THE ROLE OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN DEVELOPING SOFT SKILLS AMONG STUDENTS OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION OF TARABA STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ZING, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the role of experiential learning on the development of soft skills among students of vocational and technical education of Taraba State College of Education Zing, Nigeria. Experiential learning, which emphasizes hands-on experiences and practical applications, was examined as a strategy for enhancing skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design to assess the effectiveness of experiential learning in developing soft skills and improving career readiness. The population of the study consist of all NCE 3 Students of Agric Education, Business Education, Home Economics, Technical Education and Fine Arts department of Taraba State College of Education Zing. The total enrolment of NCE 3 students in the five departments is five hundred and thirty-five (535) students (Directorate of Management Information System, COE Zing, 2024). The average age of the students is between eighteen and twenty-five (18-25) years. A stratified random sampling technique was used for the study. A sample size of 150 TVET students (final-year students who have undergone experiential learning activities) was used for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to the selected students to gather quantitative data on their perceptions of experiential learning and soft skills development. The instrument's reliability was established with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.82, indicating strong internal consistency. Psychometric analysis, including factor analysis, was conducted to validate the constructs measured by the instrument. The results indicated that experiential learning significantly contributes to the development of soft skills, with internship/industrial training and group projects/simulations being particularly effective. It is recommended that TVET programmes integrate more experiential learning opportunities to enhance students' soft skills and prepare them for the demands of the workforce. Further research should explore the long-term impact of experiential learning on career success.