REVIEW OF AFRICAN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES (RAES) Volume Three Number One
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to assess the utilization of facilities for teaching and learning of metalwork technology in the department of mechanical technology, School of Technical Education, Plateau State Polytechnic, Plateau State, Nigeria. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Survey research design was adopted in conducting the study. The total populations of 64 respondents were used for the study which includes four (4) technical instructors, five (5) metalwork technology teachers and 55 metalwork technology students to give a total population of 64 respondents. A questionnaire based on four point scale was used as instrument for data collection. The analysis was done using percentages, mean scores and standard derivations. It was found that the facilities in the metalwork technology workshop were not effectively utilized for teaching and learning. Instructional materials like, audiocassette tapes, videos, slides, and filmstrips were not utilized for teaching and learning and teachers lack skill for improvisation. It was recommended that (a) facilities like obsolete machines and equipment be replaced and properly maintained through adequate funding (b) institutions training technical teachers should include courses on improvisation in specific trade areas as a mandatory requirement for graduation.
Keywords: Facilities, Metalwork and Vocational, Technical Colleges.