METHODS OF TEACHING TECHNICAL SUBJECTS IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS: ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Technical and vocational education is that type of education that equips individuals with skills and knowledge that make them to be productive and sel  af-reliant. Because it is practical-oriented, it requires certain methods, commonly referred to as technical methods, to impart the skills and knowledge. The technical methods refer to strategies used by teachers to ensure effective learning takes place. Common among the methods is the lecture method which has been found to be teacher-centred, offering very little opportunity for the class to get involved in the lesson. With advances in science, there has been the need to evolve other pedagogies that will blend the teaching of technical subjects with science. Consequently, such methods as demonstration, discussion, discovery, project work, and field trips, have been found to be very useful. The paper argues that no one single method of teaching can lead to the full realization of the instructional objectives hence, the need to use a combination of methods. Several problems impede the teaching of technical subjects in technical colleges and technological institutions. These problems include lack of workshops and laboratories, lack of practical materials, poor funding, and ill-equipped libraries. The paper suggests that teachers need to update their knowledge and receive further training in their fields of specialization. The teachers need to improvise practical materials where it becomes necessary. Equally, government needs to increase funding to technical colleges and technological institutions.