Educational Alternatives, Volume 12, 2014

Abstract: This study examines the attainment of the intended goal of business studies at the junior secondary school level in Rivers State Nigeria. The study sort to find out if practical classroom activities, available basic materials and infrastructures, the quality and quantity of manpower engaged at the junior secondary school level are congruent with the recommended training and intended goals of business studies in the school. To achieve the objectives of the study, data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire (Teacher’s Experience Questionnaire (TEQ)), which was tested for both face and content validity, with a reliability coefficient of 0.86. The instrument was administered on 238 randomly selected teachers from the study area. The data were analysed, using descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage mean and standard deviation. Result obtained from the data analysis show that practical activities which constitute an indispensable part of training in business studies is not favoured in the teaching and learning process, basic infrastructures are grossly inadequate, materials for practical activities are either not provided in sufficient quantity or not at all; there is the dearth of teachers with the requisite qualification and training as well as support staff. Consequent on the findings, recommendations are made for the repositioning of the teaching and learning of business education at the junior secondary school level to enhance the attainment of the intended goals. Recommendations include adequate provision and maintenance of materials, staffing of schools with qualified manpower, and encouraging them to access capacity-building programs and retraining courses. It is equally recommended that business studies teachers be paid allowances as a form of motivation for practical activities like their science-based counterparts.