The Status of Environmental Issues in Selected · Agricultural TVET Courses towards Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development
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Date
2008-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess whether the courses of Agricultural Technical V Qcational
Education and Training (A TVET) colleges included environmental issues such as land
degradation, deforestation and depletion of biodiversity. In order to assess the courses, data were
gathered through curriculum analysis, questionnaires, interviews and, classrooms and sites
observations. Three curriculum guides were selected with sampling techniques from the three
departments that were included in the research. Three colleges were selected among the twentyfive
existing ATVET colleges. From the three colleges 53 instructors and 334 trainees were
participated. The data obtained through the various instruments were analyzed both
quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings showed that the courses are addressing
environmental issues especially land degradation. The teaching methods that are included in the
courses are appropriate to achieve the objectives included in the curriculum. However, it was
dominated by lecturing. The finding also showed that there is a statistically significant mean
difference between the achievement test scores of male (M=56.60, SD=12.655) and female
(M=49.24, SD=12.747) trainees, /(332)=4.227, p LO.05. However, there is no statistically
significant mean difference among colleges and departments in their level of awareness about
natural resources management. The finding also indicated that the trainees' moral, capacity and
courage to work in rural areas were not satisfactory. And there is no appropriate criterion to
select candidates for ATVET colleges. The A TVET colleges are not well furnished and equipped
to give adequate services to the trainees. Based on the findi ngs, the researcher recommends that:
future curriculum revision might include clearly stated objectives, teaching and evaluation
techniques that are related to environmental education; focus should be given to training of
teachers on how to teach environmental issues; select candidates based on knowledge and
competences; and allocate enough spaces for demonstration sites in the colleges.
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Keywords
Environmental Issues