Title:
SCHOOL MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR FEMALE STUDENTS’ RETENTION IN TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Authors:
OKWELLE, P. Chijioke (Ph.D), OYE Bridget and EBIKEYESE Festus ,Nigeria

Abstract:
This study examined school motivational factors responsible for female students’ retention in Technology Education programmes in tertiary institutions in Rivers State. The study employed descriptive research survey design. The entire population of 179 respondents that comprised 121 Technology Educators and 58 female students from three tertiary institutions offering Technology Education in Rivers State was used for the study. One research question was answered and one hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance. For data collection, a structured questionnaire which was designed after Likert-5-point rating scale was used. The instrument was validated by three experts and reliability coefficient of 0.86 was established for the instrument using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) coefficient reliability method. Mean and standard deviation were used in the analysis of research question while t-test was used to test the hypothesis. The result of the study revealed that affordable school fees, provision of secured accommodation, provision of child care facilities and conducive learning environment among others are some school factors that motivate female retention in Technology Education programmes in tertiary institutions in Rivers State. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that there should be adequate security in hostels and classroom, automatic employment for female folks, preferential admission for females as these will contribute to female retention in Technology Education programmes in tertiary institutions in Rivers State