CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Education has been recognized as playing an integral part in the building of a nation. Education is the process of helping to change students’ knowledge and behavior in desired ways. The Saskatchewan Education (1991) observed that one of the purposes of education is to provide children with skills and knowledge needed to function capably as adults. With the world changing rapidly the abilities today in schools need to be reassessed as do the ways in which students are expected to learn.
One of the basic ways of attaining national objectives is through the provision of vocational and business skills, values and attitudes. This can be acquired through effective teaching. In the view of Bruner cited in Saskatchewan Education (2000), teaching is a broader and more encompassing term, involving any activity on the part of one person intended to facilitate learning on the part of another. However effective teaching occurs when the student is placed at the focus of decisions that are made not only about the curriculum itself but also about the process by which the curriculum is delivered.
Effective curriculum delivery requires many things among which are application of appropriate instructional methods and strategies and the right learning environment. Ngetich and Ndege (2011) observed that for learners to benefit from instruction, teachers need to be careful about the organization of learning experiences so that knowledge could be internalized and retained by the learners and be useful to them. In the same vein, Kochhar (1991) remarked that even the best curriculum and the most perfect syllabus remains dead unless quickened into life by the right methods of teaching and the right teachers.
Instructional methods are critical to teaching and learning process. Instruction refers to those curriculum-related, professionally informed decisions that teachers purposefully enact to enhance learning opportunities for students. Gargne in Saskatchewan (2002) defines instruction as any activity on the part of one person intended to facilitate learning on the part of another. Effective instruction is interactive and designed to accommodate student learning needs and styles through a variety of teaching practices. Instruction and teaching are related activities that scholars use synonymously.
Method refers to procedure or process for attaining a goal or objective. Methods are procedures or ways used to teach material to the students. Used in the context of instruction or teaching, a method is viewed as a well staged procedure to teach a subject. Instructional methods are ways by which information is presented to students. Ngetich and Ndege (2011) conceived instructional methods as mode of delivery systems or teaching and learning methods employed in our educational process with the view of facilitating the attainment of set goals or objectives. For effectiveness of teaching and learning process, methods of instruction must have certain qualities and characteristics. Ngetich et al identified the characteristics of a good teaching method to include; a good teaching method should produce certain changes in terms of knowledge understanding and habits of students. Furthermore, the source stated that good teaching methods should arouse interests on students rather than pressing on facts and figures, and should shift emphasis from verbalism and memorization to learning through purposeful concrete and realistic situation.
Instructional methods are varied and many. Scholars have examined teaching methods from different perspectives. One general view held is that which divides them into two; teacher–centered approaches, and student-centered approaches emphasizing on the paramount role played by teacher or student. Another view considers instructional methods in terms of instructor led, lecture method, demonstration method, practical exercise, controlled practical exercisers, practice method, case study or team practice, coach and pupil and independent (Saskatchewan Education, 2000). The source further classed instructional methods into Direct instruction, Indirect instruction, Experiment learning, Independent study and interactive instruction.
It has been recognized that there are different types of instructional methods which may be used. Each method has certain advantages and disadvantages; some are more suited for certain kinds of instruction than others. Also, each of the different methods requires greater or lesser participation by students. Moreover, the choice of methods depends on what to teach (content), who we are teaching (learner), and the level of competence expected (Obi, 2005). One method, or perhaps a combination of methods, is usually most appropriate for most subject matter and Objectives. In effect based on the subject matter, a teacher will need to determine which instructional methods and strategies that best showcase the information to be taught.
Strategy is a procedure or technique used by the individual or group at different levels of educational system to attain desired outcome or engineer changes or innovation. According to Glueck (2000), a strategy is a unified, comprehensive, and integrated plan designed to ensure that the basic objectives are achieved. For the purpose of this study, strategy is viewed as all available procedure and techniques used by business teachers at different levels of educational system to attain desired objectives.
