Volume 3, No.2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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IMPROVING SCHOOL-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF TVET STUDENTS FOR MATCHING SKILLS DEMAND IN ANAMBRA STATE

Mbah, Chidozie O., Obi, Cromwel U., Ehimen, Theophilus E. & Onyebuenyi, Promise N.

Abstract
The study focused on improving school-industry partnership in skill development of TVET students for matching skill demand in Anambra State. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses tested at .05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population for the study was 157 respondents. This comprised of 101 TVET lecturers in public institution offering TVET programmes and human resource development managers working with 56 functional industries in Anambra State. The number was manageable hence, there was no sampling. Structured questionnaire containing a total of 18 items was the instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts in Technology Education and one in Measurement and Evaluation all in Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu and the reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient method which yielded .76. Out of 157 copies of the questionnaire distributed, only 139 copies were returned giving 88.54% return rate. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significant using SPSS. It was found out that: preparing skill training programmes that will suit the school academic calendar, granting visit to industries, industry personnel participating in special lectures, narrowing the gap between theory and practical and improving collaboration between school and industry through periodic meeting on technological innovations were among the strategies for improving school-industry partnership in skill development of TVET students for matching skill demand in Anambra State. Based on the findings, recommendations were made which include: industry should understand the partnership with school on SIWES and industry exposure to achieve quality skill development and institutions should ensure that good communication exist with the industry.
Keywords: Partnership, Skill Development and TVET

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THE ROLE OF LEARNING THEORIES IN DESIGNING MOBILE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Onyemachi, Anthonia H., Abdulkarim, Jibril & Alfred Olu Faustina

Abstract
Over the past five decades, education and training communities have witnessed series of innovations in learning environments from face-to-face to desktop computers and more recently to mobile devices where students can learn anytime and anywhere. Each of these innovations may be accompanied with additional learning theory, modified learning theory or using existing learning theory that help instructional designers in designing sound instructional materials for the new learning environments. It is against this backdrop that this paper examined five existing learning theories that are relevant to mobile learning and their possible applications to the design of instructions to be delivered on mobile devices. After the examination, such theories were found to be applicable to the design of instructions for mobile learning. This paper therefore, recommended among others that teachers designing instructions to be delivered via mobile devices should take the advantages of the aspects of the learning theories pointed out in order to develop valid and effective mobile learning materials.

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GENDER EFFECTS OF REFLECTIVE TEACHING AND PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING ON STUDENTS' ACQUISITION OF 21ST CENTURY SKILLS IN BASIC TECHNOLOGY

Ozoagu, Fidelis O. & Igboko, Kingsley O.

Abstract
The study focused on the relative effects of reflective teaching (RT) and problem-based learning (PBL) on gender in relation to students‟ acquisition of 21st century skills in Basic Technology. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. The non-equivalent control group design was adopted. Two JSS 3 intact classes were used. The pretest and posttest consisted of the construction of a building model, and the installation and activation of solar panels for green energy, respectively. The projects were validated by three industrial technical education experts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Portharcout. The reliability of the projects was determined using the Kuder-Richardson Formular 20 technique and the coefficients were .84 for the construction of a building model and .81for the installation and activation of solar panels. The projects were assessed through process evaluation using an adapted instrument on four domains of 21st century skills namely, digital age literacy, inventive thinking, effective communication and high productivity. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while the hypotheses were tested using ANCOVA at .05 level of significance. The findings indicated that though there was general improvement in the performance of the students following the application of the two instructional strategies, boys taught with reflective teaching performed significantly better on inventive thinking and high productivity skills while girls taught with the same method performed significantly better on digital age literacy and effective communication skills. However, in the PBL, boys performed significantly better than girls on inventive thinking while no significant difference was observed in their mean scores on digital age literacy, effective communication and high productivity skills. Among the findings is that gender has some influence on the extent to which each of the two teaching methods affects students‟ acquisition of 21st century skills in Basic Technology. However, PBL should be given more emphasis as it has shown to be less gender-biased than the reflective teaching method.

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COMMUNICATION SKILLS NEEDED BY OPERATORS OF AGRICULTURAL SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLIC RELATIONS IN ENUGU STATE

Udensi, E. O. & Ugwuede, A. A.

