Improvement needs of Nigerian technical college teachers in teaching vocational and technical subjects

This study examined key areas in which Nigerian technical college teachers need improvements to effectively teach vocational and technical subjects to foster skills acquisition and improve the quality of graduates. The study was conducted in nine technical colleges in the south-eastern region of Nigeria. It adopted a mixed methods approach and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 87 teachers and two focus groups with 14 of the teachers. The quantitative data were analysed using simple percentages, while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. Patterns of responses among respondents suggested that technical teachers need improvements in instructional planning, workshop management, student management, facilities and equipment management for effective teaching of vocational and technical subjects, and for improved learners' experience to acquire relevant skills to be either paid or self-employed.