Organisation, Quality and Challenges in the B. Ed Technical Education Degree Industrial Attachment Course, University of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to find out how students on the Bachelor of Education (Technical) degree programme rated the organization and quality of the industrial attachment component of the programme. Challenges students faced during industrial attachment were also examined.  A case study design was used. Twenty-five final year students from the Home Economics, Building and Wood Technology and Design programmes participated in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The students reported that the practice of them finding their own placement was not ideal and they did not have adequate orientation prior to their attachment. The duration of attachment was found to be insufficient. The students indicated that they had received adequate supervision; mentors were knowledgeable and highly skilled. The main challenges faced by students were financial constraints and the difficulty in securing placement.  The study therefore recommended that the department takes a major role in placement of students for attachment. A more comprehensive pre-orientation programme should also be designed to adequately prepare students for the Industrial Attachment. The coordination of the industrial attachment needs to be a more efficient system that allows for constant and adequate tracking of all industrial attachment activities. The duration of attachment should be increased. Furthermore, the assessment of the industrial attachment should include a log book which concentrates on evaluating the practical skills of the students.