Abstract
The study focused on communication skills needed by operators of Agricultural Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (ASMEs) in Enugu State, for effective public relations. The study was guided by three research questions and three hypotheses. The population for the study was 76, made up of 50 males and 26 female managers of registered agricultural small and medium scale enterprises in Enugu State. The entire population was studied because of its manageable size. The instrument for data collection was 21 items questionnaire validated by three experts, one each from Business Education Programme, Agricultural Education Programme and Measurement & Evaluation Unit of Enugu State University of Science and Technology. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha which yielded a coefficient of 0.82. Data was collected by the researcher with the help of three assistants selected based on their familiarity with the study area. Mean was used for data analysis and the null hypotheses tested with t-test statistics. The researcher found out that the operators of ASMEs need ability to present oral reports, construct mailable letters and speak the local language among others as communication skills. Based on the findings, it was recommended among other things that the identified communication skills should be utilized by individuals in the ASMEs for effective public relations in the business.
Key words: Agri-business, Operators, Public relations, Communication and Skills.

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STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SKILLS TRAINING IN FOUNDRY CRAFT STUDENTS OF TECHNICAL COLLEGES.

Oguejiofor, Victor Ikechukwu

Abstract
The study was a survey research design conducted to investigate the Strategies for improving the quality of skill training in foundry craft students of technical colleges in Enugu State. The population for the study was 25 people, made up of 21 students and 4 teachers of Government technical college Enugu. Two research questions and two null hypotheses tested at .05 significant levels guided the study. The data generated was analyzed using mean and standard deviation and t-test statistical tools were used to test the hypotheses. A 20 - items questionnaire was constructed and validated by three experts, one from the department of science and computer and two from the department technology and vocational education, Enugu State University of science and technology, Enugu and its reliability of 0.77 was used to generate data for 25 respondents made up of 21 students and 4 teachers of foundry craft. The reliability test was conducted at Government technical college Abakiliki. The findings of the study showed that students of foundry craft need current and relevant skills in foundry craft. The 20 items identified are needed for improving the quality of skill training in foundry craft students of technical college. The study concluded among other things that current and relevant skills required in the labour market are the right skills to be imparted on students of foundry craft for employability on graduation.
Key words: Strategies, skill training, foundry

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COMPETENCIES REQUIRED BY TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING TEACHERS FOR INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY

Nungse, Nuhu I., Ugwoke, Chinyere K., Tongshuwal, John M. & Lat, Juliana M.

Abstract
The study adopted a cross sectional survey design basically to determine the competencies required of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teachers for improving TVET Instructional delivery in Nigeria. To achieve this basic objective, a structured questionnaire tagged competency questionnaire (CQ) was designed and administered to six curriculum experts and 15 lecturers from four tertiary Institutions offering TVET in Nigeria. The entire population was used for the study since the population size was small. The reliability of the instrument was established as 0.89 using cronbach‟s alpha coefficient. Findings of the study depicts that the respondents all agreed that the questionnaire items were required as the competencies for improving the quality of TVET Instructional delivery in Nigeria. The competencies were of three domains which included: facilitating competency, professional competency and communication competency all with their educational implications for TVET facilitators. The study recommended that TVET instructional delivery should be best performed through facilitating process of Socratic and social constructivist‟s method of learning where learners actively participate in discovering knowledge and solving problems. TVET Instructional delivery should not be strictly through teaching approach as in the case of traditional method were the teacher act as the knowledge conduit.
Key words: Competency, TVET, Facilitator, Instructional Delivery

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GREEN MAINTENANCE PRACTICES REQUIRED IN BUSINESS EDUCATION LABORATORIES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

Ezemma, J.C., Ugwoke, E.O., Anorue, H.C., Eze, C.C. & Olinya, T.O.

Abstract
This study assessed the green maintenance practices required by business educators in Business Education laboratories in Nigerian Universities. Two research questions guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population for the study was 35 business educators (lecturers and technical staff) in the Department of Business Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This consists of 20 lecturers and 15 technical staff from the department were used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire designed by the researchers. The questionnaire was validated by experts while the internal consistency of the questionnaire items was ascertained through Cronbach Alpha technique which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.90. The questionnaire was administered personally by the researchers. A total of 35 copies of questionnaire were administered, retrieved, analyzed and used for the study. The study found that work chairs and tables, filing/storage cabinets, photocopiers, computer hardware and accessories, PowerPoint projectors, fire proof safe and first aid kit were equipment and facilities that should be in laboratories. It was also found that Business educators were aware of green maintenance practices as the old and new staff were informed, maintenance schedule advising them to keep equipment from obstructions and prevent over-heating by cleaning filters and fans regularly were set up, they were encouraged to save energy with posters and stickers to raise awareness of energy saving in the laboratories and they were communicated to focus on one or two maintenance practices. The researchers recommended that the lecturers and technical staff should carry out green maintenance practices in the laboratories and business educators should regularly create the awareness and let people know the importance of green maintenance practices in Business laboratories.
Key words: Green Maintenance Practices, Business Education, Business Education Laboratories.

