Strategies towards Enhancing Students’ Skill Acquisition through Foods and Nutrition Practicals in Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study on strategies towards enhancing students’ skill acquisition through foods and nutrition practicals in tertiary institutions in Anambra State examined the challenges facing effective Foods and Nutrition Practical lessons in tertiary institutions in the State. It also identified strategies that will help the students to gain more skills through balanced practical lessons on foods and nutrition. The study adapted a descriptive research design. The study raised two research questions for guidance; population comprised 38 Foods and Nutrition lecturers and 263 students making a total of 301 persons. Through a Simple random sampling, 147 respondents made up of 35 lecturers and 112 final year students of Home Economics were selected. A Structured questionnaire was used in data collecting and arithmetic mean was used for analysis of data. Challenges militating against effective practical lessons include inadequate time allocation, lack of interest, dearth of qualified teachers and supervisors among others. Strategies such as use of proper teaching methods, subsidizing the cost of practical lessons, exposing students to seminars, conferences and field trips were also identified as ways of tackling the identified challenges. Based on the findings, the study recommended that government and well-meaning individuals should help to equip laboratories with equipment and facilities in tune with times and needs. It is also recommended that Foods and Nutrition practicals should be handles by qualified teachers and resource persons.