Skills Needed by Agricultural Education Students for Sustainable Vegetable Production in Enugu State (Published)

The main purpose of the study was to determine the skills needed by agricultural education students for sustainable vegetable production in Enugu State. The study was guided by five research questions and five null hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 96 comprising of 33 extension agents and 63 registered vegetable farmers in Enugu State. The instrument used for data collection was a 42 item structural questionnaire grouped into five sections. The instrument was validated by three experts and reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha Statistics which yielded 0.79. Out of 96 copies of the questionnaire distributed 89 were properly filled and returned representing 92.71% return rate. Mean, standard deviation and t-test statistics were the statistical tools used. From the result of data analysed, the study identified the pre-planting skills, planting, post planting skills, harvesting skills and marketing skills required by agricultural education students for sustainable vegetable production in Enugu State. The findings of the study showed that there is no significant difference between mean responses of extension agents and vegetable farmers on the identified skills. Based on the findings, recommendations were made which include that the lecturers of agricultural education programme should ensure that the identified are skills used in teaching the students in crop production course of study and the government should ensure that the skills required for vegetable production are incorporated in the quality training and retraining of the students.

Keywords: Skills, agricultural education, sustainable vegetable production, vegetable

Assessment of Digital Literacy Skills Among Physical and Health Education Students in Secondary Schools in Bayelsa State (Published)

This study assessed digital literacy skills among physical and health education students in secondary schools in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A “descriptive survey design” was adopted for the study. To direct the study, two research questions were developed along with matching null hypotheses. All PHE students in the 192 secondary schools in Bayelsa state that are owned by the government make up the study population. The research sample consisted of 499 PHE students, 240 of whom were male and 249 of whom were female. The “Digital Literacy Skill Questionnaire (DLSQ),” a structured tool created by researcher and approved by specialists, was used to collect data. The Cronbach Alpha formula was used to determine the instrument’s reliability, and a coefficient of 0.84 was found. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the study questions, and t-test statistics were used to assess the hypotheses. The findings showed that Bayelsa State secondary school PHE students do not use their digital literacy skills to a high degree. It was suggested that PHE students be encouraged to develop their digital abilities by the school administration.

Keywords: Assessment, Digital, Literacy, PHE students, Skills

Exploration of Entrepreneurship and Employability Skills Needed for Poverty Alleviation: Evidence from Oyo State, Nigeria (Published)

This study focused on the exploration of entrepreneurship and employability skills needed for poverty alleviation in Oyo State. The study answered two research questions and tested two null hypotheses in line with the stated objectives. The target population of the study comprised two hundred and seven (207) 300Level and 400Level students in the Department of Educational Management in University of Ibadan, Nigeria. No sampling was done as the population is neither too small nor dispersal. Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire titled “Questionnaire on Entrepreneurship and Employability Skills needed for Poverty Alleviation (QEESPA)”. Findings reveal that Soft skills are needed for poverty alleviation in Ibadan North Local Government area of Oyo State, Nigeria (mean = 3.22, SD = 0.71) and there was no significant difference in the mean responses of male and female respondents regarding business skills and poverty alleviation in Ibadan North Local Government area of Oyo State, Nigeria (t₂₀₅ = 1.191, P>0.05). Based on the findings made, it is concluded that business and soft skills are essential for reducing poverty in Oyo State Nigeria, specifically in the Ibadan North Local Government Area and society s affected by absence or lack of these skills. Based on the conclusion drawn, it is recommended, among others, that appropriate government agencies should launch a vigorous awareness campaign to educate the public on the value of acquiring business skills.

Keywords: Employability, Entrepreneurship, Poverty, Skills

Social Studies Teachers’ ICT Proficiency for Teaching in Schools for the Deaf in Ghana (Published)

The study sought to examine how knowledge and skill in ICT of Social Studies teachers influence their teaching of the subject to students who are deaf in schools in Ghana. The study was hinged on the Social Cognitive Theory and Human Capital Theory and used convergent parallel design with the mixed methods approach. The population for the study comprised all JHS Social Studies teachers and headteachers numbering 42 in the 14 public schools for the deaf in Ghana. Census sampling was used to select all the 28 respondents (teachers) for the quantitative phase while convenience sampling technique was also used to sample 14 participants for the qualitative aspects of the study. Data was gathered through questionnaire for the quantitative data and analysed using descriptive measures (frequencies and percentages, means and standard deviations) while the qualitative data was accessed through semi-structured interviews and textually analyzed. The findings showed that the majority of Social Studies teachers handling deaf students possessed requisite knowledge and skills in ICT and showed interest in teaching the subject, nevertheless, only few of them employed ICT in teaching Social Studies. It is recommended that Social Studies teachers to students who are deaf be provided with computers and taken through regular in-service training to help them meet their special needs and other ICT tools.

Keywords: Deaf, Knowledge, Proficiency, Skills, Social Studies

What is Matter More Degree or Skills (Published)

This paper aims to present the importance of degree and skills to determine which is the most important. We used a systematically review method. We tried to search findings about these topics and examine them. We also used a questionnaire and interviews methods.