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INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY FOR MATCHING SKILLS DEMAND AND SUPPLY IN NIGERIA.

Onah, Frederick C., Ejiofor, T.E., Ahua, James T. & Dogo, S.K.

Abstract
Mismatch of skills demand and supply has been a problem that has affected many industries across the globe. This paper focused on improved and appropriate instructional delivery techniques in agricultural education that can be adopted in order to make instructional delivery in the school and the practical work in the field or industry to blend so as to produce an effective workforce in agriculture. Different types of mismatch have been explained in this paper with their causes and negative effects. The paper also highlights some innovative techniques such as use of ICTs, massive open online courses, mobile education and Training, game and simulation, self-instructional package, humor teaching method, flipped classroom method and supervised Agricultural Experience programme that can be implemented by teachers to adequately prepare students with the requisite skills in different areas of agriculture to match skills demand and supply. The paper concludes that Agricultural Educational teachers should use innovative instructional delivery techniques that will fully equip potential workers with the necessary skills to make them proficient and perform effectively in their various agricultural jobs. It is recommended that both institutions and teachers should enforce the inclusion of ICTs in instructional delivery, and the teaching of more practical skills in agriculture.
Key Words: Innovative techniques, Agricultural education, instructional delivery, Skills match, Skills mismatch, Skills demand and supply

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SKILL NEEDS OF TECHNICAL TEACHERS IN APPLYING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR TEACHING IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.

Dem, Isaiah I., Achanson, C.R. & Ameh, Achadu

Abstract
The study was carried out to determine the skill needed by technical teachers in applying emerging technologies for teaching in technical colleges in Benue State. Two research questions were developed for the study. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The area of study was Benue State of Nigeria. The population for the study was 36 technical trade courses teachers drawn from the eight technical colleges and one basic skill centre in Benue State. A 26 questionnaire items was developed for data collection. Three experts in the Department of Industrial Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka validated the instrument. Cronbach Alpha coefficient reliability of 0.94 was obtained for the instrument. Mean was used to answer the research questions while one hypothesis was tested at the .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that technical teachers teaching in technical colleges in Benue State lack skills in ICT and diagnostic process on applying emerging technology in their trades. The findings also revealed that technical teachers in technical colleges need further training for skill acquisition in modern technologies especially in operating and servicing of equipments and machinery systems. Based on the findings, it was recommended that technical teachers teaching in technical colleges should be trained for making use of emerging Technologies so as to be able to teach in technical colleges effectively.
Key Words: Skills, ICTs, Technical teachers, Teaching, Technical Education, Emerging technologies.

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LIFE LONG LEARNING (LLL) THROUGH APPRENTICESHIP AND SKILL TRAINING AMONG YOUTHS IN UDENU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE.

Ogbonnaya, Kingsley A., Okoye, Onyinyechi E. & Nwobi, Anthonia U.

Abstract
The general purpose of the study was to assess lifelong learning through apprenticeship and skills training among youths in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and one null hypothesis. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 9068 youths of Udenu Local Government Area in Enugu state. 10% size of the population was sampled and used for the study which gave a sample size of 898 youths comprising of 494 and 404 of male and female youths respectively. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviations for the research questions while t-test statistics was used for the null hypothesis. Results obtained revealed that the skills required by youths include tailoring, carpentry hair dressing among others. The study also observed the benefits of lifelong learning to include income generation, self confidence among others. Recommendation made included among others that Government should give priority attention to lifelong learning by establishing apprenticeship and skill training as a compulsory course in primary, secondary and tertiary institution‟s curriculum with well equipped building for this is the only imperative to curb unemployment and to improve lifelong learning and as well promote national development.
Key Word: lifelong learning, apprenticeship, skills and youth.

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QUALITY APPRENTICESHIP IN PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION FOR ENHANCING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF YOUTH IN AWGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE NIGERIA.

Egbo, B.N., Aneke, C.U. & Nwankwo, C.U.

