Exploring Academic Librarians\u27 Lack of Experiential Learning in Teaching College Freshmen Information Literacy Skills: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study

The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to explore academic librarians’ lack of experiential learning in teaching college freshmen information literacy skills in four-year higher education institutions across the United States. The central research question was – “what challenges do academic librarians experience in teaching information literacy skills?” – Twelve academic librarians who were involved in teaching college freshmen information literacy skills were examined on the phenomenon. Three different data collection methods used were questionnaire, letter writing and interviews. The theory that guided this study was Kolb’s experiential learning. Kolb’s experiential learning theory emphasized the process of learning in which knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Thematic and modified Van Kaam methods were used for data analyses which revealed five themes, and two outliers. In addition to the study findings, limitations, implications for stakeholders, and recommendations for future research were presented

Role and Philosophical Underpinnings of Cultural Performances During Academic Ceremonies: University of Education, Winneba in Perspective

This paper explores the case of congregation sessions at University of Education, Winneba (UEW); discussing the role dance plays during these academic ceremonies and explore the presence of philosophical underpinnings backing the preparation of dances performed during congregations. A case study with population being the UEW community. Sampling was mainly purposive and data was gathered from three members each from the congregation planning committee, performing arts lecturers, audience and ten student performers. Data collection instruments included semi structured interviews, observations, textual and content analysis of video recording of some of the event. Discussions highlight the importance of including cultural performances during congregations and its implications on the ceremonies. Findings reveal an inalienable subculture that incorporates music and dance firmly into the life of UEW. It also highlights philosophical underpinnings backing the selection of dances performed during congregation ceremonies. The study opens up for comparative studies in other tertiary institutions in Ghana. This expression of cultural activities at tertiary level is commendable and must be encouraged to safeguard the Ghanaian cultural content. Keywords: Congregation Ceremonies, Cultural Performance, Ghanaian Dances DOI: 10.7176/JPCR/44-05 Publication date: September 30th 201

Non-communicable diseases among children in Ghana: health and social concerns of parent/caregivers.

Background: Globally, there is a progressive rise in the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This paper examined the health and social concerns of parents/caregivers on in-patient care for children with NCDs in Ghana. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in three large health facilities in Ghana (the largest in the South, the largest in the North and the largest in the Eastern part of Ghana. Data was collected with a structured questionnaire among 225 caregivers ( 6518 years) of 149 children with NCDs in health facilities in the three regions. Data was analyzed with simple descriptive statistics. Results: Most caregivers 169(75.0%) were women, relatively young (median age 35years), mostly married and resided in urban areas. Sickle cell disease was the commonest NCD among the children. All 169(75.0%) caregivers believed children suffer NCDs because of sins of parents/ancestors, 29(12.9%) believed herbalists/spiritualists have insights into treating NCDs and 73(32.6%) have previously used herbs/traditional medicine for child's illness. NCD in children was a burden and caused financial difficulties for families. Most caregivers (>96.0%) indicated NCDs in children should be included in national health insurance benefits package and a comprehensive national NCD policy is needed. Conclusion: Absence of national NCD policy for children is a major challenge. The burden of care rests mainly on the parents/ caregivers. A national strategic intervention on the importance of awareness generation on the causes, risk factors, prevention and treatment of NCDs for families and communities is essential. Government support through national health and social policy initiatives are essential

The Effect of Organisational Factors in Motivating Healthcare Employees: A Systematic Review

Healthcare employee motivation is a key concept in the achievement of efficient,effective and good quality healthcare delivery. In this paper a systematic review of primary data from the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia was conducted to consolidate the available evidence on the effect of organisational factors on healthcare employee motivation. Because healthcare delivery is highly labour intensive, it must be acknowledged that human resources are extremely critical in the drive for healthcare organisations to deliver on their organisational goals. The organisational factors which were identified as having a great effect on healthcare employee motivation can be divided into financial and non-financial factors. Remuneration was identified as a strong extrinsic factor, while conducive working conditions, increased responsibilities and appreciation from the communities in which they serve were identified as strong intrinsic factors. Even though there is a cultural aspect to motivation, remuneration, managerial support and career advancement are core factors that affect all healthcare professionals irrespective of country. Many of the factors that were observed in the literature as affecting motivation can be addressed by an overhaul of the reward strategy of healthcare organisations

I Have Dementia, I Can Help!

The treatment of dementia has been a matter of concern among health workers, researchers, designers, and art therapists over the world. Though the Ghana Statistical service does not acknowledge dementia as a disability, the disease cannot be swept under the carpet pretending it does not exist. Thus, the aim of this paper is to adapt design interventions involving persons living with dementia to help break the cycle of shame, opinions, attitudes, and ways-of-doing, in involving people living with dementia in Ghana. The paper also proposes a dimension on using visual arts in the form of art therapy as an approach with relevant evidence as an intervention in other countries. Additionally, the paper deliberates on the need for collaborations between government, NGOs and stakeholders for the development of appropriate infrastructure as well as the implementation of policies and art interventions to support persons living with dementia. Keywords: dementia, art therapy, art interventions, policies DOI: 10.7176/ADS/98-01 Publication date: January 31st 202

The irony in funeral of two religious sects in Ghana: A comparative study in Islam and Christianity

This study examines the irony in the two religions, Christian and Islamic with respect to the organization and patronage of funerals in Ghana. Data was collected in four communities across Ghana comprising two Christian and two Moslem communities. This study adopted a collection of both primary and secondary data sources. The primary data was analyzed qualitatively in order to obtain the information on the funeral services conducted in the religions of Islam and Christianity. The study relied on appropriate primary sources. Such primary data was collected at a realistic level through informal conversational interviews, organized individual interviews and focus group interviews (FGIs). Islamic rules prescribe certain guidelines of how Muslims plan for a burial. Most of the particulars of Muslim funeral rites are taken from Prophet Muhammad’s terms. Christian funeral procedures on the other hand are diversified across sects, regions, and cultural heritage. The Christians advocates for the dead to be buried with respect, but does not propose the particulars of funeral services. The study gives the information on the different practices adopted by the Islamic and Christian religions and therefore contributes to the knowledge of research