St. Monica's College of Education

INTRODUCTION: Intimate partner violence is increasingly gaining attention as the leading form of violence against women globally, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Given that substance abuse, especially alcohol consumption has long been associated with aggressive behaviour, emotional abuse, and sexual misconduct, it is surprising that studies on the potential association between partner's alcohol consumption and intimate partner violence are scarce. The current study seeks to fill this gap in the literature by examining the association between partner's alcohol consumption and intimate partner violence among women in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey data of 89,229 women aged 15 to 49 in sexual unions from 21 sub-Saharan African countries were pooled from the Demographic and Health Surveys. Percentages with their corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were used to present the results of the prevalence of partner's alcohol consumption and intimate partner violence. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between partner's alcohol consumption and intimate partner violence. The regression analysis results were presented using adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% CI. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of partner alcohol consumption was 36.3% [36.0-36.6]. The highest prevalence of partner alcohol consumption was found in Burundi (67.1%) with Mali (3.9%) recording the lowest prevalence. Similarly, the overall prevalence of physical violence, emotional violence, and sexual violence among the women were 19.7% [19.2-20.2], 25.0% [24.5-25.5], and 9.7% [9.3-10.1], respectively. In the pooled data, women whose partners consumed alcohol were more likely to experience physical violence [aOR = 2.37, 95% CI = 2.24-2.50], emotional violence [aOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.86-2.07], and sexual violence [aOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.89-2.18] compared to those whose partners did not consume alcohol. In all the 21 countries, women whose partners consumed alcohol had higher odds for physical and emotional violence. The odds of sexual violence was higher among women whose partners consumed alcohol compared to their counterparts whose partners did not in 20 countries, except Namibia. CONCLUSIONS: We found that partner's alcohol consumption increases women's likelihood of experiencing physical, emotional, and sexual violence in sub-Saharan Africa. There is the need to implement behavioural change interventions targeted at male partners to reduce alcohol consumption. The findings call for the need to effectively create and organize support networks in addressing intimate partner violence among married and cohabiting women.

The world’s poultry population is on the ascendency as a result of the high demand for poultry product by consumers. In Africa, poultry meat is estimated to represent almost 25% of all meat, whereas in some areas it covers 100% of the animal protein available. The high demand for poultry products has led to an increase in poultry production in almost all African countries including Ghana, with the domestic chicken being the most kept. The sector has been reported to have recorded a drop in production, partly due to infection of birds by diseases, causing organisms including parasites. The study conducted was to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in local and exotic breeds of chickens in Pankrono–Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Two hundred (200) cloacae of slaughtered birds were collected from slaughtering units in the study area and the faecal samples were examined for the eggs/cysts of gastrointestinal parasites using the simple flotation technique and microscopy. Nematodes and cestodes were recovered in 131 (65.5%) of the samples examined with Ascaridia galli recorded as the most prevalent. Some of the nematodes include Ascaridia galli 65 (32.5%), Heterakis gallinarum 38 (19.0%), and Capillaria spp. 29 (14.5%). Some cestodes were Raillietina spp. 19(9.5%) and Choanotaenia infundibulum 5 (2.5%) with Prosthogonimus spp. 3 (1.5%) being the only trematode recovered . The local breeds recorded a percentage prevalence of 76.0%, making them the most susceptible breed to gastrointestinal parasites. The results obtained attest to the reason behind the reduction in poultry production. It is therefore recommended that farmers are educated on farm managerial practices that will reduce the risk of infection and help increase production to meet the demand of consumers.

The study examined the constraints to accessing finance among women-owned small businesses in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region, Ghana. We employed largely qualitative methods using the case study approach. The purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 50 respondents. In-depth interview guide and focused group discussion were used to gather data from participants. The data were thematically analysed. The study revealed that there are constraints of poor market demand and lack of capital and credit. In furtherance, although collaterals exist for small businesses, they are being discriminated against women micro-entrepreneurs due to the patrilineal inheritance system of the area. Again, it was found that the financial institutions generally considered giving loans as risky as a result of lack of codified business strategy and plan, proper costing of business and informational asymmetries about business owners and their businesses. The study, therefore, recommends that the activities of women micro businesses in the private sector of the economy should be urgently recognised within the lending models and structures as they constitute a valuable area of economic growth. The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) through the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) should organise educational and training seminars regularly to educate women micro-entrepreneurs on business management to be able to negotiate effectively on the various landed properties in such a patriarchal system to reduce high start-up mortality of women micro businesses. The study further recommends to the National Identification Authority to take cogent action to fast-track the identification system of citizens as it remains one of the major factors to reduce loan risks and interest rates.

