Effect of Apprenticeship Instructional Method on Home Economics Students Skill Acquisition in Post-Basic School, Adamawa State

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the apprenticeship instructional method on the skill acquisition of home economics students’ post-basic school in Adamawa State. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving a sample of 200 students drawn from four Post-Basic Schools. The participants were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught using the apprenticeship instructional method, while the control group received traditional classroom instruction. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted to measure skill acquisition in various home economics activities. The results indicated a significant improvement in the skill acquisition of the experimental group compared to the control group. The mean post-test score for the experimental group was 85.4, while the control group scored 68.2, demonstrating a notable difference of 17.2 points. Statistical analysis using t-test revealed that the difference in the mean scores was significant (t = 5.21, p < 0.05). This suggests that the apprenticeship instructional method is more effective in enhancing the practical skills of home economics students in Post-Basic Schools. Furthermore, the findings revealed a significant increase in the confidence levels of the experimental group compared to the control group. The mean post-test confidence score for the experimental group was 88.7, while the control group scored 70.3, resulting in an 18.4-point difference. Statistical analysis using a paired t-test showed that this difference was significant (t = 6.03, p < 0.05). These results indicate that students taught using the apprenticeship instructional method exhibited higher confidence in applying home economics skills than those taught using traditional methods. The study concludes that integrating apprenticeship methods in home economics education can significantly enhance students' skill acquisition and confidence. It recommends that Post-Basic school educators and policymakers in Adamawa State consider adopting this approach to improve the quality of home economics education and better prepare students for practical life skills.