An exploration of teachers and trainers use of instruction practices and development of students interpersonal abilities in hospitality training: the Ugandan perspective

Abstract

Interpersonal abilities as critical competencies are a prevalent subject in hospitality training. However, there remains a need to further study how teachers and trainers apply instruction practices to develop and strengthen students’ interpersonal abilities. This study aimed at identifying instruction practices used by teachers and trainers to ensure students’ development of interpersonal abilities and establishing students interpersonal abilities from teachers and trainers use of instructional practices. A qualitative research approach using a descriptive study design was used. A sample of 26 participants was purposively selected from vocational institutions and workplaces. In-depth interviews and observations were used to collect data. The study found out that discussions and presentations strengthened by mentoring were key to inculcating and strengthening the students’ interpersonal abilities. However, some students were confronted with challenges; remembrance of what was discussed, teacher and trainers acting as barricades during the use of instructional practices leading to student passiveness, being laughed at by fellow peers, understanding what has been discussed and in task-specific- feedback from trainers at the beginning of the workplace training. Thus, the study concluded that teacher-trainer collaboration was crucial for clear harmonization of instructional practices of students’ interpersonal abilities development and strengthening.