ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN SAND WINNING AREAS: THE CASE OF SELECTED JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE AWUTU-SENYA WEST, GHANA

Robert Andrews Ghanney

Abstract


This study investigated the effect of sand winning activities on academic performance of Junior High School pupils in the Awutu-Senya West District in the Central Region of Ghana. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, a convergent mixed method design was employed. The sample size for the quantitative study was 105, comprising 70 pupils and 35 parents. In the qualitative phase, a sample size of 8 comprising 4 pupils and 4 parents were employed. The researcher used questionnaire and interview guide as the primary tools for collecting both quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The quantitative data were analysed using the version 22 of the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) whereas the qualitative data were analysed using the thematic approach. Among the findings of the study, it was revealed that, sand winning activities contributed statistically significantly to pupils’ poor academic performance in Social Studies. The study recommended that the Directorate of the Ghana Education Service at Awutu-Senya West District and traditional leaders should be in constant dialogue with members of the communities, especially parents, to appreciate the value of formal education in order to ensure that their children stay in school and study. It was suggested that further research be conducted in other basic schools in the country where sand winning activities are carried out to give the general overview regarding the influence of sand winning activities on academic performance of junior high school pupils and to come out with holistic approach in curbing the situation.

Article visualizations:

Hit counter


Keywords


sand winning, academic performance, school attendance, formal education, social studies

Full Text:

PDF

References


Adjei, A. (2017). The impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on cocoa production and livelihood: Acase study of Amansie West District. Unpublished MBA thesis, University of Education, Winneba.

Adu, J. (1999). Social Studies for Senior Secondary Schools, Accra: Horizon Publications

Adu-Gyamfi, E. (2014). The effect of illegal mining on school attendance and academic performance of junior high school pupils in Upper Denkyira West District of Ghana. Journal of Education & Human Development, 3(1), 523-545.

Agarana, M. C., & Ehigbochie, A. I. (2015). Optimization of student’s academic performance in a world-class university using operational research technique. International Journal of Mathematics and Computer Applications Research 5(1), 43-50.

Alhassan, S. (2006). Modern approaches to research in education administration for research students. Payless Publication Ltd.

Ankomah, Y. A., Koomson, J. A., Bonsu, R. S., & Oduro, G. K. T. (2005). A review on the concept of quality in education: Perspective from Ghana, EdQqual working Paper No.1

Ankutse, B. (2015). Assessing the effects of mining on the educational life of children in the Asutifi District in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Unpublished master’s thesis, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Annan, D. A. (2015). Effects of galamsey on education in mining communities. Retrieved from https://www.newsghana.com.gh/effects-of-galamsey-on-education-in-mining-communities/ on 06/09/2018.

Anney, V. N. (2014). Ensuring the quality of findings of qualitative research: Looking at trustworthiness criteria. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies (JETERAPS), 5(2), 272-281

Asamoah-Gyimah, K., & Duodu, F. (2007). Introduction to research methods in education University of Education, Institute for Educational Development and Extension (IEDE).

Asante, F., Kabila, A. & Afriyie, K. (2014). Stone Quarrying and Livelihood Transformation in Peri-urban Kumasi. Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(13), 93-197

Asiedu-Addo, S. (2009). Why many pupils in Central Region fail in the BECE? Daily Graphic, Saturday, October 10, 2009.

Awanta, E. K., & Asiadu-Addo, S. K. (2008). Essential statistical research for universities, colleges and research institutions. Salt and Light Publishers.

Berry, S. (2009). Building for future? Investment, land reform and the contingencies of ownership in contemporary Ghana. World Development 37:1370-1378

Carroll, T. (2010). The Effect of pupil absenteeism on literacy and numeracy in the primary school. School Psychology International, 31(2), 115-130

Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2007). Research methods in education. Routledge/Falmer.

Creswell, J. W. (2008). Educational research: Planning, conducting and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (3rd ed.) Pearson Education

Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed.). Pearson.

Crossman, A. (2017). Pilot Study. Retrieved from What Pilot Studies Are and Why They Matter – ThoughtCo. Retrieved from https://www.thought.co on 20/09/2018

Department of Education and Skills (2013). Education sector annual report. Retrieved from https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Corporate-Reports/Annual-Report/Department-of-Education-and-Skills-Annual-Report-2013.pdf on 12/10/2017.

Denscombe, M. (2010). Research guide for small-scale social research projects (4th ed.). Open University Press.

Denueme, K. (2016). Teacher motivation factors and their effect on the job performance of basic school mathematics teachers in the Awutu Senya West District of the Central Region of Ghana. University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.

Diaz, A. L. (2003). Personal, family and academic factors affecting low achievement in secondary school. Electronic journal of research in educational psychology and psychology 1(1), 43-66.

Eiselen, R. J., & Uys, T. (2005). Questionnaire design. Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg

Ellis, F. (2000). Rural livelihoods and diversity in developing countries. Oxford University Press.

Etsey, Y. K. A., Amedahe, F. K. & Edjah, K. (2005). Do private primary schools perform better than public schools in Ghana? (Unpublished paper, Department of Educational Foundations, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast).

Gall, M. D., Gall, J. P., & Borg, W. R. (2007). Educational research: An introduction (8th ed.). Allyn & Bacon

Ghana Education Service (GES (2013). The development of Education, Regional Report of Ghana. (PAP). UNESCO-1BE.P.2 Retrieved 13 The 2018.

