaian art compositions, specifically choral works, have been wrongly performed and recorded for commercial purposes by renowned choral groups and gospel artistes in Ghana. The selected recorded works evince errors heard in some passages of the compositions (as scored); in terms of wrong pitches, rhythm interpretation and alteration of some of the texts. Using exploratory, 10 audio-recorded Akan choral compositions were purposively selected from compact discs of renowned choral groups and gospel artistes and analyzed. It was revealed that some commercially recorded choral pieces were done with errors pertaining to particular passages in the original scores. It was concluded that in spite of the seriousness attached to the learning and recording of such pieces, it is not every recorded art musical composition that gives a vivid representation of what exists on the score. It is therefore recommended that art music composers record their works first hand or see to the correct representation by other performers, especially if the intent is a commercialization of the recording. Keywords: Art Music, Choral Music, Commercialization, Akan, Ghana