Instructional strategies, according to Brown (1998) involve a formal expectation of a desired teaching content by the teacher. They determine the approach a teacher may take to achieve learning objectives. Instructional strategies can be classed as direct, indirect, interactive, experiential, or independent, (Saskatchewan, 1991). For business teachers to create learning environments and to specify the nature of the activity in business education, effective teaching and the need for appreciable application of instructional methods and strategies are necessary tools for effective teaching and learning of business studies in technical schools.
Technical schools are those educational institutions that focused on the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding and knowledge relating to occupations in various sectors of economic and social life (Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), 2004). As contained in the document, technical schools are further understood to be; an integral part of general education; a means of preparing for occupational fields and for effective participation in the world of work; an aspect of lifelong learning arid a preparation for responsible citizenship; and a method of alleviating poverty.
Following the decision of the Federal Government to introduce the 9-year Basic Education Programme and the need to attain the Millennium Development Goals, (MCGs) by 2015, and the critical targets of the National Economic Empowerment and Development strategies (NEEDS), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (2007) developed a 9- year Basic Education curricular for use at all levels of education System in Nigeria. Business Studies is one of the subjects identified as an educational strategy for meeting the nation’s vocational and business skills needs. According to Obi (2003) business studies is an integral pre-vocational subject taught at the Junior Secondary School (JSS) level. As a pre-vocational subject, Business Studies exposes students to general business knowledge and gives basic ideas about business (Njoku, 2008). The five components of Business Studies relate specifically to business and distributive operations and they form part of vocational education, which encourages the use of the head, heart and hands in acquiring specific practical training required in business and industry. NERDC (2007) aptly captured the general objectives of Business Studies as follows: provide the orientation and basic skills with which to start an occupation for those who may not have opportunity for further training; provide basic business skills for personal use now and in the future; prepare students for further training in Business Studies; relate the knowledge and skills to the national economy; and develop basic skills in office occupation. The NERDC document also arranged topics under each theme to enable the learner start from simple to complex ideas, adopted the guided discovery method of learning and teaching and prescribed activities for each of the topics to promote learning and skill development.
Business Studies is concerned with the acquisition of knowledge and skills, attitudes, values and problem solving (Obi, 2009). The nature of the content of usiness subjects requires that business teachers effect learning through the use of diverse instructional methods. Osuala (2009) opined that business subjects would be effectively taught using modern instructional methods and strategies because they provide action learning and are individualized or personalized. Some of the identified methods involve; team training discussion, role playing, simulation, and fieldtrips. To attain effective teaching and learning of business subjects, Okwuanaso and Nwozor (2006) identified some of the strategies to be adapted to include: training, cooperative learning, computer assisted programme, instructional films, drill and practice. These modern instructional methods are student-centred and promote learning. The teaching of each of the components of business studies requires special methods and strategies.
In the learning of office practice which is the connecting link between schools and business, students are expected to be exposed to business practice and procedures, equipment and methods used in office (Harms, Steer and Harris in Osuala, 2009). Instructional methods appropriate for teaching office practice include use of visuals aids, simulation, demonstration, case study, role play, field trip and, question and answer (NERDC, 2007).
Commerce affords learners the knowledge of functions of commercial institutions. Some of the methods appropriate in teaching commerce include: Excursion or Field Trips to industries and commercial organizations. Others are lecture and Guest Speaker’s which promote learning.
Book keeping relates to keeping and managing of financial Records. Methods relevant in teaching book keeping include developmental approach, teaching and learning by principle approach, the inductive or role discovering/problem solving approach, the facts process approach and lecture.
Typewriting is the act of printing on paper (Igbinoba, 2008). Teaching methods that could be applied to typing as observed by Njoku (2008) should include; Demonstration, apprenticeship, problem solving and discovery methods.
Shorthand is a skill subject which involves the use of the head, the heart as well as the hand in quick response to spoken sounds. The sub-skills involved in learning shorthand are listening, reading writing ability to recall what has been heard and language skills. A combination of the following methods could be used to teach shorthand: Inductive or Discovery approach, Reading method, Writing method, Demonstration method, Repetitive approach and Question and Answer.
