ENHANCING THE SKILLS OF PRE-SERVICE VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS FOR EFFECTIVE DELIVERY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study was carried out in three higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria offering VTE programmes. The population of the study was 146 lecturers in 122 VTE and 12 Educational Technology Lecturers. 96 VTE lecturers were sampled while entire 12 lecturers in Educational Technology were used for the study. The instrument was validated by three experts in the field of VTE and Educational Technology. The reliability coefficient for the entire 29 items questionnaire was determined to be 0.83. These results indicated that the instrument is reliable and it is therefore considered appropriate for use. Out of 108 copies of the questionnaire administered, 96 were returned representing 80.2% returned rate. Mean and Standard Deviation (SD) were used to answer the research questions. Decisions on the research questions were based on the resulting means score interpreted relative to the concept of real lower and upper limits of numbers on seven-point scales. The findings revealed the need to adopt instructional methods such as flipped classroom learning, project-based learning, competency-based learning and others in instructing pre-service teachers of VTE. revealed that for pre-service teachers to develop 21st century skill they must have ability to try to solve complex problems that have no single correct solution, work in pairs or small groups to complete a task together, convey their ideas using media other than a written paper and prepare and deliver oral presentations. It was recommended, among others, that Lecturers teaching pre-service teachers should ensure adequate usage of instructional methods that will facilitate the development of skills and practices that will enable them develop 21st century skills should be encouraged such as; try to solve complex problemsthat have no single correct solution, invent a solution to a complex problem.