Abstract
The study was carried out to determine the activities of trainers and trainees in quality apprenticeship system of pineapple production for enhancing employment opportunities of youth in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Two research questions and two null hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted survey research design and was carried out in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The population for the study was 167 made up of 46 youths, 40 extension agents and 81 farmers from which 121 were studied. Two sets of structured questionnaire with 40 (set A 29 and B 11) items developed from the literature received for the study were used for collecting data. Each item in the questionnaire was assigned a four response options for Highly Required (HR), Averagely Required (AR), slightly Required (SR) and Not Required (NR) with values of 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively. The structured questionnaire items were face-validated by three experts while Cronbach alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency of the items and an average coefficient of 0.80 was obtained (0.87 and 0.73 for 1 & 2 respectively). The questionnaire was administered on 121 respondents (81 farmers and 40 extension agents) with the help of five assistants. Out of 121 copies of questionnaire administered, 120 (80 farmers & 40 extension agents) copies were retrieved and analyzed weighted means was used to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at the probability of .05 and 28 degrees of freedom. The study found out that 40 (29 for trainers and 11 for trainees) items were activities identified by the study of required for quality apprenticeship system. It was recommended that the identified 40 items be utilized by trainers and trainees for quality apprenticeship system in pineapple production in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Keywords: Apprenticeship, Pineapple, Improvement, Suckers, Crown, Slip

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EFFECTS OF GUIDED DISCOVERY TEACHING METHOD ON TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS' ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION IN BLOCK/BRICKLAYING AND CONCRETING

Eze, Chinwe P. & Omeje, Hyginus O.

Abstract
The study was carried out to investigate the effects of guided discovery on technical college students‟ academic achievement and retention in block/bricklaying and concreting (BBC) in Anambra State, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. A quasi experimental research design was used. The area of the study was Anambra State, Nigeria. The total population comprised of 192 National Technical Certificate (NTC) II students. The sample size for the study was 113 students purposively drawn from four technical colleges. A 26-item test instrument tagged “Block/Bricklaying and Concreting Achievement Test (BCAT)” was validated by three experts from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Federal Polytechnic, Oko, all in Anambra State, Nigeria. The data obtained was analyzed using mean, adjusted mean, to answer the research questions while ANCOVA was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed among others that there was a significant difference between the mean achievement and retention scores of the experimental group taught with guided discovery (GD) and that of the control group taught with lecture method. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended the use of guided discovery teaching method for enhancement of technical college students‟ academic achievement and retention in BBC.
Keywords: Guided discovery, academic achievement, retention, technical college.

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STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) STAKEHOLDERS: TVET INSTITUTION AND INDUSTRIES.

Adelakun, Oluniyi A. & Osaigbovo, Louis Odaro

Abstract
This study sought to determine how to strengthen partnerships for quality improvement among Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) stakeholders: TVET institution and industries in Nigeria. To achieve this, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study was 152 made up of 68 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) administrators and 84 Industrial sector administrators in the South-west, South-south and North-central geo-political zones of Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was a researcher developed questionnaire based on five-point Likert scale. The instrument was facevalidated by three experts and Cronbach Alpha was used to establish the internal consistency, which yielded a coefficient of 0.81. The data collected were analysed using mean values. A mean of 3.5 and above were accepted while any mean less than 3.5 was rejected. The findings of the study revealed that there is the need to strengthen partnerships for quality improvement among Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) stakeholders -TVET Institution and Industries in Nigeria. It was recommended that Federal Government should muscle the political will to formulate policies that will encourage and strengthen partnerships of employers of labour/ industries with TVET institutions; and curriculum in TVET institutions should emphasize more on work environment habit inculcation into students among others.
Keywords: Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Partnership, Institutions, Industries, Strengthening.

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IMPACT OF MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN IMPROVING TVET QUALITY OF THE RURAL FARMERS FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN DELTA STATE.

Eze, Ogochukwu Mary-Ann & Chukwukelu Ifeanyi Samuel

Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to determine the impact of modern information Technology in improving TVET quality among rural farmers for poverty alleviation in Delta State. The study utilized descriptive survey research design. Four research questions were answered and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study comprised of 110 registered farmers with ADP, 57 agricultural science teachers and 25 extension agents in the three senatorial zones of Delta State (Delta North, Delta South and Delta Central) making it 192 respondents. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire with 162 itetms. The reliability of the instrument was determined to be 0.89 using Cronbach Alpha reliability test. The analysis of data was carried out using mean for research questions while two null hypotheses were tested using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of this study revealed among others, that modern information technologies are not adequately available for TVET quality among rural farmers in Delta State. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government at all levels should allocate adequate funds for the provision of modern information technology (MIT), to improve TEVET quality among rural farmers in Delta State.
Keywords: Modern information technology (MIT), rural farmers and poverty alleviation.

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ENHANCING EFFECTIVE EARTHING IN ELECTRICAL DOMESTIC INSTALLATION AMONG GRADUATES OF TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Law-Obi, Fidelia N. & Ogwumike, C.M.C.

