Agogo Presbyterian Women's College of Education

This study aimed at providing a theoretical background for the development of the Geometry and Measurement Strands in the New Ghanaian Standards-Based Curriculum. As such it should be of aid to inform the supervisory committee of the GhanaEducation Service, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework (NTECF) and Ministry of Education, considering the Mathematics section of the current Ghana Curriculum Review project. This report concentrated on progressions in the two strands both within the area of higher-level thinking (what we will refer to as ‘pedagogy’) and within the area of content (‘knowledge’). While much has been written on the theoretical progressions, concerns showed that there is little to be found on progressions that could be of direct assistance to the facilitator (classroom teacher). The main emphasis of the theoretical writing on progressions in geometry tends to be on the increasing sophistication of overall ‘understanding’ of geometry (how do learners do geometry?); in contrast to the curriculum descriptions of geometry, it tends to focus much more on the content of knowledge/ability (what do learners do in geometry?). Findings also revealed that the ‘Count Me into Measurement program’ is the Learning Framework in Measurement, which aims to describe the stages learners progress through in developing an understanding of measurement. The Learning Framework describes three key stages: Identification of the attribute (direct comparison/partitioning/conservation); Informal measurement (counting units/relating number of units to quantity/comparison of measurements); and Unit structure (replicating a single unit/relating size of units to the number required). Learners are perceived as passing through the same three stages in their understanding of each of length, area, volume/capacity and mass, though not at the same time, as increasing the number of dimensions measured leads to the increasing complexity of the concept

We assessed the impact of selected pretreatment techniques, thus, vacuum-assisted osmotic dehydration (VOD), vacuum-assisted sonication (VSON) and vacuum-assisted osmosonication (VOS) on the metabolomes and quality characteristics of infrared-dried ginger slices. We found marked metabolome differences between the pretreated ginger samples, evidenced by differential amounts of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activities. We also found distinct differences in the drying kinetics and sensory characteristics of the pretreated samples. Generally, VOS pretreatment gave the best outcomes. The VOS-pretreated samples contained the highest contents of the marker compounds, TPC, TFC and gave the best antioxidant activity. The VOS-pretreated samples also recorded the shortest drying time and exhibited the best sensory attributes. Overall, the general order observed was, VOS > VSON > VOD > control for all quality parameters examined. VOS pretreatment of ginger before drying therefore holds a great potential for large-scale industrial application.

This study sought to determine how different dehydration methods affect the quality of Ghanaian ginger. Slices of ginger rhizomes were subjected to freeze drying (FD), relative humidity convective drying (RHCD), infrared drying (IR), microwave drying (MC), and pulsed vacuum drying (PVD). The quality characteristics of the dried slices were assessed and compared based on their levels of selected gingerols or gingerol derivatives and their chromatic properties, antioxidant activities, and flavonoid content. Analysis of the chromatic properties of the dried samples revealed that the chroma value and hue angle values were highest for the samples subjected to FD (32.99, 88.13°) compared with those subjected to RHCD (28.90, 85.69°), IR (26.66, 83.79°), MC (24.36, 79.78°), and PVD (21.73, 78.96°). FD best preserved and retained the total flavonoid content (69.01 mg GAE/g db) and antioxidant activities evidenced by results of DPPH (124.53 mgTE/g db) and CUPRAC (90.71 mgTE/g db) determinations than the samples subjected to RHCD, IR, MC, and PVD. Finally, the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts of the various dried ginger samples were evaluated using RAW 264.7 cells. Holistically, the samples from FD and RHCD gave the best outcomes for all the parameters compared. These two techniques are therefore recommended for large-scale application because they enhance the quality of ginger by maintaining its chemical integrity. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the different dehydration techniques as well as serve as a guide on the selection of the right drying technique for fresh ginger. Novelty impact statement Ginger is one of the most extensively used spices in the world, but because of its high moisture content, it is usually dried to extend its shelf-life. For commercial purposes, an effective, safe, and efficient dryer is necessary to produce high-quality dried ginger. This dryer must be able to maintain the product quality while reducing processing time and energy usage. The findings of this study provide a deeper understanding of the different dehydration techniques as well as serve as a guide on the selection of the right drying technique for fresh ginger.