In order for the teaching of Business Studies to meet the expected goals of equipping the learner with vocational business skills that will enable him to be useful in the society, it is imperative that business teachers need to be knowledgeable in the subject matter and be able to select the instructional methods and strategies that best suits the subject and enable the learner to internalize, retain and apply what had been learnt. The need for students to acquire the necessary vocational and business skills, values and attitudes has become an issue of serious concern and challenge to business teachers.
Business teachers comprise of teachers and instructors/technologist. Osuala, in Njoku (2008) states that a business education teacher is a person who holds a degree in business education from a recognized University or an NCE (National Certificate of Education). He stated further that holders of NCE from the recognized colleges of education in business education are competent to teach the five components of the JSS Business Studies programme. In the same vein, Njoku (2008) viewed business education teacher is a person who has undergone a 4 year Programme in a reputable university or 3 years programme through NCE and has been certified as competent for the award of a Bachelor’s degree /NCE in business education after meeting the requirements of the institution and the department (Njoku, 2008). Njoku added that any person who has obtained a degree or a professional certification in areas such as accountancy, marketing and office technology and management, and also obtains a post-graduate certificate in educational foundations and pedagogy clearly qualifies as a business education teacher. At the other hand, instructors/technologists are experts equipped for the development and application of devices, machines, and techniques for Business Studies (Yiğit, 2004). Both business teachers and instructors play very important role in the teaching and learning of Business Studies as they are professionally equipped to impart manipulative skills for employment into the learners.
In the teaching of Business Studies, teachers and instructors are confronted with myriads of instructional methods to choose from. Each component of business studies requires the application of certain specific or a combination of instructional methods and strategies. And the entire five components of Business Studies are integrated as a conglomerate to be taught as one subject. It is therefore important that the business teacher should be conversant with different instructional methods and strategies. This is because as Joyce, and Weil (1986) indicated that no model of teaching is designed to accomplish all types of learning or to work for all learning styles. This means that no single method of teaching is the best for all situations and with all teachers and pupils.
The variety of instructional methods and strategies available for application by business teachers indicate that business teachers have preference for certain methods over others. Business teachers’ preferences for various instructional methods will also be assessed based on their opinions on how they value the methods frequently use by them in teaching. This study will be anchored on the instructional methods prescribed by National Educational Research and Development Commission (NERDC) (2007) for implementation of the 9-year Basic Education Curriculum Business Studies (JSS 1 – 3).
Statement of the Problem
The Nigerian National Curriculum for Junior Secondary Schools (2007) recognized Business Studies as one of the basic subjects which shall be given to pupils to enable them acquire prevocational skills for further knowledge and skills. The subject provides practical skills for occupational purposes by enabling students to acquire basic knowledge of business skills, develop basic skills in office occupation and for personal use. Therefore, the subject prepares students for further training in business studies and provides orientation to entrants to a life of work. One of the major requirements for realizing the lofty goals of the National Policy on Education through Basic Education is the effective teaching and learning of the subject components. This requires that teachers have knowledge, understanding and mastery of the subject matter on one hand and the pedagogical skills of transmitting such to their students on the other.
However, many factors including ineffective and poor teaching methods and strategies adopted by business studies teachers do not worth they sought. Ekunno (1998) states that poor teaching methods used in teaching business studies give rise to inadequacy of the learning of the skills required in business studies. There is also the dearth or disproportionate availability of number of qualified business teachers to implement the curriculum. As a result, schools make do with teachers from other disciplines in the teaching of Business Studies. Alternatively, single subject masters considered allied in the opinion of school administrators are drafted to teach Business Studies. The result and implication of such developments is that such teachers lack the depth of the subject matter and are not likely to meet the expected objectives. Also majority of the teachers so drafted do not posses teaching competence to be effective on their job. This puts the students in a fix thereby affecting students’ performance in public examinations. By this reason hindering the Business Studies curriculum objectives delivery and slowing down the realization of national education goals. As a consequence to these overlaps and negative performance of students, students who are the future business experts are starved through weak or poor background. Conversely, this hinders their advancement in business and deprives the nation of the much needed qualified workforce for our institutions and businesses.
