http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/70 2026-04-04T22:54:43Z 2026-04-04T22:54:43Z Donkor, F http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/1942 2026-02-23T09:58:04Z 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

The comparative instructional effectiveness of print-based and video-based instructional materials for teaching practical skills at a distance Donkor, F Print-based instructional materials have been more popular than any other medium for teaching practical skills during the delivery of technical and vocational education and training via distance learning. However, the approach has its shortcomings and in recent times alternatives have been sought. The comparative instructional effectiveness of one such alternative is the focus of this paper. The study sought to examine the instructional effectiveness of video-based instructional materials vis-à-vis traditional print-based instructional materials for teaching distance learners of a Block-Laying and Concreting practical skills programme. An experimental design was used and participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: Users of video-based instructional materials or users of print-based instructional materials. A researcher-designed performance test and an achievement test of 20 multiple-choice items were used to collect data from 34 participants who used print-based instructional materials and 35 participants who used video-based instructional materials to learn practical skills. The instruments were based on the instructional objectives of lessons on mortar and wall finish. Pilot test data for the achievement test yielded Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84. Descriptive statistics and t-test at a 0.05 level of significance were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that the two instructional materials were pedagogically equivalent in terms of theoretical knowledge acquired. Practical skills acquired, however, were significantly higher among users of video-based instructional materials. Finally, users of video-based instructional materials displayed significantly superior craftsmanship. Keywords: Achievement test; block-laying and concreting; instructional effectiveness; open and distance learning; open schooling; performance test; practical skills; print-based instructional materials; technical and vocational education and training (TVET); video-based instructional materials Article

2010-01-01T00:00:00Z Amoah, M Becker, G Nutto, L http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/1940 2026-02-23T09:58:03Z 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Effects of log export ban policy and dynamics of global tropical wood markets on the growth of timber industry in Ghana Amoah, M; Becker, G; Nutto, L The effects of log export ban (LEB) policy and dynamics of global tropical timber markets on the growth of Ghanaian timber industry were studied. The purpose was to follow the trend in the growth of timber industry from 1984 to 2005 using Fisher index and semi-log regression analysis. The study showed that the volume of plywood, veneer, and processed wood exported before the period of 1984–1995 and during the LEB policy (1996–2005) was, respectively, 6% and 46% of the total exports during those periods. On the contrary, the aggregate price index of all products exported before the LEB policy was up by 129% compared to 3.9% for the period during the LEB policy. A further decline in prices of the most products exported during the LEB policy was found by the study. Thus even though an LEB policy could increase volume share of value-added products, it cannot guarantee growth in prices of wood products. r 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. JEL classification: Q23; Q27 Keywords: Export-led growth; Log export ban; Ghana; Growth rate; Wood industry Article

2008-01-01T00:00:00Z Amoah, M Becker, G http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/1938 2026-02-23T09:58:02Z 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of logging efficiency and development of allometric models for predicting stumpage volume of some commercial tree species in Ghana Amoah, M; Becker, G The need to develop instruments to capture the realistic stumpage volume and infl uence loggers to improve on their logging effi ciency has been a topic of interest in recent times. This study assessed the logging effi ciency in Ghana and developed allometric models to predict stumpage volume. A total of 135 trees from nine timber species were sampled from three logging sites during commercial logging operations. The average logging recovery for all sampled trees was about 75 %. The small-end diameter of the merchantable residues averaged between 31 cm and 60 cm while their length values varied from 3.0 m to 8.5 m. In general, species-specifi c models exhibited better predictive power than mixed-species models. Models that predicted total merchantable volume from the volume of the extracted logs had the best fi ts, with Furnival index values ranging from 0.590 to 1.727. Results of the models’ validation indicated that mixed species models could predict merchantable volume better for relatively small trees than for big trees with merchantable volume greater than 20 m3. Keywords: sustainable forest management, logging effi ciency, stumpage, allometric models Article

2009-01-01T00:00:00Z Duku, F.K http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/1930 2026-02-23T09:57:59Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Pedagogic foundation of art education in Ghana Duku, F.K This paper is one of the discourses to holistically evaluate university art education curriculum in Ghana. The faculty of any course is responsible for setting the climate or tone for the dissemination of information. This is at times compounded by advancement in the technology used in the teaching and learning process. The problem of this study was to investigate the pedagogical underpinnings of art education in Ghana against the 21st century teaching and learning skills requirements. This exploratory research utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings indicated that majority of the respondents agreed that the faculty used variety of teaching methods and again, faculty employs technology to their advantage in making sure that students understand the concepts they impart and by the appropriate means available. Currently there is little mix in the Department of Art Education as most of the members of faculty are on the lecturer level. Keywords: pedagogy, art, education, evaluation and 21st century skills. Article

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z