Teachers’ Personality as a Correlate of Students’ Perception of Careers in Agriculture in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the agricultural science teachers’ personality on perception of careers in agriculture among secondary school students in Abia state, Nigeria. A sample size of 270 students was drawn randomly from 27 senior secondary schools in the state. Primary data collected with the use of structured questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result revealed that among the various fields in agriculture, the students were more aware of animal production option (WMS =1.68). They indicated a negative perception of the agricultural science teachers’ personality (WMS =0.98) and careers in agriculture (PI =2.34). The study also showed a significant relationship between teachers’ personality and students’ perception of careers in agriculture (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the perception of male and female students towards careers in agriculture (t = 0.268, p > 0.05). The study concluded that with the prevalence of poor attitude towards agricultural careers, there is urgent need to work towards repositioning teaching as a career that would attract the interest of people with the potential to deliver the educational need of the Nation. It was recommended that teachers should see their task beyond impacting knowledge on students but also mentoring them for a befitting future by being a good example of the field they teach and represent