PERCEPTION OF THE RELEVANCE OF HOME ECONOMICS EDUCATION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the perception of the relevance of Home Economics Education among secondary school students in Oredo local government area of Edo State. Five (5) research questions were raised to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey of a correlational type. The population for this study consisted of Eighteen thousand, one hundred and six (18,106) students in Government junior secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area in Edo State. (Ministry of Education, 2024). The sample size of the study was made up of one hundred and thirty two (132) Junior secondary school students in Egor local government area of Edo state. A proportionate sampling technique of 0.73% was used to arrive at the sample size of the study. The instruments used for data collection for the study was a structured questionnaire titled: “Questionaire on Perception of Home Economics Education among secondary school students (QPRHEESS). The instrument for data collection was subjected tovalidity by the researcher's supervisor and two other experts from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City. Findings indicated that the perception of students on the relevance of Home Economics is significantly influenced by factors such as the gender of the students, Parents, Teachers and Peer group. It emphasized the critical role of Teachers in influencing students attitude and perception. Their enthusiasm, teaching methods and interactions with students significantly impact students engagement and motivation bin Home Economics. The  findings also suggest that parents are not fully leveraging their potential influence on their children's perceptions, highlighting the need for educators and policy makers to explore alternative strategies to engage students in Home Economics. Gender stereotypes and societal expectations can impact students interests and perception of various subjects including Home Economics. The findings also imply that student's perception of Home Economics are not heavily influenced by their peers group. Instead, individual interests, experiences, or other factors may play a more significant role in shaping their attitudes towards the subject.