PURPOSE: ), who are part of the informal economic workforce, are underscored as an ethnic minority and vulnerable group in Ghana. This study aimed to analyse the factors associated with enrolment in and renewal and utilisation of the NHIS among migrant female head porters in the Kumasi Metropolis. METHOD: We purposively sampled 392 migrant female head porters in the Kejetia, Asafo and Bantama markets. We used a binary logit regression model to estimate associations among baseline characteristics, convenience and benefit factors and enrolment in and renewal and utilisation of the NHIS. RESULT: Age and income significantly increased the probability of NHIS enrolment, renewal and utilisation. Long waiting times at NHIS offices significantly reduced the likelihood of renewal, while provision of drugs highly significantly increased the tendency for migrant female head porters to enrol in, renew and use the NHIS. Consulting and surgery also significantly increased renewal and utilisation of the NHIS. CONCLUSION: Political commitment is imperative for effective implementation of the decentralisation policy of the NHIS through the National Health Insurance Authority in Kumasi. We argue that retail offices should be well equipped with logistic facilities to ensure convenience in NHIS initial enrolment and renewal processes by citizenry, and by vulnerable groups in particular.

This study is aimed at comparatively analyzing solid waste management practices and challenges in urban and rural senior high schools in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Multiple sampling techniques (simple random, stratified sampling, convenience sampling, stratified proportionate sampling, etc.) were used to sort 370 samples. Independent Sample <a:math xmlns:a="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M1"> <a:mi>t</a:mi> </a:math> -test was used to compare solid waste management practices in rural and urban senior high schools. Mean and standard deviation were further used to examine the challenges the schools faced in managing waste. The study found that both rural and urban senior high schools had waste management practice systems in place but they were dissimilar. However, in both urban and rural senior high schools, the issue of inadequate resources for effective waste management was ubiquitous challenge confronting both set of schools in managing waste. Further, while poor student attitude towards waste management was a major constraint for rural schools, the urban schools had a challenge in terms of poor waste collection routine. Formation of environmental education clubs by school authorities among student can be a sine qua non for effective waste management practices among students, particularly for the rural folks. Again, waste management policies by the District Assemblies should not be exclusive to only the communities, as senior high schools have been experiencing population explosion with the introduction of the free senior high school policy.

This study was primarily designed to find out the relationship between students’ home background and their academic performance. The study was conducted largely in senior high schools in rural districts in Ashanti Region, Ghana. The study used the ex-post facto correlation design. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 275 senior high school students. Questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. Percentages and correlations were used to analyze the data. The family size was found to be highly correlated with the academic performance of students (coefficient = .711, p value = .002). Parent found it difficult in paying school fees and other levies of their children as a result of parents’ income (ρ = .669, p value = .004) in rural Ghana. The study also revealed that the educational background characteristics of parents had a significant correlation with the academic performance of students (coefficient = .711, p value = .002). Following from the findings, the Government of Ghana (Ministry of Education) should stick to its mandate of ensuring the provision of free quality secondary school education premised on the principle of inclusivity and equity to bridge the gap between the students from rich and poor homes. Such government intervention programs like the free education should favor the poor and low-income families most.

The quality of students’ academic achievement (AA) determines the effectiveness in the College of Education (CoE). In the educational sector, resolving low confidence or attachment issues that affect AA may necessitate addressing self-esteem. The main purpose of the study was to examine self-esteem (SE) as a predictor of students’ AA in the CoE in Ghana. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design within the positivist paradigm was employed. Multi-stage sampling procedures were used in the sample selection process. In all, 325 students were selected from six CoE to participate in the study. The questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents and was tested using inferential statistics (Structural Equation Model, and Moderation analysis). The findings showed that SE predicted students’ AA. The result discovered that gender does not moderate the relationship between SE and AA of the students. Keywords: Academic Achievement (AA); CoE; Gender; Self-Esteem (SE).

