scholarly journals Early Childhood Pre-Service Teachers’ Conception of Living and Non-Living Things in a Ghanaian College of Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-138
Author(s):  
SAKINA ACQUAH

The study examined pre-service teachers’ conception of living and non-living things and their classification using a case study design. The mixed method approach was employed for this study. Census sampling technique was initially used to collect data from 70 participants who complete a questionnaire. Afterwards, purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 12 of the initially sampled participants using a semi-structured interview guide. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that 72% and 93% of the participants had appropriate scientific conception of living and non-living things respectively, as they were able to correctly classify and justify their classifications of items provided. The findings further revealed that at least 28% and 7% of the participants still had intuitive conception of living and non-living things respectively as demonstrated in their inability to classify seven living things and eight non-living things correctly. The educational implication is that Science Educators need to be aware of the intuitive conceptions that pre-service teachers’ have about living and non-living things in order to employ appropriate teaching techniques to address the underlying misconceptions during instruction. This will enable pre-service teachers to form sound conceptual understanding of living and non-living things as conventionally known in the scientific community.

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-68
Author(s):  
Anna Leonard ◽  
Nampa Meameno Hamutumwa ◽  
Chiku Mnubi-Mchombu

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of e-resources by the Faculty of Law’s academic staff at the University of Namibia’s (UNAM’s) main campus. The study aimed to determine their level of awareness of electronic resources (e-resources) available to them, how useful and effective they found these e-resources, and the challenges they face in accessing them. Design/methodology/approach A convenient sampling technique was used to select a sample of 12 law academics from the population of 17. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods using questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide. Findings Findings revealed that the majority of the law academics were aware of the e-resources subscribed by UNAM’s library, although some were not aware of the newly subscribed international law databases. The findings further revealed that the academics used e-resources for research, publications and teaching purposes, but irregular training, bandwidth problems and limited searching skills hindered their use of e-resources. Practical implications Findings could be used to inform future collection-development decisions, realignment of information-literacy training and promotion and marketing of library services. Originality/value This study has made a significant contribution in the understanding the use of electronic legal resources by law academics at UNAM. The findings and recommendations could also benefit similar academic institutions in developing countries like Namibia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franklin Gyamfi Agyemang ◽  
Henry Boateng

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the factors affecting tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice in the informal sector among hairdressers in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A case study was used as the research design. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 47 master hairdressers. Semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Data were analysed using the thematic technique. Findings The study found that apprenticeship fee, fear of competition, delegation reasons, joy and pride of mentorship, apprentices’ attitude and time, to be significant factors influencing tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice. It was also evident that time spent with master as he/she performs or works is crucial to learning as most of the learning is through socializing with the master. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the study is the use of the convenient sampling technique in choosing the participants. The results of this study, if it has to be generalised to all hairdressers in Ghana, it may have to be done with caution since the participants were not drawn from a pool of all master hairdressers in Ghana. Practical implications The paper provides what apprentices must do to acquire the tacit knowledge of master hairdressers. Originality/value This paper focuses on the holder of tacit knowledge (master hairdressers) and reveals their motivations to transfer or hoard their tacit knowledge.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 18-24
Author(s):  
Saadia Bibi ◽  
◽  
Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro ◽  

Pakistan stands among the worst performers when it comes to the equal opportunities for women. The Sustainable Development Goals (2015-30) have rightly prioritized women’s empowerment to provide them with equal opportunities. The empowerment of women brings about significant positive changes in the socio-economic aspects of the family and women’s status. The patriarchal nature, socio-cultural conditions and feudalistic mode of fabrication in Pakistani society has always kept women marginalized and have restricted them to participate along-with men in communal activities. This study was conducted in Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At the first stage, a purposeful sampling technique was applied, and then convenience sampling was used for final data collection. The data was collected through a semi-structured interview guide, Students, government staff and employees of private organizations were involved. The study shows that socio-cultural factors have significant implications for the development of gender and empowerment of women. Keywords: women development, women empowerment, culture and religion, women and culture


