CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS' PERCEPTION

Abstract

This study investigates pre-service teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of childhood education programmes in preparing them for graduate employability in terms of the skills essential by the labour market. The study is a descriptive survey design. Two hundred and fifty pre-service teachers were purposively sampled from institutions of higher learning in Oyo State. The research instrument was a questionnaire exploring. respondents' views on the demand for skills as a significant factor in employability. The instrument was validated by experts in Primary and Early Childhood education as well as Test and Measurements and subjected to Cronbach reliability test which yielded 0.79. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysis revealed that graduates possessed moderate level of relevant skills and knowledge of the labour market. Problem-solving, adaptability skills, technology and innovative skills in real world settings demonstrated good skills in leadership, innovations, non-cognitive and self-management skills are essential elements for graduate employability. Also, it was revealed that there exists significant difference in pre-service early childhood teachers' perception of graduate employability based on gender. The study concluded that higher institutions of learning should intensify their efforts in including and sustaining employability skills and development in undergraduates' curriculum. The study recommended that universities should embrace the use of socially responsive pedagogy in teaching and learning, especially in regards to exposing students to realistic and practical problems solving situations.