Keywords: Degree, Skills, matter, more

Perceived Level of Knowledge and Skills On the Use of E-Learning Among Lecturers and Students at the Open University of Tanzania (Published)

This study examined the level of knowledge and skills on the use of e-learning among lecturers and student at the Open University of Tanzania. The study was guided by one research question and one hypothesis. The study was also guided by Dynamic Skills Theory developed by Fischer in 1980. The study employed convergent design under mixed research approach.  The target population involves 2616 students, 303 lecturers, 50 instructional designers, 01 Director of Quality Assurance, and 01 Director of Examination Syndicate. The sample of this study included 262 students, 30 lecturers, 01 director of quality assurance, 01 director of examination syndicate, 05 instructional designers. Stratified, simple random, and purposeful sampling techniques were used to determine the study sample that consisted of 299 respondents. Research instruments included questionnaires, interview guides, and document analysis schedule. For quantitative data analysis the researcher used both descriptive and inferential statistics. For qualitative data analysis the researcher used thematic analysis for analyzing qualitative data. Data for both quantitative and qualitative are presented using tables, charts, figures, narrations, themes, categories and direct quotations were used to present the study findings. The findings indicated that a moderate majority of lecturers and majority of students perceived had lack   knowledge and skills on the use of e-learning. The average mean score for lecturers and students was 2.97 and 2.25 respectively. This indicated that there was disagreement on the perceived level of knowledge and skills on the use of e-learning among lectures and students. Moreover, the findings indicated that there is no significant difference mean score between arts students and science students on the perceived level of knowledge and skills on the e-learning at the Open University of Tanzania. The study concluded that both lecturers and students had perceived inadequate knowledge and skills on the use of e-learning. The study recommends, that The Open Universities of Tanzania with collaboration of Institute of Education Management and Technology should provide training for both lecturers and students on issues regarding utilization of e-learning.

Keywords: E-learning, Knowledge, Lecturers, Skills, Students

The Skill Gap between Printing Education and Printing Industry in Ghana (Published)

One of the objectives of Polytechnic Education (Technical University Education) in Ghana is the promotion of technical and vocational education and training, technology transfer and skills development to enhance the socio-economic development of the country. Polytechnic education plays a significant role in human resource development of a country by employing skilled manpower, enhancing industrial productivity and improving the status quo (quality of life). The main aim of the study was to identify and to address the gap between printing education and printing industry at Takoradi Polytechnic; so as to restructure the curriculum to reflect what is being done in the printing industry across the country. The literature review has been organized together with sub-headings as contained in the subsequent pages and have been reviewed in line with the views of scholars to help readers have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the topic.The main respondents for the study included students and lecturers in the Department of Graphic Design Technology, Takoradi Polytechnic on one side and working staff of the selected printing firms in the Accra Metropolis. The researchers implemented the use of open and close type of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and full-participant observational method in gathering data for the study. The study revealed that the Polytechnic Printing programme should be revised by the Polytechnic and the Department of Graphic Design to help produce skilled trained Graphic Designers to fit into the trending Digital Printing Industry. The study exposed that issues that are affecting the Polytechnic students in acquiring the necessary training and skills to march up to the Printing industry is the curriculum. If the Polytechnic curriculum is revised and students are provided with enough practical skills it is believed that the gap between the Printing Education and Printing Industry for the Polytechnic objectives will be achieved.

 

Keywords: Education, Printing Industry, Skills, Training, industralisation, polytechnic (technical university)

Human Capital Development: A Way Forward for Entrepreneurial Growth in Ebonyi State (Published)

Human capital development is a process of increasing knowledge, skills, talents and competencies in vocational and technical education for increase in productivity and stimulating resourcefulness of trainees. Home economics and Social Studies must necessarily contribute to developing of human capital in the 21st century to enable families and individuals cope with the ever emerging problems and challenges. The study focused on human capital development: a panacea for entrepreneurial growth in Ebonyi State. Specifically, the study sought to ascertain the managerial skills required for entrepreneurial growth in Ebonyi State, entrepreneurial qualities required for entrepreneurial growth, ascertain how entrepreneurial growth can enhance socio-economic development of Ebonyi State. Three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The area of the study is Ebonyi State. Population of the study was 220 registered entrepreneurs in Ebonyi State. There was no sampling because the population was manageable. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using mean and frequency. Chi-square was used to test the hypothesis. Findings of the study showed that managers need communication, conceptual, technical skills for entrepreneurial growth. Also, discipline, creativity, and ability to motivate employees, were the entrepreneurial qualities required for entrepreneurial growth. Movement of capital goods; increase in education; creating of new jobs can enhance socio-economic development of Ebonyi State. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made; there should be increased collaboration and cooperation between public and private sectors, among others.

Keywords: : Human Capital, Development, Growth, Skills, entrepreneurial

Skills Training Needed by Business Education Students for Successful Entrepreneurship: Implications for Colleges of Education in Nigeria. (Published)

Scholars have identified entrepreneurship education as the missing link between poverty and national development. Consequently, developing a functional Entrepreneurship curriculum for tertiary institutions is needed. This paper dealt with the various skills needed by business education students for successful entrepreneurship. Three research questions and three null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The Population of the study consisted of 6002 students of Business Education , 600 of the total population were used for study. The study made use of survey design. A structured questionnaire designed on 4 point rating scale containing 44 items on skills training needed for successful entrepreneurship grouped into three clusters was used for gathering data for the study. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test the three null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. It was found that information and communication technology (ICT) skill, Risk management skill training and innovative skill training are needed for successful entrepreneurship. It was recommended that the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) should from time to time review the course content /syllabus, adequate funds and special grants be provided by government to colleges of education especially in south-west states to enable them procure and maintain needed teaching and learning materials.

Keywords: Business Education, Colleges Of Education, Entrepreneurship, Skills