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 1065-1072
Author(s):  
Zukiswa Nhase ◽  
Chinedu I.O. Okeke ◽  
Christian Sunday Ugwuanyi

This study explored Grade 3 teachers’ use of an inquiry-based approach to mediate the development of basic science concepts among learners within the socio-cultural theory. This study adopted interpretive case study research of the qualitative type, using a sample of four (4) female teachers who use the home language of learners as the language of instruction. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and observational schedule which was properly validated. Analysis of data was achieved through thematic data analysis. The result of the study revealed that the foundation phase teachers are aware of the importance of the use of the inquiry-based approach in mediating the development of basic science concepts by the learners, but only one out of the four participants implemented it. Thus, it was recommended that there should be a provision of further professional development spaces that promote a community of practice in using an Inquiry-Based Approach in the Foundation Phase.   Keywords: Basic science concepts, Grade 3 teachers, Foundation Phase, Inquiry-Based approach


2021 ◽  
pp. 256-267
Author(s):  
Seth Peter Frimpong ◽  
Anthony Bordoh ◽  
Isaac Eshun ◽  
Anderson Oppong Twumasi ◽  
Emmanuel Nomah ◽  
...  

The purpose of the study was to examine the factors that hinder effective conflict management in Asante Akyem North District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The Population of the study included leaders of the various conflict management groups/individuals who have been involved in forestalling peace in Agogo in Asante Akyem North District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The case study design was adopted for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select all the twelve (12) participants for this study. The main instrument used for data collection for the study was an interview guide. The study revealed that the conflict between the farmers and the nomads in the Agogo could only be dealt with if there is no political power backing Fulani herdsmen in the enclave of Agogo. The study also concluded that the Fulanis have been able to defy the orders of the court by not withdrawing from the Agogo area. It is also recommended that the Government of Ghana and traditional authorities in Agogo State should be firm and fair in the management and implementation of court decisions with regard to the farmer-nomad conflict of Agogo. The politicisation of farmer and nomad conflicts, in particular, is thwarting efforts at forging cooperation and resolution of the conflict.


Author(s):  
Benzies Isaac Adu-Okoree ◽  
Daniella Delali Sedegah ◽  
Pancy-Patience Wemoanu Kuyiba ◽  
Samuel Kwashie Sedegah

The paper examines the accessibility of women groups within the Adentan Municipality to micro-credits and their impacts economic activities. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 80 respondents. A semi-structured interview guide and focus group discussions were employed for data collection. The study revealed that respondents accessed microcredits through the initiative of their associations while others did so through their friends or introduction by workers of Microfinance organizations to the women associations. However, the lack of record keeping and inconsistent saving patterns creates challenges in accessing micro-credits. Micro-credits have helped women to improve their capacity to set aside income from their economic activities for savings, pay for their children’s education, as well as improve on their nutritional and medical needs. The study recommends among others that the leadership of women associations need to collaborate with the management of MFOs to educate their members on how to access microcredit services that they provide and the requirements that are needed. This would help those who are yet to access the credits to prepare adequately so that they will not have to face challenges when accessing micro-credits and having to let middle men or women to exploit them.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-397
Author(s):  
Jianhua Luo ◽  
Gift Muyunda

