Strategies for enhancing teacher’s performance for effective teaching of business studies in junior secondary schools in Yenagoa LGA Bayelsa state.
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
- To examine the existing professional development opportunities available to Business Studies teachers.
- To investigate the extent to which technology is integrated into Business Studies instruction, exploring the types of digital tools.
- To examine the pedagogical methods employed by teachers in Business Studies classrooms, assessing the level of interactivity, student engagement
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Concept of Strategies
The phrase “strategies” have a Greek Origin. According to the ancient Greek, the word strategy means the art of generalship, of devising and carrying out a military campaign. It was transferred from its military origins to the business world in the year before the ubiquitous MBA, at a time when the military career was considered a good qualification for a manager. As with the military, strategy was seen by business man as a high level function fit only for the minds of leaders and a small cohort of the brightest and best. However, corporate planning was usually a secretive operation that took place at irregular intervals (Hindle in Ohaka, 2017). In the sense of the “art of the general”, which included several subsets of skills including “tactics”, siegecraft, logistics, among others, the term came into use in the 6th century C.E. in East Roman terminology, and was translated into Western Vernacular languages only in the 18th century. From then until the 20th century, the word “strategy” came to denote “a comprehensive way to try to pursue political ends, including the threat or actual use of force, in a dialectic of wills” in a military conflict in which both adversaries interact (Wikipedia, 2017).
The concept of strategies has come to mean different things to disparate persons in different endeavours; while some persons may see it as a method or plan, others regard it as an art or science. Be that as it may, there is a general consensus to the ideology that strategy has an end point of enabling an individual, group or an organization to realize a common goal. However, strategies could be defined as the art or science of planning and marshaling resources for their most efficient and effective use. It is also a method or plan selected by an organization or group aimed at bringing about a desired future such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem (Business Dictionary, 2017).
Strategies are high level plans set out to achieve one or more goals under conditions of uncertainty. Strategies are important because the resources available to achieve these goals are usually limited. Strategy generally involves setting goals, determining actions to achieve the goals, and mobilizing resources to execute the actions. A strategy describes how the ends (goals) will be achieved by the means (resources). This is generally tasked with determining strategy. Strategy can be intended or can emerge as a pattern of activity as the organization adapts to its environment or competes. It involves activities such as strategic planning and strategic thinking (Wkipedia, 2017).
Mintzberg in Wikipedia (2017) defined strategy as a pattern in a stream of decisions to contrast with a view of strategy as planning, while some experts argues that strategy is about shaping the future and is the human attempt to get to the desirable ends with available means, others view strategy as a system of finding, formulating, and developing a doctrine that will ensure long-term success if followed faithfully (Max; Kvint in Wikipedia, 2017). Complexity theorists define strategy as the unfolding of the internal and external aspects of the organization that result in actions in a socio-economic context (Stacey; Terra; Morin in Wikipedia, 2017). Thus, the concept of strategies could be further described in the following five ways:
- Strategy as Plan: a directed course of action to achieve an intended set of goals; similar to the strategic planning concept.
- Strategy as Pattern: a consistent pattern of past behaviour, with a strategy realized over time rather than planned or intended. Where the realized pattern was different from the intent, he referred to the strategy as emergent.
- Strategy as Position: locating brands, products, or companies within the market, based on the conceptual framework of consumers or other stakeholders; a strategy determined primarily by factors outside the firm.
- Strategy as a Ploy: a specific maneuver intended to outwit a competitor.
- Strategy as Perspective: executing strategy based on a “theory of the business” or natural extension of the mindset or ideological perspective of the organization (Mintzberg in Wikipedia, 2017).
Similarly, it will interest you to note that strategy involves two major processes: formulation and implementation. Formulation involves analyzing the environment or situation, making a diagnosis and developing guiding policies. It includes such activities like strategic planning and strategic thinking. Implementation refers to the action plans taken to realize the goals established by the guiding policy of an organization or individual (Mintzberg, Henry, Quinn, James & Brian in Wikipedia, 2017).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Strategies for enhancing teacher’s performance for effective teaching of business studies in junior secondary schools in Yenagoa LGA Bayelsa state. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing Strategies for enhancing teacher’s performance for effective teaching of business studies in junior secondary schools in Yenagoa LGA Bayelsa state.
Summary
This study was on Strategies for enhancing teacher’s performance for effective teaching of business studies in junior secondary schools in Yenagoa LGA Bayelsa state. Three objectives were raised which included: To examine the existing professional development opportunities available to Business Studies teachers, to investigate the extent to which technology is integrated into Business Studies instruction, exploring the types of digital tools and to examine the pedagogical methods employed by teachers in Business Studies classrooms, assessing the level of interactivity, student engagement. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected secondary schools in Yenagoa. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study underscores the multifaceted nature of teacher performance enhancement in the specific context of Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State. The identified strategies provide a roadmap for educational stakeholders, including policymakers, school administrators, and teachers, to collaborate in creating a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning. By addressing the unique challenges identified in this study, the education system in Yenagoa LGA can strive towards continuous improvement, ultimately benefitting both teachers and students in the delivery and reception of Business Studies education
Recommendation
Educational authorities and institutions should design and implement targeted professional development programs specifically tailored to the needs of Business Studies teachers in Yenagoa LGA. These programs should focus on updating teachers’ knowledge of contemporary business concepts, innovative teaching methodologies, and the integration of technology in the classroom.
Ensure that schools in Yenagoa LGA have access to adequate technology resources, including computers, internet connectivity, and relevant software. Providing training and support to teachers in utilizing these resources effectively can enhance their ability to incorporate technology into Business Studies instruction.
Encourage the formation of professional learning communities among Business Studies teachers in Yenagoa LGA. Facilitate regular meetings, workshops, and collaborative initiatives to enable teachers to share best practices, exchange ideas, and collectively address challenges in the teaching of Business Studies.
References
- Ajisafe, O.E., Bolarinwa, K.D. & Edeh, T. (2015). Issues in business education programmes: Challenges to national transformation. Journal of Education and Practice. Vol. 6, No. 21
- Amesi, J. & Akpomi, M.E. (2016). Effect of classroom discipline and control on effective teaching and learning of business education programme in Rivers State. Journal of Technical and Science Education (JOTASE). Vol. 19, No.1
- Awotua-Efebo, E.B. (1999). Effective teaching: Principles and practice. Port-Harcourt: Paragraphics
- Barge, D.J. (2014). Teacher assessment on performance standard 3: Instructional strategies. Georgia Department of Education-Teacher Keys Effectiveness System.
- Business Dictionary (n.d.). Define Strategy. Retrieved from www.businessdictionary.com on June 10th, 2017.
- Centre for Teaching and Learning (2017). Teaching effective strategies. Retrieved from the Centre for teaching and learning: Division of Academic Affairs, University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
