An assessment of competencies of students performance in conventional lathe machining at the higher national diploma (HND) level a case study of Koforidua and Accra Polytechnics

Abstract

The rationale for this write up generally enlighten the students and especially the practical lecturers and instructors to have a broader perspective about ascertaining the competencies of students performance level of conventional lathe machine usage in the Polytechnics, the various competencies and strategies adopted in teaching the practical skills and to discover the reasons for the low performance of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate in the industries on the use of conventional lathe machine. The case study was conducted in two Polytechnics to be precise Koforidua Polytechnic in the Eastern Region, and Accra Polytechnic in the Greater Accra Region. The researcher investigated into the background of practical skills, students‟ competencies, and the concern of instructors or practical lecturers. However, through questionnaires, interviews and observations, the researcher had found out that, most Polytechnics were not adequately equipped with conventional lathe machines, tools and equipment. They could not achieve standard level of student performance in Lathe machining. Also, practical lecturers have different teaching strategies and large number of student to a machine during practical lessons with inadequate practical lecturers, and less practical periods and hours. Meanwhile, institutions must train instructors and have general, standard competencies and strategies for teaching practical lesson as well as provision of adequate and suitable materials for practical training and to check students‟ attitude towards practical lesson.