Quality time management is an imperative tool that leads to greater academic performance and reduces depression, anxiety and stress among students. However, most college students seemed to face difficulties in balancing their academic and social life. The rationale of this inquiry was to examine the influence of time management practices on students' academic achievement in the Colleges of Education (CoE) in Ghana and as well to explore the moderating role of gender in this relationship. The research employed descriptive survey design and a sample of 325 students from six CoE were selected to participate in the investigation using the multistage sampling approach. The data was collected using adapted Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ; Britton & Tesser, 1991). Data gathered were analysed using AMOS, Moderation Analysis and Independent sample t-test. The findings showed that time management practices (short-range planning, time attitudes, long-range planning) does not predict academic achievement of CoE students. The study again, revealed that gender does not moderate the relationship between time management and academic achievement of the students. The results showed that there was no significance gender difference in time management practices of CoE students. The study concluded that ineffective time management behaviours among college students could lead to poor academic achievement and other psychological effects. The Management of the CoEs in Ghana in collaboration with other policy makers should hold seminars and workshops for students at the start of each semester to discuss the value of good time management activities in order to improve their achievement. Faculty are sensitised to inculcate in the students the skills and positive attitude towards effective time management so as to increase their self-efficacy in time management. Students should be conscious of ineffective time drivers and assume responsibility for quality time management.

This comparative study explores the efficacy of traditional art techniques versus digital art techniques within the framework of college visual art education. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of these two distinct approaches on students' learning outcomes, creative expression, and skill development. By employing a qualitative methodology, this research delves into the experiences and perceptions of students and educators, seeking to identify the strengths and limitations of each technique. The study's findings reveal nuanced insights into the multifaceted nature of art education, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with traditional and digital methods. The study draws upon constructivist learning theory as the theoretical foundation, emphasizing the role of active engagement and hands-on experience in the learning process. This theory informs the investigation by guiding the exploration of how students construct knowledge and develop artistic skills through different techniques. The validation of the constructivist theory in the study is achieved through thematic analysis of qualitative data, wherein patterns and themes emerge from student and educators’ interviews. The research highlights the significance of a balanced approach to art education, recognizing the value of both traditional and digital techniques. It recommends that practitioners integrate a variety of methods to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, fostering holistic artistic development. Moreover, the findings offer recommendations to educators to create an inclusive and adaptable curriculum that facilitates the exploration of both traditional and digital mediums. In the context of policy implications, this study underscores the need for flexible policies that support the integration of digital tools and resources in art education while preserving the essential foundations of traditional techniques. Policymakers are encouraged to promote professional development opportunities for educators, ensuring they are equipped to effectively teach and mentor students in both traditional and digital realms.

The study examined academic self-concepts (ASC) and academic performance of College of Education students in Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted using a sample of 229 students. An original ASC scale by Liu &amp;Wang (2005) was adopted and used for the study. Independent sample T-test and multiple linear regression were the tools used in testing the hypotheses. The findings of the study showed that there is no statistically significant gender difference in ASC of College of Education students. The study further revealed that ASC did not predict academic performance of College of Education students. The study recommends that, stakeholders such as teachers and parents must consider a variety of factors that can influence the development of a healthy ASC and must also encourage, monitor, and supervise students to put in some effort in their studies because effort promotes academic performance. The study again, recommends that academicians should hold workshops and seminars to students in developing a stronger self-concept so that they can improve their abilities and lead a successful life in the future. Students with low ASC may benefit from counseling sessions in order to enhance their academic standing. It may be suggested that curriculum designers pay attention to the relevance of self-concept and create courses that will encourage students to think critically and thoroughly in order to improve their self-concept. Keywords: key words, academic self-concepts and academic performance DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-24-06 Publication date: August 31 st 2021

The study focused Effective teaching of Social Studies Concepts in Basic Schools in Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive survey design using quantitative approach. The population for the study consisted of all Social Studies teachers in the Junior High Schools (JHS) in the Tano South District. There were fifty-two Social Studies teachers at the JHS level in the district. Non-probability sampling technique (purposive and convenient sampling techniques) was used for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select all the fifty-two teachers and forty-one schools in the Tano South District. While the district was conveniently sampled for this study. The main instrument used to gather data was observation guide. The data gathered was analysed using the Statistical Product using Service Solutions (SPSS). The study concluded that, in respect to the teaching effectiveness of Social Studies teachers, the general performance in all the thematic areas assessed indicate that, Social Studies teachers are not at their optimum best in terms of planning and preparation, instructional skills, classroom management, communication skills and assessment skills. It is therefore recommended that, the Ministry of Education through the Ghana Education Service (GES) in collaboration with all the teacher training institutions training Social Studies teachers should fashion out teacher development programmes such as workshops and short courses for Social Studies teachers. In these programmes, the organisers must ensure that teachers have access to high quality content course work in Social Studies.

