Project Materials

FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENTS PERFORMANCE IN SHORTHAND

ABSTRACT

Using IMT Enugu as a case study, this research looked at what variables influence students’ shorthand performance. The researcher divided the work into five chapters, each focussing on a different area, to provide structure and organisation. The first chapter provided an overview of the study, outlining its rationale and providing context (problem statement, study objectives, etc.). Reviewing the works of prominent academics in the field was the focus of Chapter 2. The study’s methodology and design, including its sample size and population, data gathering strategy, and data analysis, were the primary foci of Chapter 3. Chapter four delves into the analysis of data collected through questionnaires. Chapter five focusses on the results; twenty-five questionnaire items were used to answer five research questions. The main results are as follows: (i) The majority of students think that learning shorthand is challenging. (ii) Learning English as a second language negatively impacts pupils’ academic outcomes. Students’ lack of enthusiasm for the subject is evident in shorthand. Shorthand instruction is severely underfunded in terms of both human and material resources. Although among the most important suggestions is the following: (i) Providing sufficient tools for the instruction of shorthand. (ii) Recruiting competent educators to lead classes in the subject. (iii) Let time be set out for the instruction of shorthand.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Background of the Study 

Heredity, culture, and customs were major factors in determining a man’s career path before the industrial revolution. At that point, things like aptitude, interest, and talent were not given any thought. Things are different now. In order to reach one’s full potential, one must settle on a career path. After this change, the importance of mechanical skill in corporate offices was acknowledged.

Experts and executives in the business world couldn’t wait to get their hands on these gadgets and improve the efficiency of their transactions. Therefore, shorthand was developed as a means of encoding spoken language in bygone eras. Because it can be typed quickly, millions of people have relied on it for a living.

Even now, all over the globe, people use it anytime there’s a need for a precise and instant legible recording of spoken sound, like in the corporate world, the legal system, and offices of all sizes and types. This technological advancement ultimately led to the creation of Pitman’s Shorthand by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1873.

This method of shorthand has been widely accepted since its initial publication, which was followed by a second edition in 1840.On the other hand, Christopher Lethan Soles invented the practical typewriter in 1813.

Both of these talents were later put to use in the corporate sector. Private schools in Nigeria were the primary institutions that used shorthand throughout the colonial era.

On the other hand, state and federal agencies started setting up staff training centres in the 1960s, and one of the courses offered was shorthand for business.

Pitman argues that shorthand is the practice of employing written signals to reflect spoken sound, whereas other dictionaries describe it as a way to quickly write using strokes and dots to express sound. The core goal of studying it is to increase one’s writing speed well above that of the English language’s maximal longhand pace.

The process, address, and other details are documented in this way. Most shorthand instructors devote more time to their pupils’ education because of the significance of shorthand.

The basics of shorthand are introduced to the students in a straightforward and concise manner, using a format that mirrors their presentation. The vowel, diphthong, trip hones, consonants, etc. The students’ study of shorthand is strengthened by the practice.

On the other hand, the teachers in public commercial schools. Too often, they skip over the basics of shorthand and move on to more advanced topics.

Students’ shorthand performance suffered as a result of this practice, which is discouraging. A complete development of shorthand knowledge would benefit Nigerian society much and leave no room for regret.

Sir Alex Clergy (1963) argues that a strong educational system “auris at admitting all children of an area and exposing them to a variety of practical, social intellectual experience and offering the greater possibility of adjusting educationally to meet the needs of individual.” A good system also involves providing students with a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Everyone seems to agree that learning shorthand is no picnic. Students believe that the only subject that can adequately describe its challenging character is mathematics. Because of their belief that shorthand is incomprehensible to humans, many students have lost interest in the course and its material.

Some students find it difficult to transcribe accurately because they shudder before the dictation begins, which causes them to put their outlines improperly.

This is all because they already have a dread of shorthand. Keeping in mind that students in this subject tend to have a negative outlook on the subject as a means of improving their shorthand skills.

1.3 Purpose Of The Study

Learning shorthand is a challenge for many students who want to pursue careers in secretarial studies or business education (the secretarial option). Find out what makes a difference to students’ shorthand scores by reading this research.

Additionally, it will identify the causes of students’ perception that shorthand is an exceptionally challenging course, shed light on some of these causes, and offer some recommendations for improving the course.

Shorthand isn’t just for losers, thanks to this strategy. Just to soften the blow of the concept that learning shorthand is no easy feat. Motivate students to apply what they’ve learnt in the course once it’s over. And to fix some flaw in the instructional strategies, etc.

1.4 The significance Of The Study

All secretarial studies students will benefit greatly from this study since it will shed light on the elements that influence their shorthand learning and provide viable solutions to these issues. It teaches students to have a positive outlook on shorthand, which in turn helps them learn more about the course material and finish on time.

Commercial enterprises, particularly those in need of secretarial services, will profit from the outcome. The study’s author also hopes that it will serve as supplementary course material for future examiners, educators, and educational institutions.

Adopting strategies that provide facilities to boost students’ performance would also benefit teachers. In addition, the fundamental ideas and approaches covered in this course will be useful for shorthand writers, particularly beginners who are taking their first steps into the field. Lastly, it is believed that an increased awareness of the significance of studying shorthand will be spread across society.

1.5 Scope of the Study

The focus of this research is on the elements that have a detrimental impact on students’ performance in shorthand at one school in the Enugu metropolitan area, namely the Institution of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu.Only current and former students of the Secretarial Administration program at IMT Enugu will be considered for this study.

1.6 Research Proposition

The following research questions were developed to guide the execution of this investigation.

1. What makes the secretarial studies problem course on shorthand?

Does one’s familiarity with the English language have any bearing on how quickly they pick up shorthand?

3. Does the way students think, believe, and are interested in the subject matter impact their ability to master it?

Does the way shorthand is taught affect students’ comprehension?

5. How can we ensure that our students are fully proficient in shorthand?

1.7 Definition of Terms

The art of shorthand is the practice of using symbols or characters to represent spoken language.

Vowels are the noises made when the airway to the mouth is left wide open, preventing the sound of audible friction. When there is no audible friction and the mouth is left slightly open. The number of basic vowels is twelve (12).

Two vowels uttered in a row in a distinct syllabus or in isolation form are called dithhongs.

TRIPTHONGS: A little tick that is fastened to a diphthong denotes any vowel that comes just after the diphthong.

Students’ proficiency in learning shorthand is what we mean when we talk about their performance.

The term “rate” describes a value that is evaluated in relation to another numerical value.