DETERMINING TEACHING COMPETENCIES OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME GRADUATES OF FCE (T) GOMBE

Abstract

The purpose of this follow-up study was to evaluate the performance of Agricultural Education
Graduates (AEGs) of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe, from 1996 to 2003
who are teaching Agricultural Science in secondary schools in Gombe State; with a view to
determining how effective they demonstrate the knowledge of vocational agriculture, the
knowledge of pedagogy and the usefulness of the knowledge of general studies on their
professional career. Data were collected using a researcher- developed questionnaire. The
data collected were analyzed using weighted mean to answer 45 questions posed. Findings of
the study revealed that; AEGs are effective in eight out of ten vocational agriculture
competencies; AEGs effectively demonstrate pedagogic skills in 19 out of 20 competency
statements and that the knowledge of general studies is effectively useful to AEGs’ professional
competency needs. It was recommended that equal and adequate attention be given to all
aspect of the curriculum of agriculture by agriculture teacher trainers. Teaching and learning
environment in secondary schools should be motivating and conducive for the students to
develop interest in agriculture.