In order for the teaching of Business Studies to meet the expected goals of equipping the learner with vocational business skills that will enable him to be useful in the society, it is imperative that business teachers need to be knowledgeable in the subject matter and be able to select the instructional methods and strategies that best suits the subject and enable the learner to internalize, retain and apply what had been learnt. Only then could the learner productively implement what had been learnt in everyday life.
In Taraba State Technical schools, the present poor performance of students in Business Studies as reflected in the Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSCE) report by the Chief Examiner on students performance cited in Jalingo Education Zone from 2009 to 2011 sessions is of utmost concern. Based on this, there is need therefore, to find out the extent to which business teachers apply instructional methods and strategies in the teaching and learning of Business Studies in Technical schools in Taraba State.
Purpose of the Study
The major purpose of this study is to determine the extent of application of instructional methods and strategies by business teachers in Technical Schools in Taraba State. Specifically, the study will determine:
- the extent to which instructional methods and strategies are applied by business teachers in teaching Office practice;
- the extent to which instructional methods and strategies are applied by business teachers in teaching Commerce.;
- the extent to which instructional methods and strategies are applied by business teachers in teaching Book Keeping;
- the extent to which instructional methods and strategies are applied by business teachers in teaching Type Writing;
- The extent to which instructional methods and strategies are applied by business teachers in teaching Shorthand; and
- business teachers’ preferences for instructional methods and strategies in teaching Business Studies.
Significance of the study
The findings from this study will be beneficial to Ministry of Education, teachers, business organizations, students, as well as future researchers. Ministry of Education will benefit from the findings of this study, as it will help to improve on their teaching performance as facilitators in teaching and learning of business studies.
The findings of this study will also be useful to business teachers, as it will reveal appropriate teaching methods and strategies that could improve teacher effectiveness as well as ways to conduct excursions to various business firms for improving learning of business studies. Business teachers would discover varieties of instructional methods and strategies and imbibe the culture of using them in the teaching and learning process to motivate and arouse students’ interest in learning business studies. In a nutshell, teachers could adapt to the innovations from the study to improve teaching and learning of Business Studies.
The findings from this study focus on improving the teaching and learning of business studies. When teaching is effectively done it will impact on the knowledge, skills, attitudes acquisition by students which will make them more productive. By extension business organizations who are the recipients of these workers will be assured of better work product and improved productivity.
Students will benefit from the outcome of this study in the area of improved learning activities. They will acquire relevant manipulative skills if the finding of this study is implemented. This would make them saleable members of the society. It would also build the confidence in them as they contribute their quota in the society thereby making good living from the acquired skills. The students who have acquired such skills would be self-reliant and useful to themselves, industrial sector and the society. The study also will help students become more strategic learners who can take significant responsibility for their learning.
Finally, the study will serve as source of information for future researchers who may wish to embark on such research from a related perspective. It will equally provide them direction on the guidelines for their studies and indeed serve as additional reference material and base for improving their own knowledge or making more contributions.
Research Questions
The following research questions were answered in the study:
- To what extent are the instructional methods and strategies applied in teaching Office Practice?
- To what extent are instructional methods and strategies applied in teaching Commerce?
- To what extent are instructional methods and strategies applied in teaching Book- Keeping?
- To what extent are instructional methods and strategies applied in teaching Type- Writing?
- To what extent are instructional methods and strategies applied in teaching Shorthand?
- What are business teachers’ preferences for the application of instructional methods and strategies in teaching Business Studies?
Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance:
H01 There is no significant difference between the mean response of teachers and instructors on the application of instructional methods and strategies for Business Studies delivery.
H02 There is no significant difference between the mean responses of teachers with varying years of work experience on the application of instructional methods and strategies in the teaching of Business Studies.
H03 There is no significant difference among the mean responses of teachers with varying educational qualifications on the application of instructional methods and strategies in the teaching of Business Studies.
Scope of the Study
This study determines the instructional methods and strategies appropriate for teaching of Business Studies in Technical Schools in Taraba State. The study covers only the five components of Business Studies: Office Practice, Commerce, Book Keeping, Type Writing and Shorthand as prescribed in the Nigerian National Curriculum for Basic Educational Business Studies, taught at Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
