EFFECT OF KOLB’S 4 -STAGE CYCLE MODELOF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ON STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the effect of Kolb’s 4-stage cycle model of experiential learning (E.L) on students’ interest in vegetable crop production. The study adopted a pretest posttest, non - equivalent control group design. It was carried out in Anambra State, with a population of 26,139 Senior Secondary School students. The sample was the entire 141 SS1 students from four sampled schools in Awka Education Zone. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the schools. The instrument for the study was Practical Agriculture Interest Inventory (PAII), which was developed by the researcher to gather information on the students’interest in Agricultural practical activities before and after treatment. The instrument was validated by three experts from Agricultural Education Department UNN. It was trial tested to determine its reliability coefficient, which was found to be 0.88 using Cronbach alpha. Data collected were analyzed using the mean to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test null hypothesis. The result revealed that Kolb’s 4-Stage Cycle Model of Experiential Learning was an effective tool that captures students’ interest in vegetable field crop activities. Based on findings, the researcher recommended that curriculum planners should incorporate the use of Kolb’s model in teaching production agriculture, because it makes teaching and learning activity-based. The model being innovative necessitates the re-training of teachers on its application and delivery strategy.