THE INFLUENCE OF TRAINER FACTORS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of trainer factors on implementation of competency based education and Training in Meru County. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using mixed methods approach. The target population was TVET trainees, trainers, technicians and principals in public TVET institutions in Meru County. A sample size of 363 respondents was selected to participate in the study. These included 335 trainees, 23 trainers, 3 technicians and 3 principals. Interview schedules and questionnaires were used to collect data where institution principals were interviewed while questionnaires were administered to trainers, technicians and trainees.The study findings showed that most (62.1%) of the study participants reported that Trainers are not adequately trained and prepared on competency based education and training. Additionally, the responses showed that majority (63.9%) of the study participants reported that the objectives of Competency based education and training are not clear. Further, majority (70.3%) of the study participants believed that trainers are not motivated to teach on the new competency based education and training. Similarly a majority (76.3%) of the study respondents believed that the school administration provide support to staff and students. Moreover, it emerged that majority of the respondents at 74.5% believed that trainers are not well remunerated. On testing the hypothesis, the study established a significant positive correlation between Trainer Factors and Implementation of CBET (r = 232; p = .000). At 95% confidence level, the r value for Trainer Factors was .232 which implies a weak correlation. In this case the positive values implied a positive correlation where resolution of trainer factors leads to improved implementation of CBET. Therefore, the hypothesis which stated that there is no significant relationship between Trainer Factors and Implementation of CBET was rejected. This shows that Trainer Factors affect Implementation of CBET