TRAINERS CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STUDENTS LEARNING OUTCOMES IN TVET INSTITUTIONS

The study sought to establish the influence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs on students learning outcomes in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Ruhango District, Rwanda. The study aimed to determine the influence of CPD programs on course completion rates, acquisition of practical skills and competencies and students participation/engagement among TVET students. Using cross-sectional research design with mixed methods, data were collected from a sample of 427 respondents, including instructors, headteachers, and Sector Education Inspectors (SEIs). Simple random sampling was used for schools and instructors, while headteachers and SEIs were selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency percentages and correlation analysis, while qualitative data were processed through thematic analysis.The findings revealed that CPD programs significantly enhance student learning outcomes in TVET institutions. A majority of respondents (80%) participated in CPD initiatives, with 65% reporting that CPD had a strong influence on improving course completion rates, and 85% highlighting its positive impact on the acquisition of practical skills and competencies. Additionally, 60% of respondents recognized a substantial influence of CPD on student engagement. Correlation analysis confirmed strong positive relationships between CPD and course completion (r = 0.72), practical skills acquisition (r = 0.85), and student engagement (r = 0.72). The study concluded that CPD programs play a critical role in improving educational outcomes in TVET institutions. Recommendations include tailoring CPD programs to specific technical fields, enhancing hands-on workshops, providing more frequent CPD opportunities, and implementing structured monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Future research should explore the influence of CPD on specific technical skills and examine its long-term impact on both instructors and students.