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Perception Formation and Attitude Towards Art as Therapy
Get PDFArt therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals, as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change. Perception formation and attitude were indexed on Gestalt’s theory. The study
sought to elicit more traditional interventions which concerns are not explicit in orthodox forms of offering counselling therapy by therapists to lecturers in the University of Education, Winneba. The study employed qualitative research methods to elicit information from 8 senior counsellors from the University of Education, Winneba. A multiple case study was adopted to provide sets of contexts used to explore research questions. Discussions in the study provide a rich source of information that counsellors in academia and lecturers can use as anti-stressors. The study demonstrates that Ghanaian society acknowledges the existence of various art forms that is fine art, dance, photography, music, drama, film and other visual and performing arts and their usefulness in offering psychological support. It is recommended that counsellors in academic settings inculcate the practice of using the various art forms as therapy during their counselling sessions and art therapy must be introduced into counselling education and training in Ghana
Competitiveness: A Critical Factor in the Performance of Small and Medium-sized Garment Enterprises Amidst Dynamism of Globalisation
Get PDFThis study aims to investigate the role of competitiveness in the dynamics of globalisation and performance of SMEs in Ghana’s garment manufacturing sector. Employing a quantitative research design, the study analyzes survey data collected from members of the Ghana National Dressmakers and Tailors Association (GNDTA) who are registered with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) database across major industrial cities: Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. Among a sample of 204 conveniently selected respondents, it was observed that globalisation has a notable impact on enterprise performance. Additionally, competitiveness emerged as a significant factor influencing enterprise performance. Furthermore, the study found that competitiveness acts as a mediator, explaining the relationship between globalisation and enterprise performance. In summary, the research concluded that globalisation and competitiveness jointly enhance the performance of firms within the fashion industry. As a recommendation, fashion firms are encouraged to embrace modern approaches in their practices to enhance competitiveness in the global fashion landscape
Bridging the Digital Divide in Science Education: Analysis of ICT Integration by JHS Integrated Science Teachers in Semi-Urban Schools in Ghana
Get PDFTechnology in general, and more specifically ICT use in education, is crucial when it comes to improving teaching and learning outcomes in science education. However, this remains a distant goal for many schools in semi-urban Ghana due to various constraints. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey design to examine how Junior High School (JHS) integrated science teachers in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) Municipality access and use ICT tools and their challenges in using these tools. The study employed a voluntary sampling procedure to select 71 (59 males and 12 females) teachers through an online survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlational analysis. The results revealed a strong positive relationship between the availability of ICT tools and their frequency of use. The results also indicated that the teachers predominantly rely on mobile phones for their ICT-related activities because of the unavailability of more sophisticated tools. The results further revealed that the current integration of ICT tools for integrated science teaching is hampered by limited physical infrastructure, inadequate teacher preparation, inaccessible technical support, and erratic power supply. To mitigate these challenges, the study suggested implementing teacher-centred professional development programmes, setting up solar-powered ICT centres, leveraging E-Community Learning and Resource Centres, utilising iBox Technology, adopting Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, and fostering collaborative teacher networks for resource sharing and support. The study concluded that targeted interventions to strengthen infrastructure and teacher capacity are necessary to overcome the digital divide and promote effective delivery of science education in resource-limited environments
FROM CAMPUS LIFE TO GLOBAL HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AMONG GHANAIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
No full textNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a significant global health concern, with the majority of mortalities occurring in low and middle-income countries. This study focused on the rising prevalence of physical inactivity among regular university students and aimed at contributing to the limited literature on barriers to physical activity (PA) in this demographic. While the impact of NCDs extends beyond physical health, causing societal and economic repercussions, there is insufficient attention on physical inactivity among regular university students in Africa. The study utilised a cross-sectional research design with primary quantitative data collected through Google Forms. The results were analysed using a 2x3 factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Interaction between gender and age was also significant, F (1, 667).
