AN INVESTIGATION ON THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROSPECTIVE GRADUATES OF PRIMARY EDUCATION,UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN,KWARA STATE
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Date
2023
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Educationaal Thought
Abstract
The study investigated the career opportunities for prospective graduates of primary education, University of Ilorin, Kwara State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design where two research questions were raised. The population of the study consisted of 200 undergraduate students from primary education as the respondents which were randomly selected across all levels. A researcher self-constructed questionnaire titled Career Opportunities for Undergraduate Students of Primary Education(COUSPE)was used for data collection. The validity of the instrument was conducted by two experts in Childhood Education and Psychology, University of Ilorin respectively, while Cronbach Alpha reliability method used yielded an index of 0.70. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions raised. The findings revealed the career opportunities available for undergraduate students of primary education as; special education teacher, preschool and childcare centre directors, childhood curriculum developer, resource person, educational consultant, and childcare specialist. It was also revealed that, the major determinants of career opportunities for the prospective graduates of primary education studies are; degree in primary education studies, higher levels of education, such as postgraduate degrees in education, practical experiences such as teaching practicums and internships, personal motivation and dedication, hands-on teaching experiences during studies, and building professional networks and connections with educators. It was recommended that undergraduate students of primary education as at point of admission should be enlightened on the jobs opportunities awaiting them, so as to improve their level of seriousness towards the course. Also, students should be sensitized on the major determinants of their career opportunities, so as to know their bearing and the best way to prepare for the future.
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Career opportunities, prospective graduates, primary education