The Impact of Industrial Training on the Proficiency Level of Technical Education Students at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To determine the extent to which the industrial training enhance proficiency level of technical education students in Ignatius Ajuru University
- To ascertain the impact of industrial training on the proficiency level of technical education students in Ignatius Ajuru University
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
According to Furco (1996) internship entails engaging students in service activities for the purpose of providing them with hands on experience that enhances their understanding of issues relevant to their area of study. Internship is also considered as “supervised work experiences‟ where students are closely supervised (McMahon and Quinn, 1995). A more revealing definition is given by the University of Wisconsin-Stout. (2008): Internships are conducted under the direction (direct or indirect) of an instructor and are designed to provide „real life‟ or „on the job‟ experiences for the students with the opportunity to critique and refine skills through contact with the instructor and with an onsite supervisor. In addition an internship may be paid or unpaid and is usually for specified time periods in instances where credits are given Internships offered to undergraduates provide a smooth transition from the academic world to the working environment (Muhamad et al., 2009). Besides providing this safe landing, internships bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical reality (Lam and Ching, 2006). A number of studies confirm the assertion that internships are the best outside classroom learning activities (Hall et al., 1995; Burnett, 2003; Mihail, 2006). Objectives of internship are many and varied. Some of the common objectives include giving extra knowledge to students in the related areas of their studies; developing and enhancing the requisite skills for effective interpersonal and group work relations; personnel growth, maturity and independence (Mohd Jaffri et al., 2011). The University of Zimbabwe has eight objectives which include: “
- To afford students the opportunity to test their theoretical tools and constructs learnt during their first two years of the degree programme with realities of running business organisations in Zimbabwe and worldwide.”
- To afford students an opportunity to develop hands on experience in the world of business and its intricacies.
- To create partnerships between the University of Zimbabwe and both the private and public sector enterprises.”
- To seek industry‟s evaluation of our degree programmes in terms of relevance to industry and commerce.” (Faculty of Commerce, Industrial Attachment and Professional Experience, Information Booklet : 2)
Thus the overarching objective is to ensure that students are exposed to the real world of work and in the process providing feedback to institutions on the relevance or otherwise of the curriculum. Internships as it were link academic programmes to the business world (Herget, 2009). A number of benefits accrue to students from internship. First and foremost students get relevant practical experience (Mounce et al., 2004). The learning experience complements and supports the theoretical studies learnt in classrooms (Mihail, 2006). Students learn specific job skills not taught in traditional business programmes (Garavan and Murphy, 2001). The work environment helps the student to understand the concept of professionalism hence the “transitioning from student to professional” (Tovey, 2001). The practical experience leads to permanently gained knowledge (Celik, 2005). In the training of accounting students IFAC advocates the integration of formal education and practical experience during or after general education ( IFAC, 2008: IES#5).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the impact of industrial training on the proficiency level of technical education students in Ignatius Ajuru University. Students of Ignatius Ajuru University form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of industrial training on the proficiency level of technical education students in Ignatius Ajuru University. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges the industrial training on the proficiency level of technical education students
Summary
This study was on the impact of industrial training on the proficiency level of technical education students in Ignatius Ajuru University. Two objectives were raised which included: To determine the extent to which the industrial training enhance proficiency level of technical education students in Ignatius Ajuru University and to ascertain the impact of industrial training on the proficiency level of technical education students in Ignatius Ajuru University. The study adopted a survey research design and conveniently enrolled 80 participants in the study. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from farmers from students of Ignatius Ajuru University. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
Based on the findings of the study, student of Ignatius Ajuru University have low performance of students on technical education as well as low preparedness work situation after SIWES; it is therefore concluded that technical education students require proper and adequate awareness of firms that can readily build in them the skills and preparedness for work upon embarking on SIWES. It is hoped that if all SIWES stakeholders are reminded or well aware of the influence of SIWES and the strategies to achieving the objectives of the scheme, it will go a long way to curb unemployment as technical education students will acquire entrepreneurial skills and preparedness for work after the programme.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made:
- College Administrators should liaise with well-equipped firms or organizations that are ready to accept and teach students what is required to post students to such organizations for SIWES.
- Sanction should be given to any organization by the government on rejection of students for SIWES upon report given against such organizations
- Visiting of students during the SIWES programme should be ensured by the industrial training fund officials and College coordinators in order to ensure that students get necessary exposure and to boost their morale. 4. Selection of placement should not be left completely to students. The College should device a means of allocating students to related companies or organizations.
- There is a need for closer monitoring of SIWES functions and activities in Colleges of Education by the supervising agency (NCCE) to ensure that the scheme is properly implemented.
- Federal government should make it mandatory for companies or organizations to supplement funding of the scheme by paying students stipends and providing enabling condition for them.
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