Enhancing student practical skills in carpentry and joinery at national instructors college abilonino in kole district, Uganda

Abstract

The study was an action research on enhancing students’ practical skills in Carpentry and joinery industrial skills. The curriculum of DITTE consists of both Vocational theory and practical. On the other hand, Uganda government has prioritized Vocational training in order to impart skills among learners for technological advancement (MoESTS, 2011). It is against this background that the researcher was motivated to enhance practical skills training of learners. The purpose of the study was to enhance practical skills in carpentry and joinery for student instructors at National Instructors College Abilonino (NICA) to meet expectations of the industry and the BTVET Institutions. Guided by these objectives 1. To develop appropriate practical skills training strategies, implement the suggested strategies and 3. Evaluate implemented strategies of practical skills in Carpentry and Joinery at NICA. Qualitative research with participatory action research methodology was employed. The sample was purposively selected comprising of two administrators, two heads of department, five lecturers and fifteen students. Data was collected and analyzed qualitatively. Data collection tools used included; observation checklists, focus group discussion, future workshop and work process analysis. Three strategies developed, implemented and evaluated include; 1. Use of U tube channels, 2. Real life project, 3. Use of assessment rubrics and ATPs. The findings revealed that; the student Instructors had attained better practical assessment results upon using strategies of internet, assessment rubrics, ATPs and real life project.