Improvement Needs Of Practical Skills Acquisition In Kano State Technical Colleges
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Research Questions
Hypotheses
Scope of the Study
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptual Framework
Skill Development
Technical Colleges
Technology
Practical skills
Skills in Practical skills in Frame Construction
Skills in Practical skills in Carcase Construction
Skills in Practical skills in Stool Construction
Modern Technology Tools and Equipment
Modern Tools for Woodwork/Carpentry
Theoretical Framework
Theory of Skill Development
Needs Assessment Theory
Review of Related Empirical Studies
Summary of Review of Related Literature
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
Design of the Study
Population for the Study
Sample and Sampling Techniques
Instrument for Data Collection
Validation of the Instrument
Reliability of the Instrument
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
Research Question 1
Research Question 2
Research Question 3
Research Question 4
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Findings of the Study
Findings on Hypotheses
Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Re-statement of the Problem
Appendix B Questionnaire
Summary of Procedures Used
Major Findings
Conclusion
Implications of the Study
Recommendations
Suggestions for Further Studies
REFERENCES
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted using descriptive survey research to determine the improvement needs in practical skills in technical colleges in Kano state in Northern Nigeria. Four research questions were developed and answered in line with the purpose of the study. Four null hypotheses were formulated and tested at the probability of 0.05 level of significance. A structural questionnaire was developed from the related literature reviewed for the study. The questionnaire was faced validated by three experts. The questionnaire was tested for reliability using test-retest method and the result showed a coefficient of 0.88. Copies of the questionnaire were administered on 112 respondents to obtain data and same were returned. The data were analysed using the mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and t-test statistics to test the null hypotheses. The findings of the study showed that technology teachers required skills for improving practical project in technical colleges in Kano state. Recommendations made include need for Kano state governments to package the identified competency items in improvement needs in practical skills in technical colleges into workshop materials and organize workshop on them for the benefit of wood work technology teachers, training and retraining of technology teachers and provision of instructional resources.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
A nation is made up of people whose individual contributions improve national growth and development. An individual needs to develop and acquire necessary skills to enable him meet his own and national aspirations. Vocational and Technical Education leads to the acquisition of skill and techniques in chosen occupation or profession to enable an individual earn a living. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN, 2004) viewed vocational and technical education as those aspects of the educational process involving, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences and acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding and knowledge relating to occupations in various sectors of economic and social life. The major aim of vocational and technical education is to provide education for self reliance. Osuala (2004) stated that vocational and technical education is a training intended to prepare the students to earn a living in an occupation where success is dependent largely on technical information and an understanding of the laws of science and technology as applied to modern design, production, distribution and services. Uwaifo (2008) described vocational and technical education as result oriented. It brings about technological advancement and aims to provide new manpower for employment and provide further training for those already qualified, so that they can keep up with modern working methods.
To this effect, Joshua (2002) viewed vocational and technical education as a type of education made up of theoretical and practical instruction given to those who wish to be employed in commerce and industry or any type of enterprise that requires the use of tools and machinery for the operation, production, preservation and distribution of goods and services. However, from the definitions above, it could be understood that vocational and technical education is that aspect of education that prepares individuals with necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for a purposeful employment to earn a living. Vocational and technical education is the type of education offered in technical colleges.
Okoro (2001) stated that technical colleges are regarded as the principal vocational institutions in Nigeria which are established to prepare individuals to acquire practical skills, knowledge and attitudes for effective participation in the world of work. Okoro stated further that technical colleges give training intended to prepare students for entry into various occupations. The national policy on education (FGN, 2004) outlined the aim of technical colleges which include preparation for useful living within the society and preparation for higher education. It means that the quality of instruction at technical colleges, must in addition to the development of the cognitive or intellectual abilities of the youth, be oriented towards the acquisition of appropriate work skills, abilities and competences for the individual to live and contribute to the development of the society. However, the purpose of technical education with regard to the trade related courses in technical colleges is not likely to succeed using “chalk and talk” approach alone, except through effective use of educational resources to bring the students in contact with the school curriculum and learning activities. Adeogun (2009) stated that resources refer to the available facilities that can be used to achieve educational goals and objectives. Orebanjo (2010) also recorded that good human resources particularly well trained, qualified and devoted teachers help students in various aspects of development in practical skills and skills acquisition in woodwork related services.
The performance of technical college students in terms of practical skills in technology in Kano state is faced with numerous problems such as lack of improved practical skills from the technology teachers, inappropriate teaching methods for conducting practical skills, acute shortage of qualified woodwork teachers, lack of facilities as well as inadequate funding. These problems, as identified by Olaitan (1996), have contributed to the poor performance of college students in technology which need to be improved. It is therefore, noteworthy that improved skills of technology teachers would contribute to a large extent to the effective performance of technology students in practical skills in technical colleges in Kano state. This, therefore, calls for means or ways of improving the skills of technology teachers in practical skills in the states technical colleges.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Technical colleges produce craftsmen who constitute the lower level manpower needed in the country. Students who pass through technical colleges usually take one external examination, National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB). Graduates of technical colleges need to acquire the necessary skills that will enable them to be self-reliant or employed for pay in industries as well as other woodworking establishments.
