Abstract:
The rationale for this write up generally enlighten the students and
especially the practical lecturers and instructors to have a broader perspective
about ascertaining the competencies of students performance level of conventional
lathe machine usage in the Polytechnics, the various competencies and strategies
adopted in teaching the practical skills and to discover the reasons for the low
performance of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate in the industries on the
use of conventional lathe machine.
The case study was conducted in two Polytechnics to be precise Koforidua
Polytechnic in the Eastern Region, and Accra Polytechnic in the Greater Accra
Region. The researcher investigated into the background of practical skills,
students‟ competencies, and the concern of instructors or practical lecturers.
However, through questionnaires, interviews and observations, the
researcher had found out that, most Polytechnics were not adequately equipped
with conventional lathe machines, tools and equipment. They could not achieve
standard level of student performance in Lathe machining. Also, practical lecturers
have different teaching strategies and large number of student to a machine during
practical lessons with inadequate practical lecturers, and less practical periods and
hours.
Meanwhile, institutions must train instructors and have general, standard
competencies and strategies for teaching practical lesson as well as provision of
adequate and suitable materials for practical training and to check students‟
attitude towards practical lesson.
Description:
A Dissertation in the department of MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education,
Winneba in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of
Technology Education (Mechanical Technology) degree.
AUGUST, 2013