Extent of Utilization of New Technological Skills by Auto-Mechanics Teachers for Teaching in Auto-Mechanics Trade in Technical Colleges in South East States, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the extent of utilization of new technological skills by auto-mechanics teachers for teaching auto-mechanics trade in technical colleges in Southeast States, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses and adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprises 130 respondents, this includes 30 auto-mechanics trade teachers in Abia, 29 in Anambra, 19 in Ebonyi, 27 in Enugu and 25 in Imo States from all the Technical Colleges offering auto-mechanics trade in Southeast States. Due to the manageable size of the population, no sampling technique was employed. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher titled “Extent of Utilization of New Technological Skills by Auto-Mechanics Teachers Questionnaire” (EUNTSAMTQ)” The instrument was face-validated by three research experts; two experts from the Department of Industrial Technology Education, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education and one expert from the Measurement and Evaluation unit of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education. The reliability of the instrument was established through pilot study and data computed and analyzed using Cronbach Alpha coefficient using Statistical Package for Social Science, (SPSS), which gave an index of .74. The two research questions raised were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while the null hypotheses formulated were tested at .05 level of significance and appropriate degrees of freedom using t-test. Based on the findings, the study showed among others that on-board detection diagnostic system skills are moderately utilized by auto-mechanics teachers for teaching auto-mechanics trade in technical colleges in Southeast States. Based on the hypothesis, there is no statistically significant difference in the mean ratings between experienced (6 and above years) and less experienced (0-5 years) auto-mechanic teachers on the extent to which on-board detection diagnostic system skills are utilized for teaching auto-mechanics in technical colleges in Southeast States, Nigeria. Thus, the recommendations; The improvement needs on availability of on-board detection diagnostic system facilities should be carry out by all concerned authorities of these facilities in Southeast States Technical Colleges and, Motor Vehicle mechanics trade (MVM)teachers should be re-trained and evaluate on contemporary electronic fuel injection system skills to ensure adequate skill acquisition upon completion of in-service training program.