The study examined the use of quality teaching and learning resources and how these affect the teaching and learning of Integrated Science. A total of 172 randomly selected second year Senior High School (SHS) students and 25 Integrated Science teachers purposively sampled served as the subjects for the study within six districts in the Central Region of Ghana. Questionnaires were used to collect the students’ and teachers' needed data. This study's key findings revealed a lack of teaching and learning materials and the stereotyped nature of Integrated Science teachers' methods of teaching. It was noted that access, selection and usage of good and quality teaching and learning materials and methods influenced learning outcomes of students in SHS Integrated Science. However, it was observed that both government and private school teachers used similar teaching methods in delivering the Integrated Science content. It was concluded that for successful teaching and learning of Integrated Science, the challenges should be addressed by SHS education stakeholders. As a result, the paper recommended possible solutions that would ameliorate the challenges hindering the teaching and learning of Integrated Science.

History of mathematics (HOM) was incorporated into peer teaching during lesson study as a strategy to augment the mathematics self-efficacy of female pre-service teachers in Ghana. An overview of studies on methodological approaches of integrating the history of mathematics into the teaching and learning process was presented. Mathematics Self-efficacy Scale and Grade Descriptor Grid were used to assess 12 female pre-service teachers' confidence level and performance respectively during lesson study. Results revealed that pre-service teachers exhibited a moderate self-efficacy level as well as moderately good performance in lesson instruction. A web-based questionnaire item responded by participants revealed that integrating HOM into lessons has the potential to improve teachers' self-efficacy. The impact of the study included: change of pre-service teachers' perception about teaching mathematics, a positive attitude towards mathematics, broadened conceptual knowledge and exposure to the multiplicity of problem-solving approaches. It was recommended that innovative pedagogical strategies should be adopted to enhance females' self-efficacy towards teaching mathematics. Also, teachers need to participate in lesson study as a professional collaboration which can improve their pedagogical knowledge. Further studies should investigate the relationship between prospective female teachers' self-efficacy and their mathematics achievement.

There are societal variations as to how masturbation is regarded because some societies regard it as a religious or cultural bizarre, while others tolerate it on biological grounds. This study employed a descriptive survey design to explore adolescents' attitudes towards masturbation in selected senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. The target population was formed by form two students in both schools. The total population for the second-year students in the boys' school was 509, while the second-year students in the girls' school were 496. Specifically, it was carried out in two single-sex Senior High Schools (SHS) in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Purposive sampling was employed to select single-sex schools in the metropolis, as they are noted for the practice of masturbation. Three hypotheses on masturbatory practices, attitudes toward masturbation and masturbatory practices and self-concept were formulated for the study. The results indicated that implicitly, both sexes’ masturbatory practices are similar. Both sexes also have similar attitude towards masturbation; as well as the masturbatory practices and self-concept in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Similarly, it was found that the attitude of both sexes towards masturbation was characterised by ambivalence, as they regarded it to be an irreligious and bad practice, yet, they covertly practised it. It was recommended that stakeholders should give adolescents thorough sexual education without expressing their prejudices concerning masturbation. They should be made to understand that sexual urges are a natural part of their development that must, however, be controlled for moral and spiritual reasons.

The study sought to evaluate the available resources for Early Childhood Education (ECE) programme delivery in Adaklu district, Volta-region, Ghana. Two research objectives guided the study, and they were to examine the availability of instructional resources for ECE programme delivery and to ascertain the available infrastructure for the provision of ECE programme in the district. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a self-constructed 4-point Likert type scale questionnaire. The study covered 200 ECE teachers within 40 basic schools in the district. Stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain sample for the study. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (population t-test) were used to analyze data obtained with respect to each research question. It was evidenced from the study that essential instructional and infrastructural resources necessary for the delivery of quality Early Childhood Education were absent and in limited supply in the schools within the Adaklu district. The study concludes therefore that the provision of ECE in the Adaklu district within the Volta Region of Ghana is not of high quality. It is recommended among others that the head teachers, the coordinator for Early Childhood Education and the director of education in the Adaklu district should identify other sources of funding like appealing to NGOs, prominent individuals and philanthropists in and out of the district to help provide instructional resources for the education of children in the schools within the district. This would help minimize the inadequacy and total lack of teaching and learning materials within the schools in the district.

