Factors Militating Against The Teaching Of Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice
(In Government Teachnical Colleges In Enugu State)
Several challenges impede the effective teaching of mechanical engineering craft practice. One significant obstacle is the lack of modern infrastructure and resources in educational institutions, hindering hands-on learning experiences critical for mastering practical skills. Additionally, outdated curricula may fail to align with industry standards and technological advancements, limiting students’ exposure to relevant practices. Insufficient funding further exacerbates these issues, restricting investments in state-of-the-art equipment and faculty development programs. Moreover, a shortage of qualified instructors with practical industry experience can impede the transmission of real-world knowledge to students. Finally, societal perceptions that prioritize academic degrees over vocational training may deter individuals from pursuing careers in mechanical engineering crafts, contributing to a scarcity of skilled professionals in the field. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive reforms encompassing curriculum modernization, increased funding, enhanced teacher training, and efforts to elevate the status of vocational education in society.
The journey on the path of technical education started as far back as in the 1930’s when the commission on Higher Education proposed that the premises of Yaba Higher College should be converted to a technical institute. In line with this arrangement a student was expected to spend two years in general studied department and three years in an area of specialization like the mechanical engineering craft department. Responses to questions posed by the researcher have shown that mechanical engineering craft practice is laudable but on the other hand, the country appears not prepared for the effective implementation of this programme. There seems to be no concrete arrangement on who to finance it and no proper orientation was made to acquit teachers with the function of the scheme. The result of the analysis in the preceding chapter shows that inadequacy of teachers, la ck of well equipped workshop, lack of well equipped laboratories and libraries, non-availability of finance and non provision of accessories are the major factors militating against this course. It is hereby recommended that the government should provide equipments, train instructional personnel for the programme, well equipped laboratories and supply relevant and adequate text books to technical colleges.
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of Problems
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Scope of the Study
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Research Question
1.7 Limitations of the Study
1.8 Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review
2.1 Finance and Finding
2.2 Adequacy and Qualification of Teaching Staff
2.3 Non Payment of Teachers Salaries
2.4 Availability of Well Equipped Libraries
2.5 Lack of Equipped Workshop
2.6 Availability of well Equipped Laboratories
CHAPTER THREE
Research Methodology
3.1 Design of the Study
3.2 Area of Study
3.3 Population
3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques
3.5 Instrument for Data Collection
3.6 Validation of Instrument
3.7 Method of Data Collection and Analysis
CHAPTER ONE
Presentation of Results of Statistical
4.1 Research Question 1
4.2 Research Question 2
4.3 Research Question 3
4.4 Research Question 4
CHAPTER FIVE
Discussion on Findings, Implication, Suggestion and Conclusion
5.1 Discussion on Findings
5.2 Educational implication
5.3 Recommendation
5.4 Suggestions for Further Study
5.5 Conclusion
REFERENCES
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TEACHER’S AND STUDENTS.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Educational from the beginning has been a strong instrument of change towards our economic, social, political and technology development.
In he past years, Nigeria has realized that she can attain self reliance through technological advancement and so has placed serious emphasis on technology education (Eze 1996) technical or vocational education is one of he form of education that is in existence before the introduction of western education in Nigeria. Oshuala (1995:145) stated that technical education is an education designed at upper secondary and lower tertiary levels to prepare middle level personnel and at university level to prepare engineers and technologists for higher management positions. The advanced Learner’s Dictionary as cited in Okorie (1981:29) referred to technical education as “the phase of education which seeks to help the students acquire special mechanical or manipulative skills required in industrial arts or applied science”. A more detailed definition of technical education was provided by the committee on research and publications of the American Vocational Association which stated that vocational education is “education designed to develop skills, abilities, understanding attitudes, work habits and appreciations encompassing knowledge and information needed by workers to enter and make progress in employment on a useful and productive basis”. They are various skills taught as part of informal education, these are farming, weaving, sculpturing, blacksmithing and so on.
When the missionaries introduced western education, they aimed at teaching Christian ethics, reading, writing, arithmetic and later it was expanded and they introduced, farming, block laying and carpentry as part of western education but these skills were not seriously regarded by pupils and parents as an integral part of western education and the practice virtually died out before the turn of the present century.
The introduction of this course in Government Technical College Enugu State marks the beginning of organized technical and vocational education in Nigeria. It also marked the beginning of mechanical engineering craft practice. To be sincere, the importance of mechanical engineering craft practice cannot be over emphasized because effective technological education serves as a powerful instrument for national development.
The national policy on education (1971) defines technical education as aspect of education which leads to the acquisition of practical and applied skill as well as basic scientific knowledge. Engineering technology is important for the support it gives directly or indirectly to man for her existence ad economical development for comfort. Technology contributes very remarkably to the government revenue and foreign exchange earning. These is however no doubt that the technology is a basic foundation for our welfare sound economic development and technological advancement.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
It is found that the objective for which mechanical engineering craft was introduced or established in our various Government technical colleges more especially in Enugu State is almost dying out in Enugu State. In this course the researcher has taken interest to study the factors that militate against the teaching of mechanical engineering craft practice in Government Technical Colleges in Enugu State.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
This study tends to investigate the factor militating against the teaching of mechanical engineering craft practice in government technical colleges in Enugu State. Particularly, the study will tend to determine.
