Development and Validation of an Instrument for Assessing Students’ Practical Skills in Joinery at Science and Technical College Level in Nigeria

Abstract

The fact that a student can present a quality product does not constitute a positive proof that process practical skills are obtained. This study was therefore designed to develop and validate an instrument for assessing students’ practical skills in joinery at technical college level. Four research questions were set to guide the study and a null hypothesis. The study adopted the instrumentation design and was carried out in Adamawa State. The population for the study was sixty four (64) respondents. The instrument was subjected to validation, reliability test and results obtained from task-by-task reliability coefficient range from 0.67 to 0.98 through Cronbach Alpha coefficient. The instrument was imperiled to factor is alanalys is where a practical skill item was discarded. Based on the findings; nine (9) tasks with corresponding eighty three (83) practical skills were developed. The study recommended that (i) efforts should adopted to enforce the use of Joinery Skill Assessment Instrument (JSAI) for assessing students’ practical skills in Nigerian technical colleges. (ii) Teachers should be encouraged to study and acquaint themselves with the use of JSAI. (iii) Stakeholders (ministries and institutions) should endeavor develop platforms (conferences, workshops) where the use of this new assessment instrument can be encouraged.