Curriculum Development in Zambia is highly centralized, with the Curriculum Development Center (CDC) being charged with developing the curriculum through consultative and participatory approaches through the course and subject panels where teachers are engaged. Nevertheless, there has been no empirical evidence to show how teachers are actively involved in the development process. This study aimed to investigate the phenomenon of teachers' involvement in the curriculum development process in Zambia. This study was qualitative and used a case study design approach. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide from secondary school teachers and headteachers. Raw data were collected through semi-structured interview forms from secondary school teachers and headteachers. The researcher analyzed the data using MAXQDA qualitative software to identify initial codes and generate emerging themes quickly. The results showed that secondary school teachers were dissatisfied with the present way of curriculum development, which insignificantly neglects them, and also, the majority of them have never participated in the development of the curriculum. Further, the results revealed that most of the secondary school teachers in Lusaka were willing to participate at any stage of the curriculum development in Zambia. This study concludes by arguing that secondary school teachers are significantly neglected to participate in the curriculum development in Zambia and recommends that the Ministry of General Education (MoGE) broaden the scope of secondary school teachers' participation in the curriculum developed through the Curriculum Development Center (CDC).


Author(s):  
I.G.A. Lokita Purnamika Utami ◽  
Putu Eka Dambayana Suputra ◽  
Ida Ayu Gede Juliana Dewi

This research aimed at investigating the challenges encountered by the students when utilizing Undiksha Moodle E-learning in online learning of literature courses. The research used embedded mixed method case study with qualitative dominant in collecting the data. The research subjects were students of English Language Education (ELE) who learned Literature courses by using Undiksha Moodle E-Learning platform. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide were used by the researcher as the instruments. The result of this study shows that there were 5 challenges encountered by the students in operating Undiksha Moodle E-learning platform which could be categorized into two namely internal and external challenges. The internal challenges were the absence of some features such as video conference feature, assignment pop-up reminder feature, the occurrence of server crash and the external challenges was the inequality of internet connection quality


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1186-1192
Author(s):  
Susan Wandukusi ◽  
◽  
Japheth Barasa ◽  
Risper Konzoolo ◽  
Patrick Olutwati ◽  
...  

The purpose of the study was to determine how Bukusu Male Circumcision Songs Metaphor have affected the Education of the Boy Child among the Bukusu Community in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya.. The study was guided by the following objectives: To establish the importance of Luhya male Circumcision songs metaphor among the Bukusu community, to establish the effect of Luhya Male Circumcision songs metaphor on the behavioral development of the Bukusu youth. To determine how Bukusu male circumcision songs metaphor have affected the Education of the Boy child among the Bukusu Community in Trans-Nzoia County.. The researcheradopted mixed research design whereby mixed research method utilizes both qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data was collected using open ended questionnaires while quantitative data collection method included closed ended questioners. The study was done in Trans-NzoiaCounty. The study targeted a total population of 2000 youths from 10 locations. Simple Random sampling procedure was employed. Stratified sampling technique was also used. The scope was limited to youths in Trans-Nzoia County. The study made use of questioners and interview guide. Validity of the instruments was established through pilot testing while reliability was established from consistency of the results obtained from the field. In chapter two empirical literatures was done on independent variable, dependent variable, and the four indicators of independent variable.. It also revealed that the circumcision songs metaphor affects the education of the boy child greatly and as a result it also affects the behavioral development of the youth immorally. In conclusion this therefore calls for the Bukusu community this songs metaphor in such a way that the messages they carry be moral and educative to boy child.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 104-132
Author(s):  
Muhammad Safdar ◽  
Syeda Hina Batool ◽  
Kanwal Ameen ◽  
Abid Hussain ◽  
Fakhar Abbas

This contribution attempts to discuss the current scenario of rare material available in the libraries of Lahore city. Lahore is capital of Punjab province of Pakistan. The study seeks to explore the various aspects such as acquisition, organization, access, preservation & conservation of rare material of libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. The study is qualitative in nature; based on multiple case study design. A multiple case study helps the researchers in finding the differences among cases. Semi-structured interview guide was used as data collection tool. The observation and document analysis of log registers of the cases (libraries) were also done wherever facilitated. It was found that rare collection is underutilized in the libraries of Lahore. Findings also established that separate funds are not allocated to the public libraries of Lahore for acquisition and management of the rare material. This paper identifies the current status and issues in acquisition, management, access and use of rare material at public libraries of Lahore, Pakistan.


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