Abstract
The study investigated the techniques required for enh0ancing effective earthing in electrical domestic installation among graduates of Technical College in Imo state, Nigeria. Three research questions coupled with one hypothesis were answered by the study. Descriptive survey design was used to carry out the research in Owerri Education zone of Imo State. The population of the study was comprised of 29 Polytechnic Electrical Technology lecturers from the zone and 61 electrical workers (Technologist Technicians and Craftsmen) with Owerri Zone Enugu Electricity Distribution Company(EEDC) formerly PHCN. There was no sampling, intact population was used. The questionnaire was designed by researchers tagged „Effective Earthing Techniques in Domestic Electrical Installation(EETDEI) was used for data collection with 22 items questionnaire, validated by three experts and also pilot tested outside the research zone. Cronbach alpha was used to establish the internal consistency of the instruments which yields 0.87. The questionnaire was administered and 87 copies of the questionnaire were returned. Mean and Standard deviation were used in analyzing the research questions while null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance using Z-test. Results of the study revealed that 7 items earthing points/parts and materials, 8 items method/process of earthing and 7 items test modalities were identified as the needed earthing techniques for effective electrical domestic installation and there was also no significant difference between EEDC electrical workers and Electrical Technology lecturers on the required effective techniques for enhancing earthing in domestic installation. Consequently, it was recommended that using real building is required for teaching student earthing practically and not board practice, enough time should be given to students for practice and a set of earthing tests must be carried out on a new installation with test instrument.
Keywords: TVET, Earthing, Electrical Installation, Testing.

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IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SKILLS DELIVERY IN TRADITIONAL APPRENTICESHIP IN NIGERIA THROUGH VYGOTSKY'S ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT.

Aminu, M. Kawa, Isma'ila, Y. Shehu, Umar Abubakar, & Idris, A. Boris

Abstract
This paper discussed the origin of traditional apprenticeship and how it is being practice in Nigeria. It also reviewed the skills delivery techniques in traditional apprenticeship and the need for improvement, Vygotsky‟s zone of proximal development and skills delivery drawbacks in traditional apprenticeship. It is concluded that the Vygotsky‟s zone of proximal development should be integrated in the traditional apprenticeship instructional approach in order to reduce some of the setback associated with its teaching strategy. It is recommended that efforts should be made by governments towards improving the image of apprenticeship in Nigeria, special training programmes for Master craftsmen should regularly be organized so as to equip them with the zone of proximal development teaching strategies and that there should be specific method of assessment of tasks learnt under the apprenticeship to determine the level of proficiency of the trainee upon the completion of the programme.
Keywords: Traditional Apprenticeship, Zone of Proximal Development and Skills Delivery

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INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES FOR ENGAGING SOCIAL MEDIAADDICTED LEARNERS IN BUSINESS CLASSROOMS

Abiola Zulika Wuraola & Kanu, Catherine Chiugo

Abstract
Students staring vacantly into the oblivion, chatting, playing games, yawning and taking bathroom breaks are common in many business classrooms. Such behaviors are signs of disengagement and indicate boredom. Indeed, students who spend a lot of their private time connecting with people through social media and technology could be bored in classrooms where they are required to do something entirely different – just sit down and listen. This has contributed to the graduation of people with low academic achievements and who are unemployable. This study was conducted to investigate the delivery practices that engage social media-addicted students. A descriptive survey design was used for the investigation. Subjects were 381 students of business administration and business education in two universities in South East Nigeria, who responded to a 45-item questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by 5 experts and pre-tested. The pre-test result produced a Chrombach Alpha Reliability Coefficient of 0.822. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and mean. Results revealed that social media addicted-students would be engaged in class activities if teachers use methods that allow students share their knowledge and experiences and if teachers integrate social media in their instructions. These observations, among others, underline the need for business educators to improve their capacity to integrate technology and media as well as create and manage collaborative classrooms.
Keywords: Instructional practices, social media, social media addiction, student engagement, business educators, millennials, centennials

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PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNICAL EDUCATION TRAINERS FOR QUALITY INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY IN THE UNIVERSITIES IN ENUGU STATE.

Eze, O. O., Okereke, G.K.O., Asogwa, J.O. & Udogu, K.C.

