An assessment of resource availability for problem based learning in a Ghanaian University setting

Published date03 April 2017
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-12-2015-0046
Date03 April 2017
Pages237-247
AuthorGabriel Asare Okyere,Richard Tawiah,Richard Bruce Lamptey,William Oduro,Michael Thompson
Subject MatterEducation,Curriculum, instruction & assessment,Educational evaluation/assessment
An assessment of resource
availability for problem based
learning in a Ghanaian
University setting
Gabriel Asare Okyere
Department of Mathematics,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Richard Tawiah
School of Medicine, Grifth University, Nathan, Australia, and Department
of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,
Kumasi, Ghana
Richard Bruce Lamptey
E-Resources Department, Main Library,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
William Oduro
International Programs Ofce, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science
and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, and
Michael Thompson
ICT, Main Library, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,
Kumasi, Ghana
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the differences pertaining to the resources presently
accessible for problem-based learning (PBL) among six colleges of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science
and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach Data for the study are the cross-sectional type drawn from 1,020
students. Poisson and zero-inated Poisson (ZIP) models were implemented on the data to ascertain the
variations regarding the extent of resources available for PBL across the colleges of the university.
Findings The study outlines the specic resources accessible for PBL across college levels of KNUST. On
aggregate, 25.7 per cent reported that their respective colleges have sufcient resources, while 74.3 per cent
indicated otherwise. The ZIP model exhibited superiority over the Poisson model, when compared under a
Vuong test. As per the ZIP model, none of the colleges appeared to differ signicantly in terms of having
sufcient resource for PBL.
Practical implications Findings are applicable to informed decision-making which targets achieving
quality education through the use of PBL. Access to sufcient resources that meet the needs of colleges or
departments of a University is emphasized.
Originality/value The application of Poisson and ZIP models to aggregated count data in a PBL setting
is novel.
Keywords Universities, Education, Resources, Colleges
Paper type Research paper
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0968-4883.htm
Assessment of
resource
availability
237
Received 12 December 2015
Revised 12 February 2016
Accepted 22 July 2016
QualityAssurance in Education
Vol.25 No. 2, 2017
pp.237-247
©Emerald Publishing Limited
0968-4883
DOI 10.1108/QAE-12-2015-0046

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