The purpose of this study was to assess the educational implications of children involved in small scale mining activities at Kyebi in the Abuakwa South District of Ghana. Qualitatively, case study research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consisted of junior high school head teachers in the Abuakwa South District of Ghana. Purposive sampling technique was used to select all the thirty (30) junior high school head teachers who have taught in the district between 25 to 30 years. The main instrument for data collection was Semi-structured interview guide. Data collected by the researchers from participants was analysed through the use of the interpretive method based on the themes identified at in the data collection. The themes were related to the research question and interpreted based on the number of issues raised by participants. The study concluded that, students’ academic lives are being hampered as a result of their continuous engagement in small scale mining activities at the expense of their schooling. The study also revealed that students always score below pass grades during the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) due to the menace caused by illegal mining activities, hence the poor academic performance. It is recommended that the Ghana Education Service, in collaboration with other stakeholders must institute strict measures to curb absenteeism in schools. This would go a long way to ensure that the pupils would attend school on a regular basis. It is also recommended that government intervention programmes such as School Feeding and Free School uniforms be made available to these children in order to keep them in school.

The main aim for this study is to find out the attitudinal changes exhibited by students exposed to teaching science by integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning of selected concepts of matter in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study concentrated on the second year Junior High School students of Kaneshie Kingsway ‘2’ JHS of Kaneshie Kingsway Cluster of Schools in the Okaikoi South Metro of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.The study employedposttest-only non-equivalent control group design of the quasi-experimental research design. The researcher employed the purposive sampling technique for this study, making up of 43 males and 47 females. The instruments used for collecting data for this research were test, questionnaire and semi-structured interview schedules.The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis mean, standard deviation,Pearson’s correlation (r) and description or explanation of terms. The study revealed that students exhibited positiveattitudewhen exposed to teaching science by integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning of selected concepts of matter. Keywords: Indigenous Industrial Activities, Traditional Approach, Indigenous Knowledge, Enculturation DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-6-10 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

The purpose of the study was to evaluate of Social Studies Teachers Knowledge in Nature, Goals, and Objectives in the Lesson Presentations The study adopted qualitative research approach. Data were collected through the use of individual interviews, observation and focus group discussions for triangulation purposes. Purposive, convenient and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the schools, teachers for the study. In all, seventeen (17) Social Studies teachers were selected from six (6) Senior High Schools. The study revealed that teachers were grossly deficient about the goals of Social Studies. To improve this system, it is recommended that the researchers suggests that the highest priority should be given to the training and development of a new breed of educator who are vocationally competent and academically sound. This can be done by heads of institutions to allow teachers who specialise in their respective areas to teach those subject areas at the various levels of education particularly Social Studies at the High school level.

Researchers in mathematics education have established the distinction between mathematical understanding and mathematical thinking and that has resulted on the call for comprehensive assessment practices that focuses on both content and process. While it has been established that teacher knowledge is vital in teaching basic school pupils, less is known about colleges of education students’ proficiency levels at point of exit from the maiden B.Ed program in colleges of education in Ghana. This study reports how mathematics proficiency is partially used as mathematics assessment towards colleges of education students’ strategic competency and adaptive reasoning during supported teaching in schools. Mixed methods involving descriptive and explanatory designs were employed to gather quantitative and qualitative data for analysis. Results revealed that pre-service teachers are approaching proficiency whereby exhibiting more knowledge in strategic competency than adaptive reasoning in the mathematics content they will be teaching. Factors including program structure, sustained lesson reflections with mentors and quality of teaching experiences at partner schools aided in developing pre-service teachers’ proficiency. Although males attained higher proficiency scores than females, there was no statistically significant difference in proficiency levels between males and females. Recommendations suggest to further studies to explore the relationship between pre-service teachers’ mathematics proficiency and their mathematics self-efficacy.