Abstract
The study focused on professional improvement needs of Industrial Technical Education trainers for quality instructional delivery in the universities in Enugu State. The study was carried out in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) being the only institutions offering Industrial Technical Education programme at university level. Two research questions guide the study, while one null hypothesis was formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The population for the study was 57 comprising of 28 lecturers and 29 technical personnel (instructors and technologists) from the Departments of Industrial Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Enugu State University of Science and Technology respectively. No sampling was carried out since the population was small and manageable. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study; while 5 point Likert scale instrument made up of three sections A, B, and C was used for data collection. The instrument contained 24 items with internal consistency determined using Cronbach Alpha method which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.79. Mean was used to answer the research questions where as Standard Deviation was used to compare the responses. T-test for independent sample was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study found that Industrial Technical Education trainers need professional development in the use of Information and Communication Technology for instructional delivery, as well as practical experiences in the related industries on the use of emerging technologies for effective training purposes. It was recommended among others that administrators of tertiary institutions offering Industrial Technical Education programmes should organize professional development programmes for trainers within their institutions to encourage better participation of trainers without excessive financial involvement, and that incentives should be made available for Industrial Technical Education trainers who are willing to travel outside their local institutions to be part of professional development programmes.
Keywords: Professional; Improvement; Needs; Industrial; Technical; Education; Trainers; Instructional Delivery and Universities.

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LOW END MOBILE PHONE MAINTENANCE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT AT SKILL ACQUISITION CENTRES IN ENUGU STATE

Jimoh, Bakare & Oriola, Olatunji Fadairo

Abstract
The study was carried out to determine low end mobile phone maintenance competencies required for youth empowerment at skill acquisition centres in Enugu State. Three research questions guided the study while three null hypotheses formulated were tested at 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised all the 69 lecturers of electrical/electronic technology in two government established universities and roadside cell phone technicians. A structured questionnaire was used for collecting data from the respondents. The instrument was validated by three experts; two in the Department of Industrial Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and one cell phone technician. Cronbach alpha reliability method was employed to determine the internal consistency of the questionnaire item; a cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. Sixty nine copies of the instrument were administered while sixty five copies of the instrument were retrieved and analyzed using mean to answer research questions while t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study found out that the 21 competencies were required for servicing low end mobile phone, 22 competencies for servicing low end phones and 20 safety competencies were required for maintenance of low end mobile phones. Recommendations include that all the low end mobile phone maintenance competencies should be packaged and used to train youths at skill acquisition centres in Enugu State.
Keywords: low end mobile, empowerment, youths, maintenance, unemployment

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FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPING AND DELIVERING QUALITY BUSINESS EDUCATION TO SCHOOL CHILDREN INVOLVED IN BUSINESS ACTIVITIES USING INTERACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA INSTRUCTION.

Catherine Chiugo Kanu

Abstract
In Nigeria, various factors such as ineffective leadership, school failure, breakdown in family affiliations, conflicts and terrorism have thrown many young learners into difficult economic circumstances. These learners often engage in business activities such as street hawking and bus conducting in order to make money to feed, pay school charges and support their families. This abuses the rights of the children, exposes them to hazards and reduces the time they spend participating in school. Yet, many of the children do not make profit that is enough to change their economic situations and thus, remain poor. This paper proposes a strategic response to mitigate the situation of these school children involved in business activities (SCIBA). The paper presents a framework that can be used to develop good quality business education programme for the children based on the literature. The framework also includes the delivery of the programmes through Interactive Social Media Instruction, a model of the Interactive radio instruction. The main objective is to help school children involved in hazardous business activities to profitably undertake child-friendly economic activities that preserve their dignity and enhance their entrepreneurial aptitude while allowing them to participate fully in school. This proposal suggests a move away from the current strategy that involves “chasing” and “arresting” the SCIBA to a new approach that involves gathering, educating and guiding them. It requires effective collaboration among a complex and interconnected group of stakeholders - governments, policy makers, planners, educators, parents/guardians.
Keywords: School children, business activities, quality, business education, interactive social media instruction, interactive radio instruction

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THE ROLE OF STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME IN BRIDGING THE GAPS IN EDUCATIONAL TRAINING AND SKILLS DEMAND IN NIGERIA.

Okoli, T.O., Ejiofor, T.E., Ashang, M.U. & Ozieme, O.

Abstract
The study focused on the Role of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in bridging the gaps in educational training and skill demands in Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to direct the study. The target population was 2,536 comprising 2, 500 TVET Lecturers from Tertiary Institutions and 36 Chief Executive Officers (CEO) from randomly selected industries. Sample size was 381 statistically determined using Yaro Yamane formula and selected by simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire items developed from related literature reviewed and face-validated by three experts were used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha method and a co-efficient of 0.77 was obtained. Six research assistants helped to distribute and retrieve the copies of the questionnaire by hand at 100% return rate. With the help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS), descriptive statistics were employed to answer the research questions while Independent sample ttest was used to test the null hypotheses at a probability of 0.05. The findings of the study revealed that the TVET institutions and the industries play significant role in bridging the gaps in educational training and skill demands in Nigeria. The role of institutions that could bridge the gaps to include: supervision of SIWES participating students. SIWES placement, prompt release of allowances for staff supervision, timely preparation of SIWES master list, adequate orientation programme for SIWES participating students, and timely submission of ITF documents while industries role in the provision of well-equipped training facilities to SIWES participating students, supervision of SIWES participating students, effective on-the-field evaluation of performances of SIWES students, and feedback role to institutions could help in bridging the gaps between educational training and skills demand in Nigeria. The study advocated synergetic roles between TVET institutions and the industries to bridge the gaps between educational training and skills demand in Nigeria.
Keywords: Skills Demand, Educational Training, Bridging Gaps, SIWES roles, Nigeria.

