Effect of Shorthand Competency and Learning Styles on the Academic Performance of Office Technology and Management Students in Tertiary Universities in Lagos State
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effect of shorthand competency and learning styles on the academic performance of Office Technology and Management students in tertiary universities in Lagos State. The specific objectives are to:
- Determine the level of shorthand competency among OTM students in tertiary institutions in Lagos State.
- Examine the predominant learning styles among OTM students and their influence on shorthand competency.
- Assess the relationship between shorthand competency and the academic performance of OTM students.
- Identify challenges affecting the mastery of shorthand skills among OTM students and propose solutions.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
Shorthand Competency
Shorthand competency refers to the ability to accurately and efficiently transcribe spoken language into written symbols. This skill is critical in professions such as secretarial work, where quick and precise documentation is often required. It allows professionals to capture verbal communications in real-time, reducing delays in the documentation process. Mastering shorthand is essential in Office Technology and Management (OTM) education, where it equips students with the necessary skills for effective office communication and documentation (Akinyemi, 2021). As office environments continue to value speed and accuracy in record-keeping, shorthand competency remains a crucial component of professional training in OTM.
The components of shorthand competency are varied, with the most essential being speed, accuracy, and comprehension. Speed refers to the ability to transcribe spoken words quickly enough to maintain pace with the speaker. Accuracy involves transcribing these words without errors, ensuring the integrity of the recorded message. Comprehension, meanwhile, is critical in interpreting the spoken content correctly. The combination of these components allows OTM professionals to produce accurate and timely written records (Akpomi, 2023). Shorthand competency, therefore, not only involves the ability to write symbols but also requires a deep understanding of the context and intent behind the spoken words, enabling efficient and effective transcription.
In OTM education, shorthand competency is of great importance, as it enhances students’ ability to handle office documentation tasks such as transcribing meeting notes, creating reports, and preparing business correspondence. Mastering shorthand enables students to capture information quickly and accurately, which is especially important in fast-paced office settings where speed and accuracy are critical (Amoor & Magaji, 2023). The ability to transcribe spoken communication without delay contributes to higher productivity in the workplace. Furthermore, students who acquire strong shorthand skills often develop better listening and concentration abilities, which are transferable to other aspects of office work (Oludele, 2022).
Chapter Three
Methodology
Research Design
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This study adopted a cross-sectional and quantitative survey research design, specifically using a survey research method. A quantitative approach was chosen because it allows for the systematic collection of numerical data from a large sample, which can then be analyzed statistically to examine the relationships between variables. According to Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill (2019), quantitative research is valuable when seeking to quantify attitudes, opinions, and behaviors and when the aim is to generalize findings to a larger population. The study’s main objective was to assess the impact of shorthand competency and learning styles on the academic performance of Office Technology and Management (OTM) students in tertiary universities in Lagos State, Nigeria. By utilizing a survey design, the study aimed to collect data from a large and diverse sample of students, thereby ensuring that the results could be generalized across the target population.
The survey research design was appropriate for this study, as it provided a means of collecting data that could be analyzed to determine the extent to which shorthand competency and learning styles contribute to academic performance. This method allowed for the collection of both descriptive and inferential data, which are essential for testing the research hypotheses. Furthermore, using a survey allowed for a structured and systematic approach to data collection, which is crucial for obtaining reliable and valid results in educational research (Bell, Bryman, & Harley, 2019).
Population of the Study
The target population for this study consisted of students enrolled in the Office Technology and Management (OTM) programs in tertiary institutions across Lagos State. The total population was estimated to be 20,000 students, based on enrollment data from the participating universities. The study focused specifically on students in their second, third, and final years of the program, as these students are more likely to have acquired substantial shorthand and office technology skills that can be assessed in relation to their academic performance. The selection of this population was appropriate, as it ensured that the sample would be composed of students who had significant exposure to both the theoretical and practical components of the OTM curriculum.
The choice of students from these years was also based on the assumption that they would have a better understanding of the influence of their learning styles and shorthand skills on their academic performance. By focusing on a large and diverse population of students, the study aimed to enhance the generalizability of the findings, ensuring that the results would reflect the experiences of a wide range of OTM students in tertiary institutions. This approach also allowed for the exploration of how different factors, such as learning styles and shorthand competency, affect the academic outcomes of students in various stages of their academic careers.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Data Presentation
References
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- Amoor, S. S., & Magaji, Z. B. (2023). The place of secretarial education in tertiary institutions in Kaduna State, Nigeria, for Future Office 2020. Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, 15.
- Anyakoha, E. U. (2022, September 14–17). Welcome address at the 3rd National Conference of HERAN [Conference presentation]. Princess Alexandra Unity Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
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