A study of Technical/Technology Education in The Gambia Upper Basic Schools

Abstract

Historically, technical/technology education has always been perceived as "inferior education". It is time for this perception to change. With the high unemployment rate in the country, and the huge skills shortage, it is imperative for society to take a critical look at the role of technical /technology education in our current curriculum and that the present government looked more closely at the impact that the proper provision of technical/technology education would do to the country as a whole. This study focuses on the current status of technical/technology education provision in the country and the fostering of technical/technology education at the Upper Basic Schools in general. It examines the perceptions of principals, educators and learners towards the following The status of technical/technology education provision in The Gambia. Gender issues with regard to technical subjects. Curriculum appropriateness towards the employability and familiarity with the new FET curriculum Value of technical education for Gambian society Pedagogics related to the technical/technology education curriculum Several important findings that emerged from the data suggested that: Technical education is viewed as very positive by the youth of The Gambia towards addressing unemployment, skills shortages and for the future growth of the country There are gender imbalances with regard to the human resource within the realm of technical/technology education. Lack of suitably qualified educators in the new technical field. Lack of further training of technical education educators for the future Lack of equipment, resources and workshops. Preparedness of educators in meeting the requirements to teach the current FET syllabus. It is imperative for mindset of the general public to change with regard to the perception of the status of technical/technology education in this country, as the youth of today value and respect what technical/technology education has to offer, and for the possibility of what technical /technology education can do for the eradication of the skills shortage dilemma, for addressing the unemployment issue and for the future growth and development of The Gambia.