The main aim for this study is to investigate the views of students exposed to teaching science by integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning of selected concepts of matter in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study concentrated on the second year Junior High School students of Kaneshie Kingsway ‘2’ JHS of Kaneshie Kingsway Cluster of Schools in the Okaikoi South Metro of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.The study employedposttest-only non-equivalent control group design of the quasi-experimental research design. The researcher employed the purposive sampling technique for this study, making up of 43 males and 47 females. The instruments used for collecting data for this research were test, questionnaire and semi-structured interview schedules. The findings from this research indicated that students have positive view about the usage of teaching science by integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning of selected concepts of matter. Keywords: Indigenous Industrial Activities, Traditional Approach, Indigenous Knowledge, Enculturation. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-10-06 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

This study examined the possibility of improving the teaching and learning of Creative Arts among Pupils of Akom D/A Primary School. The study aimed at using demonstration and activity methods to enhance the quality of teaching and learning of Creative arts and also to develop pupil’s interest in the subject. The study used Qualitative and quantitative methods with Observation and Questionnaire as research instruments to collect data from fifty (50) Pupils in Primary three (3). The data collected was analyzed using tables, charts, figures and percentages. Demonstrations followed by series of practical lessons aroused pupil’s interest and improves upon the teaching and learning of Visual arts aspects of the Creative Arts syllabus. It was noted from the students that discussion alone doesn’t help them in learning creative Arts. Creative arts subject is practical oriented; therefore any discussion must be followed with demonstration and practical lessons for better appreciation and understanding of the subject. Article visualizations:

This study explored the vital role of rhythm in Ghanaian arts and music, focusing on its significance for cultural preservation and education amid globalization challenges. Using a qualitative methodology grounded in Ethnomusicology, the research examined how traditional rhythms are taught and interpreted, with particular emphasis on the role of choir directors. The findings indicate that current interpretive methods may not adequately preserve the authenticity of these rhythms, affecting educational and cultural transmission. The study recommends developing more precise interpretation techniques and an interdisciplinary approach in music education to improve the understanding and preservation of the cultural heritage of Ghana. This research contributes to scholarship by highlighting the cognitive and social dynamics in music education and stressing the urgency of safeguarding cultural authenticity in traditional Ghanaian music practices. Its implications extend beyond academic circles, influencing pedagogical practices in music education worldwide. Keywords: Ethnomusicology of Ghanaian Arts Music, Rhythm Interpretation, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Music Education, Cognitive Processes in Music

The study used basically a survey design which employed the quantitative approach to investigate how children with special learning needs (SENs) are supported to learn together in the inclusive classroom with the focus on finding the level of support for children in five (5) inclusive schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. The sample size involved 86 teachers, 6 administrators (Head teachers) and 40 parents. In all, a total of 132 participants were involved in the study. Questionnaire was designed in close-ended format for the teachers, administrators and parents. The basic structure of the instrument was based on four Point Likert-type scales. The Likert-scale items questionnaire was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. A tally sheet was used to generate frequency counts out of which percentages were calculated based on the scores assigned to each rating. These data were then analysed using the SPSS computer system. It was found from the study that, there are low levels of material or human support for pupils with special educational needs in inclusive classrooms. On material support, the parents indicated that their children do not receive any material support from Ghana Education Service to support their children and they do not get any financial support from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s). It is recommended that teachers, parents and administrators should come together to provide the needed support for pupils with special education needs to ensure the success of the inclusive agenda. Article visualizations:

This study aims at finding out the gender difference in the achievement of JHS students taught selected concepts on matter using integration of indigenous industrial activities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study employed posttest-only non-equivalent control group design of the quasi-experimental research design. The researcher employed the purposive sampling technique for this study, making up of 43 males and 47 females. The instruments used for collecting data for this research were test, questionnaire and semi-structured interview schedules. The findings from the study shows that there was no statistically significant difference in achievement between male and female students of the experimental group in post-test. This means that both males and females in the experimental group were at par on their conceptual understanding of the selected concepts on matter before and after the treatment. Therefore, in the context of this study, gender did not seem to have any influence on the achievement of the students. Keywords: Indigenous Industrial Activities, Traditional Approach, Indigenous Knowledge, Enculturation DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-36-17 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education and training has been a priority in most European countries during the past decades, but progress has been uneven. In most developed countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), schools have embedded the use of ICT in teaching and learning into the curriculum and demonstrated a high level of effective and appropriate use to support teaching and learning. This paper presents findings carried out on a total of 320 teacher trainees made up of students from all the eight colleges. They were chosen using both purposive and probability sampling techniques. The instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire while the data analysis techniques were statistic descriptive and multivariate analyses of variance. The study reveals that if students are continually exposed to the capabilities of ICT, their perceptions towards ICT would change. The teacher's involvement in the use of and perception has also changed positively towards the use of ICT in teaching and learning. The study recommends that teachers should be provided with sufficient training on how to use ICT in the teaching and learning processes to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills in integrating the technology in classrooms.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in the achievement of JHS students taught using the integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning ofselected concepts of matter and those taught using the traditional approach only at the basic schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. To be specific the second year Junior High School students of Kaneshie Kingsway ‘2’ JHS of Kaneshie Kingsway Cluster of Schools in the Okaikoi South Metro of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was used.The study employedposttest-only non-equivalent control group design of the quasi-experimental research design. The researcher employed the purposive sampling technique for this study, making up of 43 males and 47 females.The instruments used for collecting data for this research were test, questionnaire and semi-structured interview schedules. It was found out that there is difference in the achievement of JHS students taught using the integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning ofselected concepts of matter and those taught using the traditional approach only at the basic schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.This means that junior high school students who were exposed to the integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning of selected concepts on matter retained significantly more of the scientific concepts taught in the study than those who were taught using only the traditional approach. Keywords: Indigenous Industrial Activities, Traditional Approach, Indigenous Knowledge, Enculturation DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-33-09 Publication date: November 30 th 2019

The study assessed strategies teachers used to enhance social interaction skills of autistic pupils in some selected special schools for the intellectually disabled in the Northern part of Ghana. Descriptive research design was adopted and a total sample of 50 respondents were involved. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the schools and the respondents for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Data was analysed using tables, frequencies and percentages. The findings showed that the teachers used modeling, physical prompts, visual cues, reinforcement, social stories, direct instruction skills and social skills training in groups and peer support as strategies to enhance social interaction skills of autistic pupils in the school. The strategies used by the teachers were also proven to be effective in enhancing social interaction skills of autistic pupils in the school. It was established that even though some support services were available to help enhance the social interaction skills of the autistic pupils, professionals like occupational therapists, physical therapists and the multi-disciplinary team were absent in the three special schools selected for the study. It was recommended that the requisite support services should be provided in the selected special schools which have autistic pupils in order to help enhance the social interaction skills. In addition, periodic workshops, symposia as well as refresher courses should be organized for special teachers and their aides to update their knowledge and skills in the strategies used to enhance social interaction skills of these pupils with autism. Article visualizations:

The present study scrutinizes various methods that have proven efficacious in the academic domain of performing arts instruction in Ghanaian educational institutions. The investigation identifies crucial methodologies that serve to enhance the educational experiences of students and bolster their ingenuity advancement. These pivotal approaches are founded upon an extensive thematic analysis of relevant literature, as well as distinctive findings from empirical research. In the sphere of education pertaining to the performing arts, this essay underscores the importance of practical involvement, collaborative endeavors, the integration of innovative technologies, attendance of performances by outside artists, and an understanding of diverse cultural perspectives. The present study's findings suggest that the implications extend beyond the confines of academic institutions, underscoring the exigency of facilitating students' preparation for a range of occupational prospects in the creative industry, while simultaneously contributing to the safeguarding and perpetuation of Ghana's rich cultural heritage. The research has revealed that the perpetuation and amplification of performing arts education in Ghana entail institutional support, adequate resources, and collaboration among educational institutions, arts advocacy groups, and governmental entities. Keywords: Performing arts education, colleges of education in Ghana, effective teaching strategies, hands-on learning, group projects, technology incorporation, visiting artists, cultural awareness, artistic development, and career development. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-31-03 Publication date: November 30 th 2023