COMPETENCY SKILL IMPROVEMENTS OF WOODWORK TECHNOLOGY TEACHERS IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES IN NIGER STATE

Abstract

The study was motivated by a great concern about the future and continuity of woodwork practical projects in all tiers of society and our education system particularly in Technical Colleges. The concern stemmed from poor performance, low and declining skill practice in performance. Pertinent questions and doubts were raised on the strategies employed by teachers currently teaching woodwork in Technical Colleges. The study therefore focused on the in-service training, motivation, instructional materials and teaching technique in woodwork practical project as a frame of reference. Four research questions guided the study and two hypotheses formulated were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a survey research design. The area of the study was the seven technical colleges in Niger state. The population and sample for the study was made up of 15 woodwork teachers and 28 instructors in the seven Colleges of Education (Technical). A questionnaire titled “Strategies for improving practical projects in woodwork in Colleges of Education (Technical) in Northwestern states of Nigeria” consisting of 70 items was structured, based on the woodwork practical projects, administered to 43 teachers. Data collected were analyzed using means and test statistics. From the findings, the study introduce new materials used in woodwork to teachers/instructors, training on modern equipment to update their skills in selection and application wood hand tools, construction and finishing skills, and to enhance staff development continuing education in building/architectural drawing. The study recommended re-training, motivation and in service training for woodwork teachers not once but on regular basis through workshops and seminars