Effect Of Inadequate Training Facilities On OTM Students In Polytechnics

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Since the inception of world, teaching and learning experiences are fundamental aspects expected to be acquired from teaching and learning environments. Amadioha (2018) posited that teaching is basically the intent to bring about learning that will promote behavioural change in the learner, while learning is acquiring of relatively permanent change in behaviour in a particular learning environment and that every teaching and learning has likely outcome which is observable change in the learner that can be inferred. Akuma (2011) postulated that, learning is “any change in behaviour which is as a result of experience” from the learning environment be it planned or unplanned. This has to be actualized through some techniques, strategies and methods which must be applied by the teacher to achieve desired goals. Teaching and learning environments, and teaching methods no doubts must complement each other for effective learning to actually take place.

Environmental teaching and learning experiences are those relatively permanent changes that are expected to be acquired by the learners as result of adequate interactions with designed or undersigned environment so as to enable the learner(s) fit into the society. They are also employable, marketable and managerial experiences expected to be acquired by the learners as a result of interaction from the teaching and learning environments that will translate in meaningful business skills. Office Technology and Management (OTM) programme is one of the programme designed for polytechnics with teaching and learning environments. Olukemi and Boluwaji (2014) said Office Technology and Management is a new academic programme in tertiary institutions including polytechnics designed to replace Secretarial Studies programme. The need to prepare competent, skilful and employable graduates in the world of work, which is being driven by technological content which was lacked in the curriculum of erstwhile Secretarial Studies programme in the nation`s tertiary institutions gave birth to Office Technology and Management. Akpotohwo (2014) observed that courses in the OTM curriculum include ICT office applications I and II, Database Management System, Management Information System, Advanced Web Page Design, Advanced Desktop Publishing, and Modern Office Technology etc. posed new challenges in the aspects of human resources, facilities, laboratories and equipment as well as appropriate teaching and learning environments. OTM programme need standard and conducive teaching and learning environment with equipped studios, laboratories, facilities and good human resources for learners to acquire appropriate environmental teaching and learning experiences.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Observably, Office Technology and Management (OTM) Programme seems to be suffering from challenges of environmental teaching and learning experiences that may affect graduates of the programme negatively.
This could be the reason Osunde and Ogiegbaen (2005) noted lack of infrastructure, facilities and equipment that are associated with student’s poor achievement and poor physical environment experiences. Also, Ohakamike-Obeka (2016) observed the following environmental deficiencies in Nigerian schools leading to poor environmental teaching and learning experiences; that many schools, especially those in urban areas are located in areas where there is a busy movement and activities of many people causing noise pollution, many schools have dilapidated buildings with leaking roofs and cracked walls. Most of the schools in urban areas are also overcrowded with some classrooms housing as many as 70 to 100 students. There is inadequate electricity, laboratories, studios in majority of the schools, it was also observed that most of the schools do not have adequate staff rooms, convinces and offices and good libraries and where they are available they are not equipped. These are challenges that can cause negative environmental teaching and learning experiences in OTM programme in the polytechnics. Conducive learning environments are necessary for effective environmental teaching and learning experiences to take place. A quiet and serene school environment including adequate gender friendly facilities help the learners to assimilate lessons taught by the teacher. Class size should be manageable for the teacher to have absolute control of the learners. The class should be well ventilated and with necessary facilities and equipment in place.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main aim of this study is to examine the effect of inadequate training facilities on OTM students in polytechnics.

Specifically, other aims of this study are:

To examine the different training facilities needed by OTM students in polytechnics.

To determine whether OTM students in polytechnics have inadequate training facilities.

To determine whether inadequate training facilities affect academic performance.

To examine the effects of inadequate training facilities on OTM students in polytechnics.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide this study:

What are the different training facilities needed by OTM students in polytechnics?

Do OTM students in polytechnics have inadequate training facilities?

Does inadequate training facilities affect academic performance?

What are the effects of inadequate training facilities on OTM students in polytechnics?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses will validate this study:

H01: OTM students in polytechnics do not have inadequate training facilities.

H02: Inadequate training facilities does not affect academic performance.

1.6 Significance of the Study

It is hoped that this research will serve in propelling an office technology and management student to strive hard as to fit into this era of inadequate facilities hence identifying the loopholes a student needs to erase. This research will also serve as communication to the school management on the direction of teaching and exposure needed by these students so as to measure up with modern trend of information technology and the challenges the students are facing in the information technology era.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the effect of inadequate training facilities on OTM students in polytechnics. Specifically, this study focuses on examining the different training facilities needed by OTM students in polytechnics, determining whether OTM students in polytechnics have inadequate training facilities, determining whether inadequate training facilities affect academic performance and examining the effects of inadequate training facilities on OTM students in polytechnics.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. However, the researcher were able to manage these just to ensure the success of this study.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Training Facility:

Means the place or places in which the Training Program is conducted.

1.10 Organization of the Study

The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study, sample size determination, sample size, abnd selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.