Workplace learning practices adopted by technology education teachers in higher institutions in Niger and Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the workplace learning practices adopted by technology education teachers in higher institutions in Niger and Kaduna states, Nigeria. Two research questions and hypothesis guided the study. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was carried out in four (4) tertiary institutions offering technology education related courses in Niger and Kaduna states. The population of the study consists of 98 technology education teachers in federal University of Technology, Minna; Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna; Kaduna State College of education, Gidan waya; and Niger State College of Education, Minna. 46 were senior lecturers of technology education while 52 were other lecturers of technology education. Data was collected using a 1S-i terns questionnaire designed by the researchers titled: Workplace Learning Instrument (WOPLI). Data collected for the study was analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and z-test statistics. Findings revealed that workplace learning practices adopted by teachers include learning through peer group interaction, learning through interaction with students, learning through collaboration with other colleagues within the institution and colleagues from other institutions among others. Furthermore, findings also revealed that the techniques for improving workplace learning practices among technology education teachers include the following: institutions should support their teachers to attend courses and educational programmes, teachers should be sponsored to attend conferences and workshops so as to interact with colleagues from other institutions, and institutions should provide teachers with easy access to computer technology and other resources. It was therefore recommended that government, institutions, and individuals (teachers) should collaborate to ensure a more conducive work-learning environment.