AN OVERLOOKED CAUSE OF POOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN GHANA: THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE PERSONAL STUDY TIME
As an educator, I am constantly seeking creative and effective ways to help my students excel academically. This drive has led me to explore the factors contributing to poor academic performance. Among the identified factors, I have observed that the most prominent issue within the Ghanaian context is the lack of effective personal study time for students. However, this issue remains under-researched.

Much attention has been directed toward challenges such as inadequate professional teachers, insufficient teaching and learning resources, and limited instructional time. Yet, I have noticed that even in the presence of these resources, students' academic performance often remains subpar. This is primarily because they lack the opportunity for effective and productive personal study time to review classroom lessons, engage in further reading, and conduct independent research.

I believe it is time for educators, stakeholders, policymakers, and curriculum developers to reevaluate the structure of teacher-student contact hours. By reducing these contact hours and prioritizing intensive personal study time for students, we can empower them to take greater ownership of their learning and improve academic outcomes.

How to Manage Stress Effectively

Stress is an inevitable part of life, often arising from work pressures, personal challenges, or unexpected events. While some stress can motivate us to achieve our goals, excessive stress can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. Learning to manage stress is essential for maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

1. Identify Stress Triggers:
The first step to managing stress is recognizing what causes it. Common triggers include workload, financial concerns, or relationship issues. By identifying these triggers, you can create a plan to address them effectively.

2. Practice Relaxation Techniques:
Relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and body. Spending a few minutes daily focusing on your breath or engaging in mindfulness exercises can reduce anxiety and enhance your emotional resilience.

3. Exercise Regularly:
Physical activity is a natural stress reliever. Activities like walking, jogging, or even dancing release endorphins, the body's "feel-good" hormones, which can improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:
Eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are crucial for managing stress. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, making you better equipped to handle challenges.

5. Seek Support:
Sometimes, talking to someone about your stress can provide relief. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support. Sharing your feelings can help you gain perspective and develop strategies to cope.

Conclusion
Managing stress is a skill that requires consistent effort and practice. By identifying your triggers, embracing relaxation techniques, staying active, and seeking support, you can reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Remember, stress is a part of life, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to control you.

Source: American Psychological Association (APA) – Tips for Managing Stress.

AI image generation - Openai

TaCheal Gryphosa Stephanie

Good morning, authentic creators!
We hope you're doing well today.

Did you know? After months of putting some codes and frameworks together, we decided to go out; and our first stage beta tests saw the lights within the last quarter of the year 2024.

We experienced incredible community engagements from a few active beta testers and decided to extend the invitation to a few more people in this second stage (and we're thrilled to have you all aboard).

We still thrive on our mission to empower the world to connect with verified creators, discover authentic content, and share the things that matter most in life.

In the light of the forthcoming, we want to commend you all for the unwavering love, support, and trust. You're the reason we're today.

Now, here's the thing! We're honouring our loyal supporters; our developers, designers, and active community members. Each one of you did contribute immensely towards our success. We're so blessed to have you all. We're looking forward to achieving greater heights together.

To our active users during the past year, we say ayekoo!

Interestingly, we're rewarding the most active user with a beautiful package from our partners.

• 1 Branded Authicles T-Shirt
• 7 GB Data Bundle
• 7 Months Premium Account (worth GHC 210.00)
• 7 Days Pinned Post (user-defined)

The question, "Who wins this?" can only be answered on January 31, 2025. Ready? Stay informed!

Untill then, happy chronicling

From all of us,
@authicles

The #ADX effect, what is it?

We're developing a #tag for the excellent social media experience we're building for content creators and consumers on Authicles. You probably can predict the full meaning of ADX but there's one thing we're challenging you with. What does the "D" in ADX stand for?

Please note that the "A" doesn't necessarily stand for "Authicles" but closer to it. The clue actually lies in the full meaning of Authicles. The "X" effect is probably what you're thinking.

What, then, is the full meaning of #ADX?
Predict, suggest, and win! Let's go to the comments section.

What number do you see?
Image credit: Andreas, Dev.to

Good evening, creatives!
The evening is growing old. You may be preparing to go to bed sooner or later. Before you sleep, kindly reflect on the day's activities and draw some inspiration for tomorrow.

#GoodEvening #Inspiration

Hello Fellow Authiclers,

The new systems nearly beat me up, bigups to the team of developers.

Title: The Intersection of Agriculture and Education: My Journey So Far

As someone who pursued a degree in Agricultural Science in Education, I have always been passionate about the role agriculture plays in shaping communities and economies. Beyond the fields and farms, agriculture is a powerful tool for education, empowerment, and sustainability.

During my academic journey, I specialized in Animal Science while gaining insights into pedagogy—combining the art of teaching with the science of agriculture. This unique blend has allowed me to not only understand the technicalities of crop and livestock production but also communicate these principles effectively to diverse audiences.

Today, I apply my skills to initiatives that promote literacy, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. From advocating for mental health in the workplace to supporting literacy programs like those for National Literacy Month, my mission is to drive impact across multiple sectors.

As I continue this journey, I am reminded of how interconnected our world is. Agriculture feeds us, education guides us, and advocacy empowers us. Together, they create a cycle of growth, understanding, and sustainability.

I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals here on Authicles and sharing ideas that inspire change.

Question for Readers:
How can we better integrate agriculture and education to foster sustainable development in our communities?

Do you want to learn about cloud computing to become a DevOps engineer. Look no further than to follow my weekly write ups.

THE SAVED BUT LOST AFRICA
The Africa continent is like the Israel in the Bible. They have lost their true identity as a chosen people of God. They love the things of “this present world more than the God who created them and are like Demas who loved this present world”. (2 Timothy 4:10). The Africa that was once washed, saved, sanctified and justified before God is now a breeding ground of corrupt people. (1 Corinthians 6:11). Africa how can you escape the judgment of God if you neglect the salvation our Lord Jesus Christ? Africa is blessed with fertile land with all natural resources but now the land of Africa is cursed because of shedding of innocent blood for sacrifices and other abominable acts seen in Africa toady. Because of our sins, we are now slaves in our homeland. African leaders are now “sales executives” of our natural resources God gave us. They sold everything for their families’ benefits thereby making the rich richer and poor poorer.


“O foolish “Africa”, who has bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh”? (Galatians 3:1, 3).

The prodigal Africa must return to the Lord in genuine repentance. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Unless we seek the Lord, Africa will remain as it’s. “Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near”. (Isaiah 55:6)

Finally, Africa must develop love for the truth (word of God) which will equip Africa to have a purposeful life.

The word of God teaches four (4) things: (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

He teaches you; God shows you the path on which you should walk.
He rebukes you; God shows when you’re off the path.
He corrects you; God shows you how you can get back on the path.
He trains you; God shows you how can stay on the path.
Rise up, Rise up o Africa. The Lord is calling you back to where you belong.

In my next article I shall be looking at The prostitute and Homosexual Africa