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Essuman, J. (2017). Photographic Representation of Socio-economic Development on Rural Communities in Ghana. Journal of Literature and Art Studies, 7,
Abstract
It has come to notice that developments that take place in rural communities bring about a lot of challenges both positive and negative. However, people who try to manage these challenges use “text type” in books and through other communication media (publications), but the effect has scarcely been effective because, most of the people living in rural communities are illiterates. The purpose of this study was to use pictorial illustrations to create awareness on how socioeconomic development affects rural communities (Cape Three Points) and the extent to which its effect can be seen on human life within the local communities (fishermen, farmers, and fish mongers) in terms of their livelihood, attitudes, education and on the general environment. Interviews were mainly used to ascertain facts on how the situation was before the new developments started. Workshops were also organized for focus groups, through which the effect of pictorial illustrations on the people were ascertained. Again, how they should prepare for the foreseen changes that will emanate from any form of rural development was also discussed. At the end of the study, it came to light that many of our rural areas face significant challenges. These challenges as a matter of fact affect their cultural practices and the socio-economic development of the people in such rural communities and the country as a whole. It is believed that these challenges and many other related concerns that have emanated from this study would be critically recognized and managed if not solved by the powers that be. Results from this study will form a basis for further discussion of socio-economic effects of rural development on rural communities and any other related effects caused by any physical change on rural environment. Keywords: development, rural community, socio-economic, illustration
It has come to notice that developments that take place in rural communities bring about a lot of challenges both positive and negative. However, people who try to manage these challenges use “text type” in books and through other communication media (publications), but the effect has scarcely been effective because, most of the people living in rural communities are illiterates. The purpose of this study was to use pictorial illustrations to create awareness on how socioeconomic development affects rural communities (Cape Three Points) and the extent to which its effect can be seen on human life within the local communities (fishermen, farmers, and fish mongers) in terms of their livelihood, attitudes, education and on the general environment. Interviews were mainly used to ascertain facts on how the situation was before the new developments started. Workshops were also organized for focus groups, through which the effect of pictorial illustrations on the people were ascertained. Again, how they should prepare for the foreseen changes that will emanate from any form of rural development was also discussed. At the end of the study, it came to light that many of our rural areas face significant challenges. These challenges as a matter of fact affect their cultural practices and the socio-economic development of the people in such rural communities and the country as a whole. It is believed that these challenges and many other related concerns that have emanated from this study would be critically recognized and managed if not solved by the powers that be. Results from this study will form a basis for further discussion of socio-economic effects of rural development on rural communities and any other related effects caused by any physical change on rural environment. Keywords: development, rural community, socio-economic, illustration
11th International Co-operation on Theories and Concepts in Traffic Safety (ICTCT) International course for early career road safety researchers*Enoch F. Sam*Lecturer*International Co-operation on Theories and Concepts in Traffic Safety and Palacky University*Olomouc, Czech Republic*24 October 2017*25 October 2017
Sam, E. F., Daniels, S., Brijs, k; Brijs, T., & Wets, G.
30th International Co-operation on Theories and Concepts in Traffic Safety. Olomouc, Czech Republic 26-27 October 2017
Paper presented:
Modelling public bus/minibus transport accident severity in Ghana
Abstract
The current safety concerns with buses/minibuses (public transport) in both developed and developing countries have warranted a renewed interest in bus/minibus safety research. Prior to this, there was a paucity of research in this domain especially in developed countries where the safety associated with buses was deemed adequate. In this study, we examined the factors that influence bus/minibus accident severity in Ghana using bus/minibus accident data from 2011-2015. We estimated the probability of bus/minibus accident severity by fitting generalised ordered logit models. The findings revealed that the day of the week, the presence of road median, adverse weather, daylight condition, good road terrain, the presence of traffic controls, the manner of collisions, and where drunk driving was not involved are associated with elevated bus/minibus accident severity. Conversely, vehicle type, road shoulder condition, accident location and absence of traffic control reduce the severity of bus/minibus accidents. The research, policy, and practice implications of the findings are elucidated.
