Views of Teacher-Trainees on Clothing and Textiles Education in two Teacher Education Universities in Ghana

Abstract

The study explored the views of teacher-trainees on Clothing and Textiles (C&T) education in two teacher educationuniversities in Ghana. The objectives were to find out whether pre-tertiary Sewing/C&T lessons provided them withsmall-scale business skills, and foundation for higher education, they could teach Sewing/C&T competently oninternship, identify their sources of motivation, and elicit their suggestions to improve on the subject. Data collectedrevealed that one-tenth and two-thirds acquired small-scale business skills from their lessons at basic and secondarylevels respectively. About 71% indicated they taught the subject competently on internship and career intention wastheir main motivating factor for the subject. For improvement, there is need to provide adequate modern facilities andcompetent teachers with current ideas in content and pedagogy, and good teacher relationship with students andindustry. Other suggestions were, students should remain focused and attract others to the subject through theirdressing. Feed-back from the teacher trainees indicates that Sewing/C&T education in Ghana provides occupationalskills and foundation for further studies.