Factors Affecting Students’ Choice of Woodwork Trade in Vocational and Technical Schools in Niger State

Abstract

The research was designed to study the factors affecting students' choice of woodwork trade in vocational and technical schools in Niger state, Nigeria.Two research questions were answered and two null hypotheses tested at .05 level of significance were formulated for the study. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The major purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting or influencing students choice in woodwork trade in vocational and technical schools in Minna, Niger state and strategies to motivate students choice in woodwork trade in vocational and technical schools. The literature was reviewed in line with the two research questions and null hypotheses formulated to guide the study in which several sub-headings were discussed with regards to the purpose of the study. The research design used for this study is survey research design in which questionnaire was formulated to solicit information from the respondents. The target population for the study was 112 which consisted of 100 students and 12 teachers in technical colleges Data obtained was analyzed using mean, standard deviation t-test statistics. The findings revealed poor provision of infrastructural facilities such as library, classroom blocks, workshops, laboratories and recreational facilities, and skilled technology education teachers. Findings also state that teachers should become role models for students interest and encouragement from the societal attitude towards woodwork trade. The study concluded and recommended the following: Government should provide infrastructural facilities such as library, classroom blocks, workshops, laboratories and recreational facilities. Government should also provide woodwork consumable materials such as nails, wires, rods, screws, glue, etc. for students' practical. Retraining of technology education teachers for effective teaching and teachers should become role models for students interest.