Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to find out strategies for improving the performance of students in woodwork in the National Technical Certificate examination in Nasarawa State. In order to achieve this purpose, 180 woodwork students and 40 woodwork teachers from the three technical colleges were used for the study. To guide the researcher in his investigation, four research questions were formulated. A set of questionnaire was structured for principals, teachers and students in the three technical colleges. A five – point likert scale was adopted in structuring the items in the questionnaire. The data was collated and analysed using the 5 points likert’s scale. For the purpose of interpretation, mean scores and t-test were used for research questions and hypotheses respectively. Presentation of data was done by the use of tables. The tables were accompanied by brief notes describing the findings made from the data presented. Damian (2006) revealed that there are problems in the performance of students in woodwork in the NTC examination such as financial problems, non availability of necessary equipment, materials and trained/qualified teachers. That there are strategies for improving the performance of students in woodwork in the NTC examination such as finance, sending teachers for in-service training and students industrial work experience scheme.
The following findings were raised;
• Standard textbooks should be made available to students in furniture making.
• Teachers should attend workshops/seminars to enhance performance.
• Students’ placement in woodwork should be based on their potentials.