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PERCEPTION OF AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT IN THE STANDARDS-BASED CURRICULUM IN THE EFFUTU MUNICIPALITY
No full textThe study explored primary school science teachers’ perception of authentic assessment in the Standards-based Curriculum in the Effutu Municipality. The study was modelled on an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 180 teachers for the quantitative phase out of which four teachers were purposively sampled for the qualitative phase of the study. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the quantitative data on the respondents. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages) and inferential statistics (One-way ANOVA) was used to analyse the hypotheses. In the qualitative phase, a semistructured interview guide was used to collect data, and the data from the interview was analysed and presented according to the research question. The study results revealed that the majority of the teachers generally had a positive perception of authentic assessment. Again, it came to light from the study that there was no statistically significant difference between teachers’ academic qualifications and their perception of authentic assessment. The study, however, established that there was a statistically significant difference between teachers’ teaching experience and their perception of authentic assessment. It was recommended amongst others that periodic in-service training programs and workshops, organized by educational stakeholders in the Effutu Municipality, would foster a positive perception of authentic assessment among the teachers in the municipality
School Environment and Academic Achievement: A Comparative Analysis of Student Perceptions in Public and Private Senior High Schools in Ghana
No full textThis research investigates the impact of school environments on academic performance in Ghanaian public and private senior high schools. Using quantitative methods, data from 190 students was collected through structured surveys that addressed physical infrastructure, social dynamics, and institutional support. Stratified random sampling ensured balanced representation from Life International School (private) and Tema Methodist Day Senior High School (public). Analysis through multiple regression and t-tests revealed significant relationships between environmental factors and academic outcomes. Both physical and social aspects of school settings substantially impact student achievement. Key factors include classroom maintenance, organised learning spaces, and teacher-student interactions. Despite private school students holding more positive perceptions of their learning environments, no significant difference in academic performance was found between public and private institutions, suggesting that factors beyond facilities, such as teaching quality and student motivation, play crucial roles. The findings underscore the need to improve public school infrastructure, foster stronger teacher-student relationships, and establish support systems to alleviate student anxiety and boost academic motivation. Results underscore the importance of nurturing educational atmospheres that foster achievement across both public and private schools
Obstacles to the protection of children’s rights in coastal communities of Ghana: Voices of stakeholders
No full textThe safeguarding of children's rights has emerged as a global concern. The concept of child rights protection significantly differs based on the prevailing environmental, socio-economic, socio-cultural, and political situations. This paper uses a qualitative case study research design to examine the challenges to safeguarding child rights in Ghana's fishing communities, specifically in the Ketu South District. The target population included various stakeholders responsible for safeguarding children's rights in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region in Ghana. Eighteen (18) participants were selected based on their availability and willingness to engage in the study. The acquired data was analysed thematically. The research illustrates that the safeguarding of children's rights in the designated area has been obstructed by climate change and its associated phenomena, poverty, physical punishment, and sociocultural practices. The paper recommends a multisectoral approach to tackle societal perceptions of children's safety, poverty, and cultural norms and practices that hinder the protection of children's rights in the study location and other associated fishing communities in Ghana
Impact of Conditions of Service on Teachers’ Job Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Wukari Education Zone, Taraba State.
Get PDFIn all the efforts by the Federal Government through several committees to review salary structure of civil servants, none of these committees looked into the salary structure of primary and secondary school teachers, which is the crux of this research; and the researchers feel that this is one of the reasons for the decline in quality of education at this level, which is affecting other levels. This paper examined the impact of conditions of service on teachers’ job performance in public secondary schools in Wukari Education Zone, Taraba State. Three research questions guided the study. The ex-post facto survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study consisted of all principals and teachers in all the two local government areas under Wukari Education Zone, namely: Ibbi and Wukari, with a total of 28 public secondary schools, and teacher strength of 462. Random sampling technique was used to select 15 Secondary Schools. 10 persons participated in each school, which gave a total of 150 respondents stratified along male and female. The instrument used for data collection was researcher-developed questionnaire titled “Conditions of Service on Teachers Performance Questionnaire (CSTPQ)” on a modified four-point Likert scale. The precision and internal consistency of the instrument was determined using Cronbach reliability method which gave rise to a coefficient ranging from 0.76 - 0.83. The instrument was face validated by two experts from the Faculty of Education, Taraba State University, Jalingo; with a validation index of 0.86. The data collected was analyzed using percentage scores, mean, and standard deviation. Chi Square statistic was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that teachers are the least paid civil servants in the State, they are not promoted as and when due, promotions were not implemented, and salaries are not paid promptly; all these negatively affected their performance. It was recommended that the State government should develop a consolidated salary structure for teachers, pay them promptly and promote and implement their promotion as and when due to enhance their job performance
APPROACHES AND CHALLENGES IN TEACHING FRACTIONS: THE VOICES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHERS IN INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMS
Get PDFFractions are cited as one of the challenging concepts in school mathematics for both pupils and teachers. Against this background, this study explored Ghanaian primary school teachers’ approaches and challenges of teaching fractions in pilot-inclusive schools within the Effutu Municipality of the Central Region, Ghana. In doing this, the study employed the phenomenological case study to find out the approaches these teachers employ in their teaching while highlighting the challenges that come with it. Using an in-depth conversational interview, ten (10) certificated teachers were purposively sampled to share their experiences and challenges of teaching fractions. Thematic data analysis was applied to the qualitative data from the interviews. Findings indicated that teachers use a variety of strategies, including question and answer, class discussion, demonstrations, paper aids, board illustrations, and real-life context when teaching fractions in inclusive settings. However, challenges are encountered in spelling pluralised fraction names and ensuring equal object partitioning. The study recommended additional support systems, including adequate special education resource teachers, instructional materials, training sessions, and targeted professional learning community (PLC) programmes for teachers in these inclusive classrooms
Forms and Compositional Devices in Nigerian Gospel Music: A Structural and Contextual Analysis
Get PDFNigerian gospel music has evolved into a distinct genre within the
Nigerian music scene, marked by a unique blend of African rhythmic
elements, Western harmonic structures, and Christian theological
themes. As a dynamic and expressive art form, it employs various
musical forms and compositional devices to engage audiences, convey
spiritual messages, evoke emotion, and inspire devotion. Although
scholarly attention has been given to its historical, sociological,
textual, and theological dimensions, its structural and compositional
elements remain underexplored. This study applies musical semiotic theory, viewing music as a symbolic language, to identify and analyse musical forms, notate selected examples, and examine compositional techniques in Nigerian gospel music. Using a qualitative methodology, it employs cultural hermeneutics, content and discographical analysis, and musicological approaches. Findings reveal recurring formal structures and distinctive compositional devices employed by gospel musicians, shaped by performance context and socio-cultural realities. The study concludes that Nigerian gospel music continues to grow in influence and calls for greater scholarly attention to its structural and aesthetic dimensions