ABSTRACT
The study investigated the influence of practical teaching methods on the academic performance of home economics students in the University of Benin's Vocational Technical Education (V.T.E) program. A total of 100 senior students were surveyed to assess the effectiveness of practical teaching methods compared to traditional ones, the specific methods that most positively impact student learning, and the relationship between hands-on activities and academic performance. The research also explored student attitudes towards practical teaching, the challenges of implementing these methods, and offered recommendations for educators and policymakers.
Data collection involved administering questionnaires to the 100 students, and the results were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and frequency tables. The findings showed that hands-on activities and simulations significantly enhance engagement and retention, helping students develop essential skills like cooking, sewing, and budgeting. Moreover, integrating technology, problem-based learning, and collaborative learning into practical lessons further improves academic performance, as these methods make learning more relevant, interactive, and engaging.
Practical teaching methods were found to significantly enhance student engagement and academic performance by making learning more relevant, interactive, and meaningful. These methods help students acquire practical skills that apply directly to real-world scenarios, solidify theoretical concepts, and build confidence. The study recommends increasing hands-on activities and simulations, incorporating technology, and adopting problem-based and collaborative learning approaches to create a more dynamic and effective home economics curriculum.
