Evaluating curriculum relevance at a technical and vocational education and training college in greater Edendale, KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

My working experience as a lecturer in the TVET sector made me concerned about students’ challenges during their journey at the college and experiences upon completing the National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) Engineering and Related Design (ERD) programme. It has happened that students drop out or are unable to find employment. The purpose of this study was thus to explore the perceptions of students and lecturers at the Plessislaer campus of the UMgungundlovu TVET College of the relevance of the Engineering and Related Design NCV Level 4 curriculum. In addition, the study aimed to explore measures the college could take to enhance curriculum relevance so as to hopefully decrease dropout rate and improve throughput rate. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the measures to enhance the programme and minimise dropout rate. Curriculum documents were analysed to check their relevance to the needs of the students. Participants involved in ERD Level 4 at UMgungundlovu TVET College were purposively sampled for semi-structured interviews. A total of eight participants were interviewed, which included two lecturers, two current students, two former students who had successfully completed the programme, and two students who did not finish the programme. The study found that the NCV ERD curriculum does meet the needs of the students, but that certain things could increase its relevance. The findings indicated that more theory was taught than practical, despite the curriculum as intended stating that the opposite should be the case. Lecturers indicated that the syllabus was too long to finish in a year. They also suggested a bridging course for those students who did not do Pure Mathematics at school. It has been recommended that industry tours for the students and the lecturers take place. These would help motivate the students in their studies, thus increasing throughput rate on ERD NCV programme; and would ensure lecturers are kept up-to-date with industry requirements. Lecturers suggested that they need to be included in curriculum development as they are the implementers of the programme. Finally, the study identified gaps for further research.