Evaluation of Laboratory Facilities Management Strategies for Enhancing Effective Teaching in Technical Colleges in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined laboratory facilities management strategies for enhancing effective teaching in Technical Colleges in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Guided by three research questions and three corresponding hypotheses, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 179 teachers from six Technical Colleges, from which 130 teachers (82 males and 48 females) were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a 30-item questionnaire, validated by three experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach alpha, yielding an overall reliability coefficient of 0.77. Responses were rated on a five-point scale and data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and independent t-test at 0.05 significance level. The study found that strategies like safety audits, funding, clear guidelines, staff collaboration, equipment inspection and teacher training are moderately implemented, supporting teaching and learning. From the findings of the study, challenges include inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, unqualified personnel, outdated equipment, unsafe storage, unclear safety procedures and limited practical time. No significant gender differences were observed. The study recommends increased funding, recruitment of qualified staff, professional development, digital inventory and safety systems and sufficient practical time and spare parts to enhance laboratory operations and technical education quality.
Keywords
Laboratory FacilitiesManagement StrategiesEffective TeachingTechnical
References
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