The challenges of home economics education on national transformation
Table Of Contents
- Home Economics is one of the compulsory prevocational subjects taught at the Junior Secondary Education level in Nigeria educational system. According to Anyakoha (2007), Home Economics is a skill oriented field of study that is expected to equip learners with survival skills that make for self-reliance, employment and paid employment. Occupational skills are best understood as competency on resourceful skills capable of steering an individual to be self-reliant, independent and productive in meeting lives challenges. Creese, A. (1976) said occupational skills are life survival skills which an individual needs to function effectively and face the challenges of life. Occupational skills in Home Economics include food and nutrition skills, home management skills and clothing and textile skills. By teaching occupational skills Home Economics Education Program enables an individual to learn, explore and prepare for a job or trade. Thus Home Economics could play a significant role in achieving the goals of the National Economic and Development strategy (NEEDS). These goals include wealth creation, employment generation, reduction of poverty, elimination of corruption and the general reorientation of values. In spite of these laudable qualities of Home Economics as a skill, there are series of challenges which impede its growth to be one of the pathways to national transformation. Some of these challenges include, Federal Government’s lukewarm attitude towards vocational and technical education programmes generally in Nigerian Universities, the perception of the society towards graduates of Home Economics as those who could not fit into any other challenging course, lack of candidates interest as they see the programme as expensive, inadequate manpower to teach Home Economics at the Junior and senior secondary school levels; as well as frustration on the part of teachers because of lack of modern equipment for proper practicals to mention but a few.
Thesis Abstract
Abstract
Home economics education plays a crucial role in national transformation by equipping individuals with essential life skills related to nutrition, finance management, household management, and child development. Despite its importance, home economics education faces numerous challenges that hinder its effectiveness in contributing to national development. This research project aims to explore and analyze the challenges of home economics education on national transformation. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews with educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in the field of home economics education will be conducted to gather insights into the challenges faced by the sector. Themes related to curriculum design, teacher training, resource allocation, and societal perceptions of home economics education will be explored. Additionally, focus group discussions will be conducted with students to understand their perspectives on the relevance and effectiveness of home economics education in preparing them for practical life skills. The quantitative phase of the research will involve surveys distributed to a sample of home economics educators across various educational institutions. The surveys will focus on identifying specific challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of professional development opportunities, outdated curriculum, and limited access to resources and technology. Statistical analysis will be conducted to determine the prevalence and impact of these challenges on the quality of home economics education delivery. The findings of this research project will provide valuable insights into the key obstacles that impede the effectiveness of home economics education in driving national transformation. By identifying these challenges, policymakers and educators can work towards implementing targeted strategies to address them and enhance the impact of home economics education on individuals and communities. Ultimately, improving the quality and relevance of home economics education can contribute to building a more skilled and empowered population capable of making informed decisions related to nutrition, finance, and household management. This research project seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the role of home economics education in national development and provide actionable recommendations for improving its effectiveness and impact.
Thesis Overview