Title: Employability Skills And Functionality Of Pre-Service Teachers In Public Colleges Of Education In Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Isiaka Olowookere and Isuku Jerome Eregbeka
Volume: 8
Issue: 10
Pages: 38-46
Publication Date: 2024/10/28
Abstract:
This study investigates the relationship between employability skills and the functionality of pre-service teachers in Colleges of Education in Oyo State, Nigeria. It tests three null hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level, focusing on the significance of employability skills in enhancing teaching effectiveness. A descriptive survey research design was employed, using a multi-stage sampling procedure to select 750 final-year students from three public Colleges of Education. Data were collected using the Employability Skills Scale (ESS), which assessed various skills necessary for effective teaching. Statistical analyses revealed a moderate positive correlation between employability skills and the functionality of pre-service teachers (r = 0.63, p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the first hypothesis. The study further established a significant joint influence of employability skills on pre-service teachers' functionality (Rē = 0.55), confirming the second hypothesis's rejection. Additionally, the relative contributions of specific employability skills particularly managerial and ICT skills were significant, reinforcing the need for curriculum adjustments to better prepare future educators for the demands of the labour market. The findings underscore the importance of integrating employability skills into teacher training programmes, ensuring that graduates possess the competencies needed for effective teaching. Recommendations include enhancing ICT resources in Colleges of Education and fostering employability skills to better equip educators for their roles in society.