PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS TOWARDS TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Education is a inevitable instrument that can be used in enhancing national and economic development, such development can be seen in the positive roles education plays in the socio-cultural, political, economic and human aspects of nation building. Education is a prerequisite in participating in the highly competitive economy of the new Era. It helps to improve scientific and technological development which is the modern day recipe for ensuring national development. The term education is coined from the Greek word “educare” which means to “lead out”. Therefore, education can be defined as the total process of human learning by which knowledge is imparted, faculties trained and skills developed (Urevbu, 1991). Nigeria is not left out of the realization of this paramount role of education, thus the need for technology education in our educational system so as to drive the development advancement. As stated in the National Policy on Education (2004), “education shall be highly rated in the national development plans because it is the most intellectual and social outlook of any society that has to be preceded by educational revolution; efforts shall be made to relate education to overall community needs”. As crucial as education is to personal and national development, its impact can only be felt if the citizens acquire these skills and knowledge that would enable them to contribute to their immediate family and by extension to the society at large. For education to serve its purpose, teachers have a role to play in the implementation of the objectives and goals so as to improve the perception of students to technology in our tertiary institutions. No educational program can be effectively implemented and achieved without teachers and the positive attitude of students towards the acquisition of knowledge. Technology plays a vital role in the development of any nation and as such should be given adequate attention.

Students’ perception in technology in education in our tertiary institutions goes a long way in determining the level of acceptance and acquisition of technological knowledge. The perception of students towards technology education in our tertiary institutions especially the universities has contributed to the level of technological advancement of the country seeing that students as the leaders of tomorrow thus the need for the study.

STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROBLEM

The poor acquisition and level of technology education in our Nigerian universities has been a cause for serious concern as it has significantly led to the poor performance of the educational sector. The perception of students towards education in Nigerian has also to a large extent affected the quality of graduates being churned out of our universities annually which by extension has negatively affected the development of the nation as human resources are a crucial part of the economic development of any society. Sound human resources serve as a springboard to education and economic growth.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine the perception of students towards technology education in Nigerian universities. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. To examine the quality of education in Nigerian universities.
2. To determine the extent to which students perceptions of technology education affect their academic performances.
3. To examine the impact of technology on educational acquisition in Nigerian universities.
4. To recommend ways of improving students perception towards technology education in Nigerian universities.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the perceptions of students towards technology education in Nigerian universities?
2. What is the quality of education in Nigerian universities?
3. To what extent does students’ perception of technology education affect their academic performances?
4. What is the impact of technology on educational acquisition in Nigerian universities?
5. What are the ways of improving students’ perception towards technology education in Nigerian universities?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: There is no relationship between students perceptions of technology education and their academic performances.

H1: There is a relationship between students’ perceptions of technology education and their academic performances.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study would be of immense importance to stakeholders in the education sector, government at all levels as it would reveal the perception of students towards technology education in Nigerian universities. The study would also benefit students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further study on the subject matter.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This work is restricted to the perception of students towards technology education in Nigerian universities using the federal university of technology Yola, Adamawa state as the case study.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview)

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Education:  the action or process of teaching someone especially in a school, college, or university. The knowledge, skill, and understanding that you get from attending a school, college, or university.

Technology: the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science

Skill: An ability and capacity acquired through deliberate, systematic, and sustained effort to smoothly and adaptively carryout complex activities or job functions involving ideas (cognitive skills), things (technical skills), and/or people (interpersonal skills).

REFERENCE

Asaya, S.A. (2000). Teaching Practice Handbook for student teachers.

Cassady, J.P. (2000). Teacher and teaching. London: David and Charles, First Edition.

Daniel, O. (2004). Problem Faced by Student Teacher during Teaching practice.