This research study investigates the perceptions and practices of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration in teaching and learning within Ghanaian Colleges of Education. With the increasing recognition of ICT as a valuable tool in education, it is crucial to understand how these technologies are being utilized in the context of teacher training institutions, specifically in Ghana. The research employs a qualitative data collection method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather comprehensive insights into the perceptions and practices of ICT integration among college faculty and students. The participants include teacher educators, and pre-service teachers in Ghanaian College of Education. Through thematic analysis, the qualitative data provide a deeper understanding of various stakeholders' attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions toward ICT integration. The findings of this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge on ICT integration in teaching and learning in Ghanaian College of Education. It will shed light on the current practices, challenges faced, and potential opportunities for improvement. The research outcome can inform policy decisions, curriculum development, and professional development initiatives to enhance ICT integration within teacher training programs in Ghana. By addressing the perceptions and practices surrounding ICT integration, this study aspires to support the transformation of teacher education, leading to more proficient and technologically equipped educators prepared for the 21st-century classroom challenges.

The study examines senior high school students' understanding and attitudes toward information on their health in the Kumasi Metropolis. Multiple sampling techniques (convenient and simple random sampling techniques) were used in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 391 respondents for the study. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the sociodemographic data. Again, the study used Pearson's correlation coefficient to show the degree of relationship between the level of knowledge of health information and attitudes toward seeking and sharing health information. The study found students' knowledge of the causes and symptoms of malaria, cholera, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) to be appreciably high as a result of readings from textbooks and health professionals. Again, the study found that the students preferred sharing their health information with friends than their parents and schools' authorities. The study further found that the major sources of students' health information included health professionals and textbooks. Lastly, even though some of the students claimed internet sources to their health information, it was not a major source to the student body at large. The study recommends strong health systems on the campuses of senior high schools as they have become communities on their own as a result of the emergence of the free senior high school program. The monitored positive peer-counseling group should also be encouraged by the schools' management and by extension the counseling units for the students to share views on themselves, particularly on health issues where they deem fit.

This systematic review investigates the influence of incorporating information technology (IT) in teaching English in higher education settings. With the rapid growth of technology, its integration in education has garnered considerable attention, and this study aims to offer a complete overview of the consequences of IT integration in the context of English language training. The review takes a systematic approach, identifying, selecting, and analysing relevant scientific articles published between 2010 and 2021. The findings highlight many significant areas where IT integration has considerably impacted English teaching in college settings. These areas include improved language acquisition, higher student engagement and motivation, increased access to learning resources, and the development of digital literacy skills. Furthermore, the assessment cites various problems connected with IT integration, such as technical issues, teacher training requirements, and potential technological access disparities. The findings emphasise the importance of careful preparation, pedagogical considerations, and ongoing assistance to effectively integrate IT in teaching English in college settings. This systematic review adds to the existing literature by synthesising and evaluating current knowledge on the subject, providing valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers interested in leveraging information technology to improve English language instruction in higher education institutions.

This study examines the policy frameworks surrounding integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the Ghanaian education system. This study investigated the implications of these policy frameworks on teacher education and professional development. By exploring existing policies, strategies, and initiatives, this study aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with ICT integration in Ghanaian classrooms. This study adopted a descriptive and qualitative research design, employing document analysis in teacher education and training.¬ The collected policy documents were analysed using a thematic approach, enabling the identification of recurring patterns and themes related to ICT integration policies and their impact on teacher education. The findings revealed that Ghana has made commendable efforts to formulate policy frameworks to facilitate ICT integration in education. However, several challenges persist, including limited access to ICT resources, inadequate teacher-training programs, and uneven implementation across schools and regions. The research article concludes with recommendations for policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders in the Ghanaian education system. These recommendations include establishing a robust ICT infrastructure, providing equitable access to technology, designing, and implementing effective teacher training programs, and developing a supportive policy environment that encourages continuous professional development.

Knowledge of the content alone is no guarantee for effective teaching and learning, there is the need for teachers to demonstrate high level of technological and pedagogical power. The study examined the technological pedagogical content knowledge of Social Studies teachers’ in Junior High Schools in Aowin municipality in the Western North Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population for the study included all Social Studies teachers in the public Junior High Schools in the Aowin Municipality. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the Seventy-four (74) Junior High Schools and Seventy-four (74) the Social Studies teachers for the study. The main instrument for data collection was questionnaire. The study revealed that, teachers have adequate content knowledge to teach Social Studies but there are doubts as to whether their knowledge is current. The study also concluded that, teachers were not confident about their technological, pedagogical and content knowledge in Social Studies and this resulted in their negative attitude towards the integration of technology in classroom activities. It is recommended that, the Ghana Education Service should organize In-Service Training and refresher courses for teachers to keep them current and up-to-date their content knowledge in Social Studies. It is also recommended that, teachers should adopt positive attitudes towards learning and using technology in their day-to-day activities.

