THE TEACHING OF MASS COMMUNICATION IN SOUTHEAST STATE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF METHODS

Abstract

This study sought to examine the teaching styles adopted by lecturers in teaching mass communication courses in state owned universities in South-East, Nigeria. The study argued that different courses call for different teaching methods in order to foster proper understanding. However, it appears that most lecturers do not care to change methods in teaching different communication courses. This paper was anchored on the social cognitive theory. An in-depth interview research method was adopted for this study. The population of 65 lecturers from the state universities in South-East, Nigeria formed the population of the study. From this population, 20 lecturers were sampled using purposive sampling technique. Interview guide was used as instrument for data collection. Dataobtained were analyzed qualitatively. The researchers found that the teaching styles mostly used by lecturers were the lecture method, seminars, group assignment and demonstrative practical. It was recommended that lecturers should pay attention to other available teaching methods (such as brainstorming, colloquia, module, online instructions, role playing, debate, debriefing and protocols) that can help students to understand what is being taught.