Improving students enrollment in home economics through selected career guidance strategies: a case of bwera primary teachers’ college in kasese district

Abstract

There has been low enrollment of students in Home Economics at different educational levels globally. The purpose of the study was to implement identified strategies of enhancing students’ enrollment in Home Economics at Bwera Primary Teachers’ College in Kasese District. The study was guided by three objectives that sought to; explore selected career guidance strategies of enhancing enrolment in Home Economics, implement the selected career guidance strategies of enhancing enrolment and evaluate the implemented career guidance strategies of enhancing students enrollment in Home Economics at Bwera Primary Teachers College. This study was qualitative in nature, following a descriptive participatory research design. Through the participatory action research approach, a total of 75 stakeholders were involved in the implementation of the strategies. The methods of collecting data included interviews, future workshops, verbatim quotes, website feedback, focus group discussions and observations. The findings indicate that career talks enhanced immediate students’ enrollment, Home Economics fair showcased activities under Home Economics, the talking compound reminded stakeholders to learn about the course and the website launched a platform for continuous interaction with stakeholders on Home Economics. The study confirmed that there is need for a paradigm shift in order to unlearn, relearn and learn for individuals to compete favourably in the 21st century.