STATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF PRACTICUM CURRICULUM FOR PREPARING BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS FOR DECENT WORK IN DIGITAL ERA

Abstract

This paper discussed various strategies for effective implementation of practicum curriculum for preparing business education students for decent work in the digital era. The paper conceptualized decent work and also enumerated the objectives and course outlines of the NCE business education practicum curriculum. It was established that the business education practicum curriculum is a veritable tool for preparing business education students for decent work in the digital era. The paper equally highlighted some impediments to the effective implementation of the business education practicum curriculum to include; inadequate funding, shortage of qualified and highly skilled personnel, inappropriate teaching strategies as well as government apathy towards business education. In order to overcome the aforementioned challenges, the paper suggested the following strategies; adequate funding, employment of the right calibre of personnel, adoption of appropriate instructional strategies and revitalization of professional bodies at national and state levels. In conclusion, the paper asserted that the NCE business education practicum curriculum has the potentials for instilling appropriate work-ethics, social skills, creative cum problem-solving skills, time and stress management skills for business enterprise thus preparing students for decent work in the digital era.

Keywords:  Decent jobs, E-world, Hard skills, Soft skills, On-the-job training.