The current safety concerns with buses/minibuses (public transport) in both developed and developing countries have warranted a renewed interest in bus/minibus safety research. Prior to this, there was a paucity of research in this domain especially in developed countries where the safety associated with buses was deemed adequate. In this study, we examined the factors that influence bus/minibus accident severity in Ghana using bus/minibus accident data from 2011-2015. We estimated the probability of bus/minibus accident severity by fitting generalised ordered logit models. The findings revealed that the day of the week, the presence of road median, adverse weather, daylight condition, good road terrain, the presence of traffic controls, the manner of collisions, and where drunk driving was not involved are associated with elevated bus/minibus accident severity. Conversely, vehicle type, road shoulder condition, accident location and absence of traffic control reduce the severity of bus/minibus accidents. The research, policy, and practice implications of the findings are elucidated.
Sam, E. F. and Abane, A. M. (2017). Enhancing passenger safety and security in Ghana: Appraising public transport operators' recent interventions. Management Research and Practice, 9,
Abstract
There are increasing calls for regular monitoring and evaluation of safety and security strategies of public transport (PT) operators, especially in developing countries where PT safety and security concerns abound. In respect of this, this study examined the passenger safety and security interventions of PT operators in Ghana. Both the accident-incident theory and routine activities theory served as the theoretical framework within which the study was rooted. Guided by the convergent parallel mixed methods design, data were drawn from in-depth interviews with six major intercity PT operators as well as questionnaires administered to 273 intercity PT passengers. Field data were analysed using both thematic (qualitative data) and correlational (quantitative data) analyses in line with the study design. Varied perspectives on the state of PT passenger safety and security in the country were expressed, and operators’ current interventions in this regard were appraised. The study emphasised the need for periodic review of the regulatory framework establishing public transport undertaking by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to reflect changing safety and security circumstances.
There are increasing calls for regular monitoring and evaluation of safety and security strategies of public transport (PT) operators, especially in developing countries where PT safety and security concerns abound. In respect of this, this study examined the passenger safety and security interventions of PT operators in Ghana. Both the accident-incident theory and routine activities theory served as the theoretical framework within which the study was rooted. Guided by the convergent parallel mixed methods design, data were drawn from in-depth interviews with six major intercity PT operators as well as questionnaires administered to 273 intercity PT passengers. Field data were analysed using both thematic (qualitative data) and correlational (quantitative data) analyses in line with the study design. Varied perspectives on the state of PT passenger safety and security in the country were expressed, and operators’ current interventions in this regard were appraised. The study emphasised the need for periodic review of the regulatory framework establishing public transport undertaking by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to reflect changing safety and security circumstances.
Yorke, J. O., deGraft-Yankson, P., Essuman, J. & Amissah, E. R. K (2017). Ghana’s Presidential Seats and Sword of State: Aesthetic Manifestation of Kwame Nkrumah’s Cultural Policy on Ghana’s Political Culture. Journal of Literature and Art Studies, 7,
Abstract
This study explores the aesthetic dimensions of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies in the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword. The study is an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study examined how the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword were influenced by Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and the cultural significance of the aesthetic interplay of ethnic insignias used in capturing the Ghanaian concept of Political authority. The study revealed that, Nkrumah recognised the cultural art forms and elements of ethnic Ghana as assets for national development. In line with his policy of building the Nation State of Ghana, he used ethnic cultural art forms and elements. At independence, Nkrumah commissioned some visual artist to create some artistic pieces (politico-cultural artefacts) for the Ghanaian political authority with inspiration or based on what pertains in the traditional authority (Chieftaincy) of Ghana. Politico-cultural artefacts as used in this study refer to the artefacts produced based on the cultural concepts of the ethnic states for the use of the political authority of the Republic of Ghana. Among these artistic pieces are the three Presidential Seats, The State Sword, The President’s Personal Standard Pole and the State Mace. KEYWORDS Adinkra, Presidential Seats, State Sword, politico-cultural artefacts, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies
This study explores the aesthetic dimensions of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies in the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword. The study is an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study examined how the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword were influenced by Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and the cultural significance of the aesthetic interplay of ethnic insignias used in capturing the Ghanaian concept of Political authority. The study revealed that, Nkrumah recognised the cultural art forms and elements of ethnic Ghana as assets for national development. In line with his policy of building the Nation State of Ghana, he used ethnic cultural art forms and elements. At independence, Nkrumah commissioned some visual artist to create some artistic pieces (politico-cultural artefacts) for the Ghanaian political authority with inspiration or based on what pertains in the traditional authority (Chieftaincy) of Ghana. Politico-cultural artefacts as used in this study refer to the artefacts produced based on the cultural concepts of the ethnic states for the use of the political authority of the Republic of Ghana. Among these artistic pieces are the three Presidential Seats, The State Sword, The President’s Personal Standard Pole and the State Mace. KEYWORDS Adinkra, Presidential Seats, State Sword, politico-cultural artefacts, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies
Ghanney, R., Antwi, T., Agyeman, E, (2017). The Effects of Social Media on Literacy Development among Pupils in Junior High Schools in Ghana. . United Kingdom: Society for Science and Education.
