Challenges of Teaching and Learning of Home Economics in Selected Colleges of Education in Zambia

Abstract

The study examined the challenges of teaching and learning of Home economics in colleges of education in Zambia. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of 22 colleges of education affiliated to the University of Zambia and offering Home Economics. A sample of 35 Home Economics lecturers were selected for the study using purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire with Likert Scale was used for data collection. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme. The findings of the study revealed that the challenges were associated with college administration and curriculum issues. The study further revealed seven factors that impeded the teaching and learning of home economics subject and these were; lack of well-equipped specialised rooms, insufficient funding, inadequate reference books and instructional materials, large classes, lack of motivation, heavily loaded timetable and insufficient time lead to the challenges of learning and teaching of Home economics in colleges of education. The study recommended that colleges of education administrators should provide a conducive environment and adequate professional and technical support to the lecturers.