Teachers’ perceptions about the medium of instruction in learning English as a second or foreign language in Ghanaian lower basic schools

Abstract. In teaching a second or foreign language, there is often a dilemma regarding the most suitable language to use as a medium of instruction or interaction. The study of English as a Second Language (ESL) in Ghana is most often than not characterized by this dilemma. This is where educators are conflicted on whether to follow the official language policy that advocates for the use of the mother tongue instruction or strictly use the target language (in this case English) or opt for bilingual education. Research has shown that factors that ensure practical Second Language Acquisition (SLA) are comprehension, interaction and affective elements (attitudes and emotions). These are achievable with the presence of other factors like context, knowledge of the world, and extra-linguistic information (Krashen, 1981). It is critical for educators to consider these in order to be able to select the most suitable medium of instruction (MoI) in an ESL classroom in Ghana. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of using the target language (TL) and, or first language (L1) in an English language class by analyzing learners’ behaviours through classroom observations, coupled with teachers’ experiences and perceptions. The study uses the qualitative method and phenomenography to understand the perceived effectiveness of the use of the English Language as an MoI for the learning of the language, as compared to using the learners’ first language in teaching English and vice versa. Some Ghanaian ESL teachers in the lower basic school were purposefully selected for the study and interviews were conducted to obtain their thoughts regarding the language of instruction policy and teaching ESL. It was evident from the analysis that the teachers mostly used a bilingual medium of instruction rather than using the L1 as the dominant medium in the ESL classroom as they perceived bilingual education to be most effective in aching their teaching and learning outcomes. Teachers perceived that the L1 plays a significant role in ESL learning. It was suggested that the L1 translation offered learners an easy understanding of the English language, improved learners’ motivation to learn the language, and enhanced learners’ interaction as compared to the use of only the TL/L2. Interestingly, the teachers perceived that the language of instruction policy for suitable for the Ghanaian context, and they also suggested that there needs to be adequate Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) to make teaching and learning more effective. This is not a complete case study hence the results cannot be generalized as they are as subjective to the participant-teachers. Again, further research is needed to look at investigate the perception of other stakeholders in education such as headteachers, parents and students about the phenomenon

ASSESSING THE ROLE OF ROTATING SAVINGS AS A MEANS OF FUNDS MOBILIZATION AND CREDIT SOURCING- CASE STUDY OF OTUASENKAN RURAL BANK LTD.

oai:ojs2.freeprojectwork.com:article/1The primary aim of this study was to assess the role of rotating savings as a means of funds mobilization and credit sourcing with a special focus on Otuasekan Rural Bank (ORB). The study used a sample of 365 respondents who were susu customers and credit officers of ORB. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed in selecting the sample. The study employed survey methodology in which primary data was gathered with the use of structured questionnaire and unstructured interviews. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of research analysis and mainly used primary data in addition to secondary data. Data was processed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented in frequency tables and charts. The study reports that the operation of the rotating savings scheme has benefited the customers in terms of access to loans, education and seminars and safe keeping of savings while the bank gained from the scheme in areas of interest income from lending and investment activities, improvement in deposits and liquidity position as well as a source of low cost of funds. Further, it is reported that embezzlement of customers’ funds by bank officials, high labour turnover of personnel in-charge of rotating savings operations and inadequate personal data of customers are some challenges facing the bank in operating the scheme. The study recommends that a repackage of the scheme could be done so that clients who have been with the institution for long could be given a reduced interest rate which can go a long way to attract new contributors

Using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) to Evaluate the Vulnerabilities with ICT Assets Disposal Policies

Abstract-- This paper evaluates the possible vulnerabilities of ICT assets disposal policies and the associated impact that can affect the SMEs. A poorly implemented policy or unenforced policy is “potentially the weakest link ” in the cyber-security chain. Do SMEs have an idea of vulnerabilities or threats due to assets disposal? In the event of breaches, the SMEs pay for the cost of notifying the concerned stakeholders, compensate affected parties, invest in improved mitigation technologies and also may be subjected to unwarranted public scrutiny. ICT assets at the end-of-useful life span usually have data left on the hard disk drives or storage media, which is a source of data confidentiality vulnerability. SMEs were surveyed in developing economies on their assets disposal policies. The perceived correlations were analyzed using fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) to ascertain if any cyber-security vulnerabilities inherent in a particular policy have implications on others. The study endeavored to show that, SMEs ought to have appropriate assets disposal policies in place. Then, these policies ought to be signed off by all stakeholders as a matter of responsibility. By employing the FCM approach with fuzzy matrix operations, the results indicate positive correlations exist amongst the policy constructs. Thus, vulnerabilities with one policy have implications on others

AZIDIRACHTA INDICA AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR THE PRESERVATION OF BAMBUSA VULGARIS IN GHANA

Bamboo is a renewable natural resource which is woody, precious, physically powerful and exceptionally fast-growing grass which plays important role in the world’s economy; however in Ghana, most bamboo industries use chemical preservatives which are expensive and poisonous product for the preservation of bamboo which also have rippling effects on the users of bamboo products and the environment as whole. The study used the descriptive and experimental research methodologies with interview and observations as data collection instruments to gather data from respondents. Stratified Random sampling technique was employed to sub-divide the population into smaller homogeneous group so as to get more exact representation. The study discovered azadirachtin in the neem is the plants main agent for battling insects. It appears to cause about 90% effectiveness in dealing with most pests. The azidarachtin does not kill insect but it repels and disrupts their growth and reproduction. Moreover, it was found that neem leave extracts, as a preservative, is more suitable for the preservation of domestic products such as chopsticks, ladles, chopping boards and fruit trays. It is recommended that, a more environmentally friendly chemicals such as the azadirachtin must be used in the preservation of bamboo.  Article visualizations

Preparedness for Use of Health Information for Planning and Decision Making: A Study of Health Facilities in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

Background: Providing the right quality information system promotes effective and efficient ways of using scarce resources through proper planning and decision-making. This however depends on availability of infrastructure and adequate staff training on use of health information.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among health facilities in the Kumasi metropolis and data was collected from June to September 2011. The study involved 323 health staffs, recruited from among1162 health workers from public, private, quasi and mission health facilities and the Metro Health Directorate in four of the ten sub-metros across the Kumasi metropolis. Data was analysed with STATA 11 software. Results: More than 50% had received training on HI among all the facilities. Comparatively, training on HIS was lower in the public hospitals. Training on HI and relevance the training had significant associations with the use of HI (p<0.001). Respondents who had never had training on HI were less likely to use HI for planning and decision-making as compared to those who had ever had training (OR=0.086; 95% CI=0.03, 0.25). Although most facilities had available logistics for storage, processing and using health information, not all were functioning. Challenges associated with use of HI included inaccurate data, low knowledge on IT, unreliable information, inconsistent data, improper documentation and power cut offs. Conclusion: Use of health information remains critical to making evidenced based decision-making. Improving health training and the requisite logistics could improve use of HI among health staffs. Keywords: health information, planning, Kumasi metropolis, training, logistics, preparednes