Abstract
The study sought to investigate the effects of social media on literacy development among pupils in junior high schools particularly on their perception about the nature of literacy, identifying major social media network sites and their mass usage among pupils as well as the effects of social media and social networking sites on pupils’ language learning and literacy development within the context of socio-cultural and social learning theories. To achieve the objectives of this study, a case study design was used which comprised the use of interviews to solicit pupils’ responses on the effects of social media on literacy development. The population of the study consisted of all JHS pupils in the Asante-Akim South District in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 25 pupils (14 females, 11 males) from three junior high schools. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis (qualitative content and document analyses), table with description and data triangulation. The findings showed participants’ exposure to major social media tools and social networking sites such as Facebook, Short Message Services (SMS), WhatsApp, Twitter and You Tube likewise online practices such as chatting, blogging, watching movies, listening to audios, image sharing, and so on. The study in addition revealed that social media tools and online practices influence participants’ reading skills and habits, writing skills and speaking in every way. This research recommends the strict application of Ghana Education Service rules and parental guidance on electronic devices usage in schools, homes and the promotion of social media networks for educational purposes.
The study sought to investigate the effects of social media on literacy development among pupils in junior high schools particularly on their perception about the nature of literacy, identifying major social media network sites and their mass usage among pupils as well as the effects of social media and social networking sites on pupils’ language learning and literacy development within the context of socio-cultural and social learning theories. To achieve the objectives of this study, a case study design was used which comprised the use of interviews to solicit pupils’ responses on the effects of social media on literacy development. The population of the study consisted of all JHS pupils in the Asante-Akim South District in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 25 pupils (14 females, 11 males) from three junior high schools. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis (qualitative content and document analyses), table with description and data triangulation. The findings showed participants’ exposure to major social media tools and social networking sites such as Facebook, Short Message Services (SMS), WhatsApp, Twitter and You Tube likewise online practices such as chatting, blogging, watching movies, listening to audios, image sharing, and so on. The study in addition revealed that social media tools and online practices influence participants’ reading skills and habits, writing skills and speaking in every way. This research recommends the strict application of Ghana Education Service rules and parental guidance on electronic devices usage in schools, homes and the promotion of social media networks for educational purposes.
Yorke, J. O., Amissah, E. R. K., deGraft-Yankson, P & Essuman, J. (2017). An Overview of Kwame Nkrumah’s Cultural Policies on Ghana’s Visual Culture. Research Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies, 3,
Abstract
This paper attempts to inquire about Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and philosophies on the visual culture of present-day Ghana. The study hinged on the Art Historical research procedures within the qualitative research paradigm and gathered data through interviews, field notes, observation and discussions. The study examined Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and philosophies based on his policy actions and pronouncements and their influence on the visual culture as well as their relevance to the policies. The study revealed that, Nkrumah did not make a distinction between politics, culture and economics. He had a dialectic approach to all his policies because he acknowledged the interconnected nature of the social life of the Ghanaian. Based on this, he propagated that Ghanaians should recognise their cultural heritage and take pride in projecting it; that Ghanaians needed to create their nation state based on their culture heritage and that Ghanaians should recognise their cultural heritage as assets for national development. Keywords: visual culture, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies, pronouncements.
