CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The word secretary comes from a Latin word “Secret” originally it means one trusted with the secrets and confidence of a superior. No one knows exactly when secretaries originated. The role arose out of the natural need for a prominent person whom confidential matters could be entrusted and who acts as an assistant for a principal. It is known that secretaries existed in Rome prior to the establishment of the empire. They were usually educated men who took dictation as “Scribe” and oftentimes acted as trusted advisors.
Secretarial profession had started as far back as 1920. Prior to the advent of Technological facilities improvement, such as computer, word processor, and Electric typewriter etc. Secretaries used reed pen in taking shorthand dictations, processing minutes and letters that rather makes their job boring and less interesting.
Secretarial studies has as it compulsory shorthand and typing, and as a discipline it has gone beyond just the training of young men and women to be able to make use of the typewriter and do note taking in shorthand. The discipline is now more scientific and more elaborate to cover many areas of administration and management. With the introduction of computers in the last century, secretaries have been assigned with more duties than ever before.
Secretary education is ax component of vocation that provides knowledge and skill for would-be confidential secretary to perform efficiently and effectively in the world of work. The Nigeria University that offer Business Education (secretary option), face some challenges in a bid to provide the desire knowledge, skills and competencies to secretary students in office technology and information system, they also lack adequate lad for shorthand drilling and typewriting, computers and internet facilities in their laboratories to provide the secretary students with knowledge, s kill and competencies needed in the advanced office technology and information system.
Over the years, secretarial study has metamorphosed into something more than typing and note taking in shorthand. For there to be effectiveness in the carrying out the duties of a secretary, he/she must have some basic knowledge of law, practices of meetings, business communication, secretary duties and data processing. The above areas of knowledge will prepare a secretary for the task ahead. The advancement in advancement in technology which brought about the use of different machine in the off ice today rather than be a substitute e added more value to the study of Secretarial Education.
Modern Office technology and information systems in very simple terms depict modern office machines used in office administration by secretarial administrators, clerical workers and managers for the purpose of increased productivity, prompt service delivered improved management decision-making. The secretary therefore must have the knowledge of office technology which is a process b y which machine and equipment are introduced in an office with a view to facilitating the administrative process.
Statement of the Problem
It is an empirical fact that the teaching and learning of secretarial studies has degenerated compared to what it use to be in the past. As result of the development in the technology environment such as; the advent of electronic computer and other fast recording device, many students of Secretary Education no longer see the importance and need for teaching and learning of such core course as shorthand in the university.
The major course in secretarial studies which is “shorthand and typewriting” is now the most unwelcome, unappreciated, dreaded and subsequently most dejected and failed by students. Students do not seem to understand why such course should be integrated among educational courses especially at this present age were information and communication gadgets are almost everywhere and can be used by many people too.
Actually, the feeling of many secretarial students is that the courses be scraped out of curriculum. This feeling seemed to be the reason why many are stressing are of the view that the course should stay but be properly thought in a well equipped environment. It is hoped that when the advantages and its benefits are fully understood one will really see reasons why even the developed nations of the world are still very much using and still emphasize its acquisition, because there is no way one can become a secretary without acquiring skills in shorthand and typewriting.
It is on this background that this works is been carried out to assess the teaching and teaming of secretarial studies in Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this research work is to assess the teaching and learning of secretarial studies in Ambrose Alli University.
Specifically, the researcher will want to find out;
- The problems confronting the teachers and studies of Secretarial Education.
- The attitude of teachers and student towards teaching and learning of secretarial studies.
- Ways and measures aimed at improving the teaching and learning of secretarial studies core course “shorthand and typewriting”.
Significance of the Study
The relevance of secretarial studies in any society cannot be over emphasized because no public or private company can function well without a well trained and reputable secretary. The outcome of this study will be beneficial to the following;
- To prospective Secretaries who are yet to join the labour force to become aware of the importance of processing a mastery of skill.
- To secretaries, because it will create tremendous impact on their duties.
- To the readers of this work especially to students because it will to refocus their mind and intention towards shorthand learning.
Research Question
The research work seeks to answer the following questions:
- What are the attitude of teacher and students towards teaching and learning of secretarial studies?
- Are there adequate learning materials available towards the teaching and learning of secretarial studies?
- Are there adequate professional lecturers to teach secretarial
studies in the university?
Scope of the Study
This research is limited to assessment of the teaching and learning of secretarial studies in Ambrose Alli University.
Definition of Terms
Secretary: is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication, or organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit of more than one. In other situations a secretary is an officer of a society or organization who deals with correspondence, admits new members, and organizes official meetings and events.
Typewriter: is a mechanical or electromechanical machine for writing in characters similar to those produced by printer’s type by means of keyboard-operated types striking a ribbon to transfer ink or carbon impressions onto the paper. Typically one character is printed per keypress.
Shorthand: is an abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases speed and brevity of writing as compared to a normal method of writing a language. The process of writing in shorthand is called stenography
Shorthand: is an abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases speed and brevity of writing as compared to a normal method of writing a language. The process of writing in shorthand is called stenography
Computer: an electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data) in a particular form and of performing a sequence of operations in accordance with a predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program) to produce a result in the form of information or signals.
Technology: defined as the entities, both material and immaterial, created by the application of mental and physical effort in order to achieve some value. In this usage, technology refers to tools and machines that may be used to solve real-world problems.
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