Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project focuses on conducting a survey to investigate the high rate of failure in shorthand among students in the Department of Secretarial Studies at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu. Shorthand is a crucial skill for secretarial professionals, as it enables them to take fast and accurate notes during meetings, interviews, and other business interactions. Despite its importance, there has been a noticeable trend of high failure rates in shorthand courses within the department. The main objectives of this research are to identify the factors contributing to the high failure rate in shorthand, explore the teaching methods and resources employed in the department, and propose recommendations for improvement. The research will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The qualitative aspect of the research will involve interviews with students, teachers, and administrators in the Department of Secretarial Studies to gather insights into their experiences with shorthand education. Additionally, classroom observations will be conducted to assess the teaching methods and classroom dynamics during shorthand lessons. On the other hand, the quantitative aspect will involve analyzing historical academic records to determine the trend of failure rates over the past few years. Preliminary findings suggest that several factors may be contributing to the high failure rate in shorthand, including outdated teaching materials, limited practice opportunities, and a lack of individualized support for struggling students. Furthermore, the research will explore the students' attitudes towards shorthand, their perceived challenges, and their suggestions for improving the learning experience. Based on the research findings, recommendations will be proposed to address the identified issues and improve the overall success rate in shorthand courses at IMT Enugu. These recommendations may include updating teaching materials, providing additional practice sessions, offering remedial support for struggling students, and potentially revising the curriculum to better meet the needs of the learners. Overall, this research project aims to shed light on the reasons behind the high failure rate in shorthand within the Department of Secretarial Studies at IMT Enugu and provide actionable recommendations to enhance the teaching and learning of shorthand skills in the department.

Thesis Overview