This is education design to prepare skilled
personnel at a lower level of qualification for one or a group of occupations
includes general education, practical training for development of skills
required by the chosen occupations, and related theory. The proportions of these components may vary
considerable but the emphasis is usually on practical training.
The above definitions tend to
problems of classification based on the level of entry level of work
proportions of the theoretical and scientific studies and emphasis on practical
training to award
such debates in classifications and to improve the development in this type of education ,
the current trend in education and
planning and practice is to use a single
term technology education to embrace all
such education programmes
The term technology deals with “the
application of knowledge in the solution of practical problems of everyday
living technology education ,
essentially, aims at developing techniques,
devices, procedures and the
process for doing things. Obviously,
theoretical and scientific studies and related skill training are required. These components will vary
according to the level of education and nature of occupation and career being
considered. In other words, while science is concerned with “knowing”
technology aims at “getting things done and done-efficiently” (UNESCO and ILO,
1984).
I have deliberately dwelt at length
on the issue of technical and vocational
education because their clear understanding will help better understanding of
their unique roles in and implication
for national growth and development in
Nigeria.
Furthermore, the purpose of making a distinction of these
terminologies is the establish a vehicle of international
communication by allowing us to arrive at common ground in order to compare experience and
discuss common problem in the field.
As may be seen from the definitions
technical and vocational education
refers to those elements in the required general curriculum which introduce young people to the world of technology and / or
to practical skills used in some occupations. These elements often serve
a guidance or orientation function as well.