A quasi-experimental research design was conducted to investigate the impact of performance-based assessment (PBA) on pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) self-efficacy and academic achievement in general physics at Atebubu College of Education. The study was conducted on 144 primary education students in the second year who were assigned into experimental and control groups after conducting a pre-test. 72 students each were non-randomly assigned into the experimental and control group. Information on PSTs’ self-efficacy was derived by administering pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy scale whiles the academic achievement was determined by general physics achievement test. Statistical package for social sciences was used to analyze data to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The self-efficacy of the experimental group and control group differed significantly after treatment. The experimental group had significantly higher post-test scores than the control group. This study identified PBA as a useful teaching strategy that improves PSTs’ problem-solving abilities and boosts their confidence in studying general physics.

This study centered on the use of teacher’s profile dimensions to assess Social Studies student’s learning outcomes in the Senior High Schools in Aowin and Wassa Amenfi West Districts in the Western and Western North Regions of Ghana. The objective of the study was to assess how graduate teachers use profile dimensions to assess student’s learning outcomes in teaching and learning of Social Studies in Senior High Schools. This study adopted a multiple case study design. The data were used together to form one case. The population for the study were the Social Studies teachers teaching in the Aowin and Wassa Amenfi West Districts. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select the twelve (12) graduate Social Studies teachers and senior high schools respectively. The two main instruments employed for data collection in this study are interview guide and observation checklist. The findings concluded that, the way and manner Social Studies teachers assess their learners’ learning outcomes in Social Studies lessons was contrary to the main goal and objectives of the subject which is to develop a reflective, concerned, responsible and participatory citizen in the civic life of a country. It is recommended that, since most teachers do not use more authentic forms of profile dimension assessment techniques such as portfolio and peer and self-assessments techniques during lesson delivery, the teacher training institutions/universities should endeavour to infuse in their Social Studies curricula with more authentic forms of profile dimension assessment techniques in order to lay a strong foundation for knowledge base for teaching and assessing the learners learning outcomes.

Autonomous lifelong learning has been identified as a global competency for 21st century education. Students’ self assessment (SSA) plays significant role in achieving this competency. Understanding teachers’ beliefs and attitudes towards SSA is fundamental in promoting SSA in the classroom. The overarching aim of this study was to understand Ghanaian teachers’ beliefs and attitudes towards SSA. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, 248 basic and senior high school teachers participated in this study. A four-factor structure was identified to explain teachers’ beliefs about SSA (i.e., positive belief about self assessment, developing students’ self assessment capacity, negative beliefs about self assessment, and confidence in students’ capacity). Based on these four factors, a latent profile analysis identified five distinct groups of teachers who have varying beliefs about SSA within the Ghanaian educational context. Although some of the teachers in our study strongly believe that SSA is a useful assessment and learning tool that could help students reflect, monitor their own learning, and promote autonomous lifelong learning, most of the teachers either have no interest in SSA, or perceived students as not supporting effective teaching and learning. Implications for policy and practice have been discussed.

With the proliferation of social media platforms, adolescents have increasingly turned to online spaces to seek guidance and support for various psychosocial challenges. Online counseling platforms have emerged as a novel means of providing mental health assistance to this demographic. With the use of online counseling platforms, this systematic review seeks to synthesize and critically assess the body of research on social media’s function in providing teenagers with guidance and support. A thorough search of databases covering research published between 2010 and 2022 was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Eligible studies included both quantitative and qualitative research exploring the use of social media in the context of online counseling for adolescents. Many publications from the first search were found; these were then filtered, and a final set of research was added for comprehensive examination. These papers provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages and disadvantages of social media therapy for teenagers. Findings highlight the accessibility and reach of online counseling platforms, the potential benefits for those who may otherwise be reluctant to seek help in traditional settings, and the role of peer social support in these environments. However, the review also underscores concerns regarding privacy, safety, and the quality of advice and guidance provided through these platforms. The synthesis of existing literature reveals the potential benefits of these platforms in reaching and assisting adolescents, while also acknowledging the critical concerns surrounding ethics, safety, and data privacy. The findings have implications for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of online counseling while addressing its associated challenges. Future research should explore strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and safety of online counseling for adolescents in the rapidly evolving social media landscape.