Assessment of the teaching methods that influence the acquisition of practical skills

Abstract

This study is designed to identify the teaching methods that influence the acquisition of practical skills of mechanical engineering trades students at technical college level using regression analysis. Descriptive survey research design was utilized in carrying out the study. Ninety nine (99) mechanical engineering trades’ teachers and fourty six (46) administrators in the technical colleges in north central states of Nigeria responded to a structured questionnaire which addressed the research question. Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used in determining the reliability of the instrument. The reliability co-efficient of the instrument used for data collection stood at 0.78. It was recommended that mechanical engineering trades teachers and administrators in the schools be encouraged to use different instructional methods, especially the methods identified in the study as the most significant determinants of the teaching methods that influence the acquisition of practical, so that the students can acquire the skills for gainful employment in the labor market or be able to establish on their own and become self-reliant.