The purpose of this study was to examine the content, methods and effect of female students’ life skills training on assertiveness of the students at Arba Minch University. Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in the study. Data for the study were collected through document analysis, interview, observation, and assertiveness scale. The information collected through document analysis, interview, and observation were analyzed qualitatively using text and percentage. Analysis of the training modules has shown that the contents and methods identified for the training were relevant and adequate. However, interview with trainers and observation in the training sessions have disclosed that due to inadequate time allocation for the training by the university, the contents and methods presented in the training materials were not properly treated and used respectively. Assertiveness scale has been administered before and after the life skills training to 82 female students of two sections which selected randomly from six sections of the training. Paired t-test was employed and has shown that life skills training significantly increases the students’ assertiveness level. Though t-test indicated significant difference, the mean differences of pretest and posttest scores were very small, especially negligible in the case of academic assertiveness. The small mean differences could be attributed to inadequate treatment and use of the identified training contents and methods respectively due to time constraint. It was recommended that the university has to rethink over and make some improvement on time planning for the training.

 

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