This paper attempts to inquire about Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and philosophies on the visual culture of present-day Ghana. The study hinged on the Art Historical research procedures within the qualitative research paradigm and gathered data through interviews, field notes, observation and discussions. The study examined Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and philosophies based on his policy actions and pronouncements and their influence on the visual culture as well as their relevance to the policies. The study revealed that, Nkrumah did not make a distinction between politics, culture and economics. He had a dialectic approach to all his policies because he acknowledged the interconnected nature of the social life of the Ghanaian. Based on this, he propagated that Ghanaians should recognise their cultural heritage and take pride in projecting it; that Ghanaians needed to create their nation state based on their culture heritage and that Ghanaians should recognise their cultural heritage as assets for national development. Keywords: visual culture, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies, pronouncements.
Adu Gyamfi, S., Ohemeng Gyaase, P. & Ansong-Gyimah, K. (2016). Designing Blended Learning Environment for Pre-Service Teachers: The Moderating Role of Formative Experiment. In L. Lui & D. C. Gibson Research Highlights in Technology and Teacher Education 2016. Waynesville, NC., USA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
Abstract
This study used formative experiment to design and test a blended learning environment intervention on the teaching and learning of Communication Skills for pre-service teachers. The learning environment was designed on the Moodle platform to combine online learning support with traditional face-face lectures. Pre-intervention baseline data and post-intervention data were collected for comparison. Analysis of the findings showed wide acceptance of use of the blended learning environment. There was appreciable improvement of students’ participation and interaction in the course and this resulted in the improvement of the key areas of the Communication Skills course among the pre-service teachers. Lecturers were also able to interact with the students better than in face-to-face classroom setting. It was concluded that the design of a blended learning environment could improve teaching and learning in Ghanaian Universities in courses where large class sizes exist.
Publishing In High Impact Journals*Juliana Daniels*Lecturer*Gender Mainstreaming*Registrar's Conference Room, North Campus, UEW*27th September 2017*28th September 2017
Owusu, S.
30th West African Languages Congress & 10th Linguistics Association of Ghana Conference. University of Education, Winneba, Ghana July 31 to August 5, 2017
Paper presented:
Language Anxiety and its Effect on Oral Performance Of Students during Post-Internship Seminar Presentations at The Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education, UEW
Abstract
Language anxiety has been found to have an adverse effect on oral performance. Many second/foreign language learners often experience the feeling of unease, nervousness, apprehension, and intimidation when they are performing in a second/foreign language, a phenomenon known as xenoglossophobia. It was hypothesised that the students at the Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education, University of Education, Winneba would experience language anxiety during the post-internship seminar presentations. Many of them are native speakers of the languages they are studying at the University. With the exception of the general courses which are taught and assessed in English, teaching and assessment of the departmental courses are done in Ghanaian languages. However, the post-internship seminar presentations are done in English in the presence of their lecturers and lecturers from other departments. The students may be intimidated by the presence of their professors because of the fear of negative evaluation. This may cause language anxiety in the students which may also have negative impact on their oral performance. Using the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS), the paper investigated the effects language anxiety on oral performance of students during the post-internship seminar presentations at the Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education. The objective of the paper was to answer the question: How does language anxiety affect the oral performance of students during the post-internship seminar presentations? 200 level 400 students were purposively selected for the study. The results indicated that the respondents experienced language anxiety during the post-internship seminar presentations, and that language anxiety was the major cause of the students’ poor performance during the seminar presentations.
Language anxiety has been found to have an adverse effect on oral performance. Many second/foreign language learners often experience the feeling of unease, nervousness, apprehension, and intimidation when they are performing in a second/foreign language, a phenomenon known as xenoglossophobia. It was hypothesised that the students at the Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education, University of Education, Winneba would experience language anxiety during the post-internship seminar presentations. Many of them are native speakers of the languages they are studying at the University. With the exception of the general courses which are taught and assessed in English, teaching and assessment of the departmental courses are done in Ghanaian languages. However, the post-internship seminar presentations are done in English in the presence of their lecturers and lecturers from other departments. The students may be intimidated by the presence of their professors because of the fear of negative evaluation. This may cause language anxiety in the students which may also have negative impact on their oral performance. Using the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS), the paper investigated the effects language anxiety on oral performance of students during the post-internship seminar presentations at the Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education. The objective of the paper was to answer the question: How does language anxiety affect the oral performance of students during the post-internship seminar presentations? 200 level 400 students were purposively selected for the study. The results indicated that the respondents experienced language anxiety during the post-internship seminar presentations, and that language anxiety was the major cause of the students’ poor performance during the seminar presentations.
