Teacher Competences in the Teaching of Fashion and Fabrics Practical Skills in Eswatini High Schools

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue IX, September 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Teacher Competences in the Teaching of Fashion and Fabrics Practical Skills in Eswatini High Schools

Hlengiwe Ntfombiyekhaya Magagula¹, Molyn Mpofu1, Sithulisiwe Bhebhe²

¹Department of Consumer Science Education and Community Development, University of Eswatini, Eswatini
²Department of Primary Teacher Education, University of Eswatini, Eswatini

Abstract: Fashion and Fabrics is a discipline that is practically and theoretically oriented. Teacher competences in teaching Fashion and Fabrics practical component are of critical importance in imparting skills to the students. The purpose of this study was to ascertain teacher competences in teaching the Fashion and Fabrics practical component in Eswatini. The study was purely qualitative and descriptive in nature. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews and observation. The data were analysed using the thematic analysis. Findings of the study revealed that teachers had varying competencies in the sewing processes that they needed in order to impart skills to the students; teachers were competent in the construction and neatening of plain open and closed seams, preparing and attaching patch pocket, disposing of fullness in the construction of garments such as single pointed darts, pleats, gathers. Deficiencies were also noted in the application of openings and fasteners, that is, press studs, hook and eyes and attaching of sleeves. The study concludes that Fashion and Fabrics teachers had varying competencies in the sewing processes that they needed to impart skills to the students. This literally means that the teachers have the knowledge, skill and ability to impart these skills to the students to enable them to produce garments of a high standard. Hence, the study recommends that in-service training be undertaken to equip all Fashion and Fabrics teachers with the practical skills that they lack.

Index words: coursework, practical skills, qualitative, teacher competences, theory.

I. INTRODUCTION

Fashion and Fabrics is one of the subjects in the field of Home Economics. Practical subjects are where students use hands and the brain to acquire lifelong skills [6], [33]. Fashion and Fabrics is a discipline that imparts both practical and theoretical skills in the learner. Fashion and Fabrics high school examinations incorporate both practical and theory. The examination constitutes of a coursework (practical), theory examination paper.

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