i LEARNING CONCEPTIONS AND STUDYING APPROACHES AMONG GRAPHIC ARTS STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN NAIROBI, KENYA BY LUCY ACHIENG’ OGOL E83/7778/2002 A THESIS SUBMITTED TO SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, IN FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY OF KENYATTA UNIVERSITY AUGUST 2013 i DECLARATION Declaration by the Candidate This thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other University OR for any other Award. ………………………… ………………………… Lucy Achieng‘ Ogol Date Declaration by the University Supervisors This research thesis has been submitted for examination with our approval as University Supervisors. Signature………………………Date… Prof. Grace Bunyi Associate Professor of Education Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies Kenyatta University, Nairobi Signature……………………… Date: Prof. Jack Green Okech Professor of Education Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies Kenyatta University, Nairobi ii DEDICATION To God the Almighty, and to my loving husband Callistus Ogol, and my adorable children Adrian, Esther and Boniface for their support and understanding. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my appreciation to the Director of Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Dr (Mrs.) L. N. Nzomo, my colleagues Mr. J. Kimotho, Dr Laban Ayiro, Mrs. Mary Wambaria, for the encouragement and support they accorded to me in the pursuit of this study. To Rosemary Kathenge and all the Educational Resources Division (KICD), staff, thank you very much for your prayers, patience and total support. I am grateful to my supervisors Prof. Grace Bunyi and Prof. Jack Green Okech, for painstakingly supervising this thesis. I would also like to appreciate Engineer Moustafa Wahba UNEVOC TVET consultant for providing me with crucial research references and guidance. My gratitude also goes to Prof. N. Entwistle who granted me permission to adapt the ASSIST Inventory and manual for this study. Recognition goes to Mr. Boniface Kimani, Principal of Buru Buru Institute of Fine Arts, Prof. Aduol Principal of Kenya Polytechnic University College, Mrs. Marie-Claire Kidenda and Mrs. Lily Kimaru, School of Arts and Media Studies at the Kenya Polytechnic University College, for allowing me to conduct research in their esteemed institutions. Mr. A. D. Bojana also deserves gratitude for his editorial contribution. Sincere gratitude also goes to my husband Callistus Ogol, my children, Adrian, Esther and Boniface, and my parents Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Margaret Arara, and siblings who have supported me by way of prayers, love and encouragement. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ................................................................................................. i DEDICATION ................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................ iv LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................... viii LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................. x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................... xiii LIST OF ACRONYMS ................................................................................... xiv ABSTRACT ....................................................................................xv CHAPTER ONE .............................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 1 1.1 Background to the Study .......................................................... 1 1.2 Problem Statement ................................................................... 9 1.3 Purpose of the Study ..............................................................11 1.4 Objectives of the Study ..........................................................11 1.5 Hypotheses .............................................................................12 1.6 Significance of the Study .......................................................13 1.7 Limitations of the Study ........................................................14 1.8 Delimitations of the Study .....................................................15 1.9 Assumptions of the Study ......................................................16 1.10 Conceptual Framework of the Study .....................................16 1.11 Definition of Operational Terms ............................................18 CHAPTER TWO ...........................................................................21 LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................21 2.1. Introduction ............................................................................21 v 2.2. The Concepts of Learning Conceptions and Studying Approaches ......................................................................................21 2.3. Technical Education ...............................................................29 2.4. Studies on Learning Conceptions and year of study ..............35 2.5. Studies on Learning Conceptions among Male and Female Students ............................................................................................41 2.6. Studies on Studying Approaches by Year of Study ...............43 2.7. Male and Female Student Studies in Studying Approaches. .54 2.8. Summary of the Literature Review ........................................58 CHAPTER THREE .......................................................................62 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY .......................62 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................62 3.2 Research Design .....................................................................62 3.3 Location of the Study .............................................................63 3.4 Target Population ...................................................................65 3.5 Sampling Design ....................................................................65 3.6 Data Collection Instruments ...................................................68 3.7 Piloting Study .........................................................................70 3.8 Data Collection Procedures ....................................................75 3.9 Data Analysis Procedures ......................................................76 3.10 Logistical and Ethical Considerations ...................................83 CHAPTER FOUR .........................................................................84 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS ...........84 4.1. Introduction ............................................................................84 4.2. Learning Conceptions among Students in the Graphic Arts Courses by Year of Study ................................................................86 4.3. Learning Conceptions among Male and Female Students in Graphic Arts Diploma Courses .......................................................93 vi 4.4. Studying Approaches among Students in the Graphic Arts Diploma Courses by Year of Study ...............................................103 4.5. Studying Approaches among Male and Female Students in Graphic Arts Diploma Courses .....................................................112 4.6. Factor Analysis .....................................................................128 4.7. Discussion ............................................................................146 CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................161 5.1. Introduction ..........................................................................161 5.2. Summary of Results of the Study ........................................161 5.3. Conclusions ..........................................................................168 5.4. Recommendations ................................................................173 5.5. Recommendations for further studies ..................................175 REFERENCES ............................................................................176 APPENDICES ..............................................................................182 APPENDIX A: Approval Letter from the National Council of Science and Technology ................................................................183 APPENDIX B: Introduction Letter to CEOs of selected Technical Education Training Institutions offering Graphic Arts in Nairobi, Kenya .............................................................................................184 APPENDIX C: Introduction Letter to Students in selected Technical Education Training Institutions offering Graphic Arts Courses in Nairobi, Kenya ...............................................................................185 APPENDIX D: Students Learning Conceptions Questionnaire for Graphic Arts Technical Education Courses ..................................187 APPENDIX E: Students Studying Approaches Questionnaire for Graphic Arts Technical Education Courses. .................................188 APPENDIX F: Observation Schedule for the Graphics Arts Technical Training Institutions ......................................................191 APPENDIX G. 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