Determinants of students’ choices of vocational subjects at ordinary level in Jinja district

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the determinants of students’ choices of vocational subjects at O’ level in ten selected schools in Jinja district. This was as a result of the small number of students who opt for vocational subjects despite the usefulness of vocational education and the Government desire to give skills for self reliance to learners. The sample size consisted of 270 students, 30 teachers and 10 administrators. The study was guided by four research questions: what are the factors influencing students’ choices of vocational subjects? Do Government policies influence students’ choices of vocational subjects? Do students’ aspirations influence choices of vocational subjects? and do school resources/ policies influence students’ choices of vocational subjects? The data was collected using questionnaires, analysed, described and subjected to the chi- square (X2) test of significance. The study findings indicated that there was significant influence of the independent variables (government policies, students’ aspirations and school resources/ policies) on the dependent variable (students’ choices of vocational subjects at O’ level). The study concluded that; government policies, students’ aspirations and school resources/ policies significantly influence choices of vocational subjects at ordinary level. The study recommends that Government provides the necessary materials, equipments for teaching and learning of vocational subjects, follow up of policies geared towards vocationalisation of education, strengthening of guidance and counseling in schools, teachers should come up with strategies for developing positive attitudes in students towards vocational subjects in order to encourage many students to like the subjects as well as improving performance and parents together with the community should encourage their children to study vocational subjects. It is believed that this will boost the number of students selecting vocational subjects.