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EFFECT OF CONNECTIVIST LEARNING FOR MATCHING SKILLS DEMAND IN THE KNOWLEDGE BASED ECONOMY.

Hosea, Idihwere Danfulani & Ogbonnaya, Ann Nwadinma

Abstract
Technology has changed the manner in which people learn and work in this era. This study determined the mean achievement score of students taught Business Communication using connectivism, and effects of chronological age on mean achievement score of students taught Business Communication using connectivism. The study answered two research questions and tested one hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted quasi–experimental design. Specifically, it is a non-equivalent control group design. The area of the study was Adamawa and Taraba States, Nigeria. The population for the study was 265 NCE III students of Business Education Department made up of 139 males and 164 females drawn from the two public Colleges of Education in Adamawa and Taraba State. There was no sampling for this study because the study involved intact classes. The tests scores generated were analysed using mean to answer the research questions and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. It was found out that the connectivist class performed better than the conventional class. Students taught in the connectivist classroom performed better than students taught in the conventional classroom. It was also found that a significant difference exists in the achievement scores of students taught Business Communication using connectivism based on their ages. Students within the ages of 15-25 were found to achieve more in the connectivist treatment class. Conclusively, there is a generation gap in the use of ICT, and competence plays a significant role in learning outcome. This is apparent especially in the ICTrelated pedagogical practices like connectivism. Also, ICT is an important factor that should be taken into consideration when designing classroom environments. Nigeria Commission of Colleges of Education (NCCE) should consider a review of her curriculum especially Business Education curriculum with a view of incorporating connectivist teaching/learning model into the teaching of Business Education subjects particularly Business Communication. The Government (Federal and states) through her Ministry of Education should provide technological facilities and resources adequate enough to pave way for the implementation of connectivism.

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UTILIZATION OF E-LEARNING IN THE STUDY OF GENERAL STUDIES COURSES ATTHE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA.

Ifeanyi Benedict Ohanu & Chukwudike Micah Ngozi

Abstract
This study adopted a descriptive survey research design to determine the utilization of e-learning in the study of General Studies courses at the University of Nigeria. Three research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. The researcher developed 74 item structured questionnaire based on the reviewed literature. The questionnaire was face validated by three experts. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha, which yielded a reliability coefficient value of 0.84. Copies of the questionnaires were administered to 220respondents to obtain data and 183copies of the questionnaire were returned. Data collected were analysed using SPSS version 20. Collected data were analyzed using mean to answer the research questions. The findings of the study showed that in the study of General Studies courses in the University of Nigeria, supposedly needed e-learning gadgets and facilities are averagely available but their functionality is below average. Among other findings, it was recommended that e-learning gadgets should be provided to the students.

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EFFECT OF KOLB'S 4-STAGE CYCLE MODEL OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ON STUDENTS' INTEREST IN VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION.

Ndu, Bibian Okafor

Abstract
This study was designed to determine the effect of Kolb‟s 4-stage cycle model of experiential learning (E.L) on students‟ interest in vegetable crop production. The study adopted a pretest post test, non - equivalent control group design. It was carried out in Anambra State, with a population of 26,139 Senior Secondary School students. The sample was the entire 141 SS1 students from four sampled schools in Awka Education Zone. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the schools. The instrument for the study was vegetable crop production Interest Inventory (VCPII), Vegetable crop production performance test (VCPPT ) both were developed by the researcher to gather information on the students‟ interest in Agricultural practical activities before and after treatment and to test for the students performance. The instruments were validated by three experts from Agricultural Education Department UNN. They were trial tested to determine their reliability coefficient, which were found to be 0.82 using Cronbach alpha and 0.88 using Kuder-Richerdson formular (k-R.20 respectively Data collected were analyzed using the mean to answer the research questions while t-test and ANCOVA were used to test null hypotheses. The result revealed that Kolb‟s 4-Stage Cycle Model of Experiential learning was an effective tool that captures students‟ interest in vegetable field crop activities and students performed better with the model. Based on findings, the researcher recommended that curriculum planners should incorporate the use of Kolb‟s model in teaching production agriculture, because it makes teaching and learning activity-based. The model being innovative necessitates the re-training of teachers on its application and delivery strategy.
Key Words: Kolb‟s Model of Experiential Learning, vegetable crop production, Interest and students‟ performance.