Gwaradzimba, E. & Shumba, A (2010). The nature, extent and in-pact of the brain drain in Zimbabwe and South Africa: Acta Academica, 24(1), 209-241

Hanushek, E. A., & Woessmann, L. (2011). The economics of international differences in educational achievement. In E. A. Hanushek, S. Machin, & L. Woessmann (Eds.), Handbook of the Economics of Education, Vol. 3 (pp. 89–200). Amsterdam: North Holland.

Hilson, G., & Potter, C. (2003). Why is illegal gold mining activity so ubiquitous throughout rural Ghana? African Development Revue 15(2), 237–270.

Howard, P. (1994). An owner’s manual for the brain. Leornian Press.

Huitt, W. (2006). Becoming a brilliant star: A framework for discussing formative holistic education. Paper presented at the International Networking for Educational Transformation (iNet) Conference, Augusta, GA. Retrieved in 15th September 2018 from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/brilstar/brilstarintro-s.pdf.

Iddirisu, A. Y., & Tsikata, F. S. (1998). Mining sector development and environment project. Regulatory framework study to assist small-scale miners. Study prepared for the Minerals Commission. Minerals Commission.

Igwe, A. U. & Ikatule, O. R. (2011). Effects of computer tutorial and drill (CTD) on senior secondary school students’ achievement in basic electronics in Lagos State. Proceedings of Nigerian Association of Teachers of Technology. Umunze, 108 -119.

Jackson, P. L., Meltzoff, A. N., & Decety, J. (2004). Perceiving others in painful situations activates the affective pain neural network. Proceedings of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, A57, April 18-20, 2004, San Francisco.

Kariuki, D. K. (2002) National Resources-Minerals. A Report of the civil society Review of the implementation of AGENDA 21 in KENYA. Kenya NGO Earth Summit 2002 Forum.

Kothari, R. C. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. Wiley Eastern Limited.

Kusi, H. (2012). Doing qualitative research, a guide for researchers. Emmpong Press.

Maslow, A. (1971). The farther reaches of human nature. The Viking Press.

Lockheed, M. E., & Verspoor, A. (1991). Improving primary education in developing countries. Washington, D.C: Published for the World Bank, Oxford University Press.

McMillan, J. H., & Schumacher, S. (2010). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry (7th ed.). Pearson.

Mehta, K., Sharma, R., Chawla, K., Josh, P & Yaduranshi, N. (2007). Sand winning or No mining in Agricultural fields in Hayana, Karmal: Cemtral Soil Salinity Research Institute, 1-28

Mensah, J. (2009). Assessment of Sociological and Ecological impacts of sand and Gravel mining: A Case Study of East Gonja District (Ghana) and Gunnarsholt (Iceland). Final Report, Land Restoration Training Programme, Keldnaholt, Iceland.

Mohai, P., Kweon, B., Lee, S., & Ard, K. (2011). Air pollution around schools is linked to poorer student health and academic performance’ 30(5): 852-862 PIK Environment & health staff

Nyarko, K. (2011). Parental school involvement: The case of Ghana. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies, 2(5), 378-381.

Oduro, G. (2008). Promoting Learning in Ghanaian Primary Schools: The Context of Leadership and Gender Role Stereotype. In J. MacBeath and Y.C. Cheng (Eds.) Leadership: International Perspectives. Rotterdam: Sense Publications

Owusu, E. E., & Dwomoh, G. (2012). The impact of illegal mining on the Ghanaian youth: Evidence from Kwaebibirem District in Ghana. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(6), 86-92.

Peprah, K. (2013). Sand winning and land degradation: Perspective of indigenous sand winners of Wa, Ghana Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 3(14), 185-195

Raudenbush, S. W., & Williams, J. D. (1991). Pupils, classrooms and schools. International and Behavioral Statistics, 20, 307-335.

Scoones, I. (2009). Livelihood perspectives and Local rural development. Journal of Peasant Studies, 36(1), 171-196

Tavakol, M., & Dennik, R. (2011). Making sense of Cronbach's alpha. International Journal of Medical Education, 2, 53-55.

Tienken, C. & Wilson, M. (2001). Using state standards and tests to improve instruction. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 7(13).

Tshabalala, T. & Ncube, A. C. (2013). Causes of Poor Performance of Ordinary Level Pupils in Mathematics in Rural Secondary Schools in Nkayi District: Learner’s Attritions

Yin, R. K. (2014). Case study research: Design and methods (5th ed.). Sage.




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v5i6.1109

Copyright (c) 2021 Robert Andrews Ghanney

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The research works published in this journal are free to be accessed. They can be shared (copied and redistributed in any medium or format) and\or adapted (remixed, transformed, and built upon the material for any purpose, commercially and\or not commercially) under the following terms: attribution (appropriate credit must be given indicating original authors, research work name and publication name mentioning if changes were made) and without adding additional restrictions (without restricting others from doing anything the actual license permits). Authors retain the full copyright of their published research works and cannot revoke these freedoms as long as the license terms are followed.

Copyright © 2016 - 2023. European Journal Of Social Sciences Studies (ISSN 2501-8590) is a registered trademark of Open Access Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library. All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms. All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and standards formulated by Budapest Open Access Initiative (2002), the Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing (2003) and  Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities (2003) and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Copyrights of the published research works are retained by authors.