Evaluation of Mass Communication Curriculum for Master's Degree Programme of the University of Lagos

Abstract

Mass communication as a subset of communication has lots of benefits such as; encouragement of peaceful coexistence among man, serves as watchdog over the governments, enlightens the people about the government' s policies and programmes and how it affects them and lots more. Recently, the speed a t which the contemporary media industry adopts innovations like new media technologies, is posing a great challenge to media educators especially in the developing world. In Nigeria, Journalism and Mass communication educators are concerned about how to ensure an effective blend of Mass communication curriculum with the changing needs of the media industry. Many researches have been done to evaluate Mass communication curriculum for undergraduate studies; however, this study evaluated Mass communication curriculum at the postgraduate level and its impact on its recipients in terms of their job performances. The study used concurrent mixed method design; two hundred (200) students participated in the study Three validated instruments and interviewer guide were used to gather information for this study. These are: Students' Assessment of Teaching Effectiveness Scale (r 0.97); Inventory for Mass Communication Facilities (IMCF); Students' Assessment of Mass Communication's Curriculum Effectiveness Scale (r = 0.80). Three research questions were raised and answered. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage count. The study concluded that Mass communication curriculum planners should periodically review the existing curriculum to reflect the requirements in the world of work