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INTEGRATING VEGETABLE PRODUCTION INTO TRADE/ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUBJECTS FOR IMPROVING TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) QUALITY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY.

A.U. Onuka

Abstract
The study focused on integrating vegetable production into entrepreneurship subjects for improving TVET quality and instructional delivery in Nigeria. This is with a view to making entrepreneurship subjects comprehensive, effective and increase job opportunities for youths. Five research questions and hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a survey research design. The population was 91, comprising of 21 Agricultural Education Lecturers and 70 Agricultural Extension Agents in Abia State. The instrument for data collection was a 42 – item researcher developed questionnaire structured on a 4-point scale. The instrument was face validated by three experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha method. A coefficient of 0.81 was obtained. The 91 copies of the questionnaire were administered on the respondents and all of them were retrieved. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while ttest was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05level of significance. It was found out that 8 objectives, 9 contents, 8 methods of instruction, 14 instructional resources and 6 evaluation methods were necessary for integrating vegetable production into entrepreneurship education subjects in Nigeria. It was recommended amongst other things that, vegetable production should be included into the existing entrepreneurship education subjects approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria for senior secondary schools. If the proposed vegetable production is integrated, it could increase subject options, reduce social ills and improve TVET quality and instructional delivery.
Keywords: Integrating, Vegetable, Production, Entrepreneurship, Subjects

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ASSESSING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF TVET PRACTITIONERS TO TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN NSUKKA METROPOLIS.

Onyemechalu, Stanley J. & Osinem, Somtochukwu C.

Abstract
The tourism industry is one with many sub-sectors and according to world tourism organization, is the 2nd highest employer of labour after agriculture. Tourism in Nsukka and elsewhere is growing rapidly and we all appreciate its growth and benefit from its multiple effect on the economy, transport, accommodation, national identity and pride. Much of this growth in the tourism industry is pushed by the skills and services of many TVET practitioners whose efforts have directly and indirectly helped drive the industry to its current global acclaim. However, this category of stakeholders in the tourism industry has been relatively understudied and their roles and contributions to the growth of the tourism industry have been grossly misrepresented or utterly underreported. It is the aim of this paper to assess the roles and contributions of TVET practitioners and their activities to the growth of the tourism industry through the prism of the Nsukka metropolis in Enugu State. To achieve this, a mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative research methods was employed to gather and analyse data from TVET practitioners, tourists and tourism establishments within the study area. This paper properly documented the contributions of TVET practitioners to the growth of the tourism industry and suggested what can be done to properly build and harness the synergy between TVET practitioners and other players in the tourism industry, as this will yield more opportunities and benefits for both sides.
Keywords: TVET, TVET Practitioners, Tourism industry, and Tourism development

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FACTORS AFFECTING THE USE OF GOOGLE SEARCH ENGINE ACROSS DIFFERENT EMERGING TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES: IMPLICATIONS FOR DESIGN OF SEARCH SOLUTIONS.

Agbo, G. C. & Uzoegwu, R. C.

Abstract
This study focused on the factors affecting the use of Google search engine across different emerging technological devices and its implications for the design of search solutions. The design of the study was survey research design. Three research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study.The population for this study was3712 respondents which comprised of 3010 students and 702 Lecturers from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The lecturers and students were chosen because they make use of Google search engine for research purposes. To constitute the sample, 140 lecturers and 301 students were selected using simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire of 21 items was developed for the purpose of data collection. Three experts validated the instrument and Cronbach alpha method was used to determine the reliability co-efficient which yielded 0.81. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard to answer research questions and independent sample t-test statistic to test the null hypothesis. From the analysis of the research questions, it was found that different factors affect the use of Google search engine across different emerging technological devices such as quality of the system/interface, quality of the information stored in the system and level of satisfaction derived by the user in the daily use of the system. The findings of the study also revealed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) among the respondents on the factors affecting the use of Google search engine across different emerging technology devices. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that search engine companies are to censure the inclusion of relevant keyword for easy search, uploading contents that solve user‟s problems, making search engine responsive across different devices and gaining backlinks to the search engine, so as to improve the convenience and efficiency of using search engines across different emerging technological devices.

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