However, most graduates of technical colleges in Nigeria are not readily employed by industries due to lack of appropriate skills for conducting practical skills. Hence, most of technology graduates of technical colleges graduate from school to unemployment. This issue of unemployment in Nigeria has been the major problem which is causing greatest set-back and seriously affects the economic development of Nigeria. In addition, the performance of technology students in 2011 National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB) examination in practical skills was not encouraging especially in Kano state. The poor performance according to 2011 & report of NABTEB’s chief examiner could be due to lack of skill required by technology teacher for practical skills such as frame construction, carcase construction and stool construction. The teacher’s lack of appropriate methods for teaching and conducting practical skills, acute shortage of qualified woodwork teachers and lack of facilities as well as inadequate funding might be the contributing factors.
The situation in the technical colleges presents felt problems to parents, industries and other stakeholders about students in Kano state not performing well in practical skills in technology. This, therefore, necessitates the need to identify the skill required by technology teachers in technical colleges particularly for improving practical skills so as to keep-up with the changing work environments.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The general purpose of this study is to determine the improvement needs in practical skills in technical colleges. Specifically, the study will determine the:
- Improvement needs to improve practical skills in frame construction.
- Improvement needs to improve practical skills in carcase construction.
- Improvement needs to improve practical skills in stool construction.
- Improvement needs by technology teachers for effective use and maintenance of modern tools and equipment for improving practical skills in technical colleges.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions are formulated to guide the study:
- What are the improvement needs to improve practical skills in frame construction?
- What are the improvement needs to improve practical skills in carcase construction?
- What are the improvement needs to improve practical skills in stool construction?
- What are the improvement needs by technology teachers for effective use and maintenance of modern tools and equipment for improving practical skills in technical colleges?
1.5 Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses are formulated and will be tested at 0.05 level of significance.
Ho1: There is no significant difference between the mean responses of technology teachers and supervisors in woodwork industries on improvement needs in practical skills in frame construction.
Ho2: There is no significant difference between the mean responses of technology teachers and supervisors in woodwork industries on improvement needs by technology teacher for improving practical skills in tool construction.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The findings of the study would benefit technology teachers, technology students, Ministry of Education Kano state, curriculum planners, parents and guidance, technology industries as well as people and government of Kano state.
The findings of the study will provide information for technology teacher to improve their teaching to solve the current problem inherent in students’ poor performance in technology and ways of improving technology students performance at National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB) examination in Kano state. On the other hand, the technology students would benefit from the findings. They will be able to overcome some of the difficulties encountered in producing woodwork practical skills. The students would as well acquire and develop the appropriate skill that would make them self-reliant, enterprising and improve their employability.
The Ministry of Education through science and technical schools’ board would be more committed as a result of this study to the financing of technical colleges regarding the training of woodwork teachers to upgrade their skills. The Ministry would through the knowledge of the study supply qualified and competent teachers, and also provide adequate facilities for the execution of practical skills.
The result of the study will also provide information to curriculum planner on aspects of curriculum in woodwork practical skills that require improvement. Hence information will be integrated by the curriculum planners for the purpose of improving the skills of teachers in woodwork practical skills by updating the requirements of the technology curriculum for practical skills.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study is focused on the identification of improvement needs in practical skills in frame construction, carcase construction, stool construction as well as the skills in the use of modern tools and equipment for conducting practical skills. Skills in other areas will not be considered. The study will be conducted in Kano state to solicit the opinions of technology teachers and supervisors of woodwork industries on the improvement needs by the teachers for improving practical skills in technical colleges in the states.
1.7 Limitations of The Study
Most of the teachers of the schools have unstable or unfavourable work schedules. This made the conducting of interviews very difficult.
Financial constraints-in the course of the research, the researcher had to spend a lot of money in printing of the research work, photocopying relevant research materials, allowances to research assistants, travelling and transport cost to the site to gather information.
Another limitation was the reluctance of the respondents in disclosing information with the view that the information will be disclosed to the outside world and it could be used against the organization.
Time limitation- In a research work like this, time is essential. Every section of this research was given a timeframe within which it was to be presented. However; the researcher had to combine the exercise with other academic activities at the same time. Again, due to the fact that the period for the research is short to allow for adequate data collection on the subject, this could affect the outcome of the work.
1.8 Organization of the Study
The research work is divided into five (5) chapters. Chapter one concerns itself with the general introduction grouped under the following headings; Background to the study, Statement of the problem, Objectives of the study, Significance of the study, Research questions, Scope of the study and Organization of the study. Chapter two involves the review of various related literatures on the relevant subject under the study.
Chapter three includes the various methods used for collecting data for the research work. These methods include administration of questionnaires, interviews, observation etc. Chapter four presents results, discussions and provides analysis of the data gathered for the study.
Finally, the fifth chapter provides conclusions and recommendations.
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