1. The qualification of teachers teaching the course.
2. the quality of laboratory and workshop equipment
3. the level of students interest in the craft.
4. financing of the course/craft.
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research work is aimed of investigating the factors militating against the teaching of mechanical engineering craft practice in government technical colleges in Enugu urban and Nsukka. It is limited to how financing, poorly equipped libraries, workshop, classroom, teachers contribute to the factors which militate against the teaching of mechanical engineering government technical colleges in Enugu State.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study helps the government, parents an the entire society to know the importance of mechanical engineering craft practice in Government technical colleges in Enugu State. Also the study will help to achieve the aims and objectives for which the course was introduced, that is “to produce individuals that are technologically equipped to man the various sectors of our economy.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following research questions will guide the study and will be used to tackle the problems.
1. Does your school have enough facilities for workshops, lab. Work, research and class space?
2. Are all your technical teachers adequately trained?
3. How adequately does government fund mechanical engineering craft programmes?
4. How often do you practice mechanical engineering craft work?
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This research project was intended for only government technical college in Enugu and Nsukka to limited time interval and financial constraint.
This course mechanical engineering craft is not that old in this state and as a result, there is no enough literature about this craft, for this reason, the research has actually made use of oral discussion, counterview articles and the news media to gather information.
However, the finding and recommendations made here will be of general application to the government technical colleges in the other part of the country that have mechanical engineering department.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Finance: This is the management of money resources for educational purposes.
2. Funding: This means supplying stock or sum of money in financial dealings on education.
3. Adequacy and Qualification of Teachers: Adequacy here means sufficiency, enough and suitably while qualification is an attributes of competency. The variable therefore means sufficient, enough, suitable and competent teachers.
4. Well Equipped Workshop: A workshop is a building where any work or craft is carried out. A well equipped workshop is therefore a building that has all the requisite materials and facilities necessary for the learner to develop manipulative and constructive skills.
5. Well Equipped Laboratories: A laboratories is a building or room designed for scientific investigations or experimentation, a place where chemical (or medicine) are prepared. A well equipped laboratory is one that has all the necessary equipment and facilities for experimentation.
1.9 WELL EQUIPPED LIBRARY
A library is a collection of books or physic cal accommodation/room in which such a collection of books is housed. A well equipped library therefore means a collection of relevant textbooks as well as educative materials like film slides, records tapes and so on.
This means the research area from which sample is selected “sample” a smaller part of the research area selected to represent the population. Technical college a secondary school offering technical subject aimed at skills and ability development.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Factors Militating Against The Teaching Of Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice:
The teaching of Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice (MECP) can face various challenges or factors that can make it difficult to effectively impart this knowledge and skills to students. Here are some of the factors that can militate against the teaching of MECP:
- Lack of Proper Facilities and Equipment: MECP often requires specialized machinery and equipment for hands-on training. In many educational institutions, there might be a lack of funding or resources to provide students with access to these essential tools.
- Safety Concerns: Working with mechanical equipment and machinery can be inherently dangerous. Ensuring the safety of students while teaching MECP is paramount, and inadequate safety measures or equipment can hinder the teaching process.
- Limited Access to Skilled Instructors: Skilled instructors with practical experience in mechanical engineering are crucial for teaching MECP effectively. A shortage of qualified instructors can hinder the quality of education.
- Outdated Curriculum: Mechanical engineering is a rapidly evolving field, and an outdated curriculum that doesn’t keep up with industry advancements can hinder students’ ability to learn current best practices.
- Insufficient Funding: Funding is crucial for maintaining and updating MECP facilities and equipment. Insufficient funding can lead to outdated machinery, lack of materials, and limited opportunities for students to learn.
- Large Class Sizes: Large class sizes can make it difficult for instructors to provide individualized attention to students, hindering their ability to learn practical skills effectively.
- Lack of Industry Collaboration: Collaboration with industry is vital for students to gain real-world experience and stay updated with industry trends. Limited connections with local industries can hamper students’ exposure to practical applications of MECP.
- Technological Advances: The rapid advancement of technology can make it challenging to keep MECP courses up-to-date with the latest tools and software used in the field.
- Diverse Student Backgrounds: Students in MECP programs may come from diverse educational backgrounds, making it challenging for instructors to tailor their teaching methods to meet the needs of all students.
- Perception and Interest: Some students may not be initially interested in or aware of the opportunities in MECP. A lack of interest can affect motivation and engagement in the learning process.
- Bureaucratic and Accreditation Issues: Meeting accreditation standards and navigating bureaucratic processes can divert time and resources away from effective teaching and learning.
- Global Economic Trends: Economic factors, such as recessions or shifts in industry demand, can impact job prospects for mechanical engineers, potentially affecting enrollment in MECP programs.
- Changing Educational Trends: Emerging online and alternative education options may compete with traditional MECP programs, impacting enrollment and resources available for teaching.
To overcome these challenges, educational institutions offering MECP should prioritize investment in facilities and equipment, foster industry partnerships, update curricula regularly, ensure safety standards are met, and attract and retain skilled instructors. Additionally, promoting the value and relevance of MECP in the job market can help generate student interest and support for these programs.