Abstract

Isabel M. Mupfumira and Tennyson P. Mutsambi*

This study examined demonstration and industrial attachment as strategies in implementing national certificate in clothing design and construction curriculum. A qualitative approach utilizing a case study of Masvingo Polytechnic in Zimbabwe was used. The population comprised of national certificate second year students, production managers in industry and clothing lecturers. The participants were drawn using purposive and convenience sampling. The participants were 10 second year students, 5 production managers and 4 clothing lecturers. Data were collected through interviews, observation and document analysis. It was established by the study that lecturers mostly used the demonstration method and supervised practice. However the effectiveness of the methods was sometimes hampered by the quality and quantity of facilities and equipment. Industrial attachment was found to be a useful strategy in exposing students to the requirements of the job. The study recommends use of field trips as a teaching strategy to make learning realistic where equipment is lacking. Moreover, more than one phase of industrial attachment could be effective in consolidating knowledge and skills learnt.