AN INVESTIGATION ON THE USE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ECONOMICS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

It is essential to recognize the significant role that teaching aids play as vital catalysts in the social reengineering and transformation that occurs in students. It should come as no surprise that efficient education is impossible to carry out to a high standard without the use of various instructional resources. The reason for this is not hard to fathom: as a result of advancements in technology, instructional materials, particularly projected and electronic materials, have come to the forefront as some of the most revolutionary tools of globalization and social development. This has had a positive impact on the teaching and learning situation in the classroom. Examples of technological breakthroughs that are important landmarks in knowle include visual, audio, and audio-visual electronic materials. Because of them, both instructing and being instructed become really enjoyable experiences (Hakielimu, 2021).

The use of instructional materials is distinctive among teaching methods due to the intrinsic benefits these resources provide. Because they stimulate students to want to study more and more, for one thing, they give instructors with engaging and compelling platforms for delivering knowledge. This is because of the fact that they motivate students to want to learn more and more. In addition, the student's interest and enthusiasm are further piqued by the instructor's provision of chances for independent research and reference (Blair, 2022).

In addition, the instructor is provided assistance in overcoming any physical challenges that could have impeded his ability to effectively explain a particular subject matter. In general, they make both teaching and learning less stressful and simpler to do. They have an equally important and vital role as catalysts in the academic and social growth of the students.

According to Bolick (2022), there is a strong correlation between successful teaching and the use of appropriate instructional resources. He stated that "...although some educators have been captivated by the potential of instructional resources to improve teaching and learning, instructors have lagged behind in employing instructional materials throughout the teaching and learning process." Others have voiced skepticism about the likelihood that social studies instructional materials can ever provoke educational transformation. Not only are instructional resources meant to assist learning, but also the act of learning itself. Instructional materials are an essential part of teaching and learning environments. In light of this, it becomes clear that the employment of instructional materials is going to be required in order for there to be a successful teaching-learning activity.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS 

In the majority of studies that investigate the current condition of instructional resources in schools, the researchers almost never attribute low performance to a lack of or an inadequate amount of these materials. According to the research cited above, instructional resources are an essential component of effective teaching and learning, yet many schools lack sufficient supplies (Kerr, 2020).

The lack of adequate financing for schools has a significant impact on the purchasing of teaching materials in the vast majority of schools. The vast majority of the instructional materials that are utilized in schools are out of date and do not contribute anything useful to the process of teaching or studying the topic. The majority of the contemporary instructional tools that have been purchased by schools are unable to be used since the majority of the instructors do not have enough knowledge on how to utilize the materials, such as computers, projectors, and other technological devices (Hakielimu, 2021). As a result, the purpose of this research is to investigate the usage of instructional materials in senior secondary schools for the purpose of facilitating effective teaching and learning of economics.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objective of the study is to investigate the use of instructional materials for effective teaching and learning of economics in senior secondary schools. The specific objectives is as follows:

i.          To explore whether instructional materials facilities learning of economics in senior secondary schools.

ii.        To examine the challenges that teachers face in accessing instructional materials.

iii.      To assess the benefit of instructional materials for effective teaching and learning of economics in senior secondary schools.

iv.      To assess the strategies that teachers use to minimize the challenges of attaining and using quality instructional materials.

1.4       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following questions have been prepared for this study:

i.          Does instructional materials facilities learning of economics in senior secondary schools?

ii.        What are the challenges that teachers face in accessing instructional materials?

iii.      What are the benefit of instructional materials for effective teaching and learning of economics in senior secondary schools?

iv.      What are the strategies that teachers can use to access quality instructional materials.

1.5       SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study is significant because it would show the relevance of teaching as a profession and the impact of  a teacher in influencing the future development and growth of a leaner. How teaching and learning materials design, production and their use facilitate the teaching and learning outcomes.

The study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature

1.6       SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study will explore whether instructional materials facilities learning of economics in senior secondary schools.  The study will also examine the challenges that teachers face in accessing instructional materials. The study will further assess the benefit of instructional materials for effective teaching and learning of economics in senior secondary schools. Lastly, the study will assess the strategies that teachers use to minimize the challenges of attaining and using quality instructional materials. Hence, this study will be delimited to Kogi State.

1.7       LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Just like any other research, unavailability of needed accurate materials on the topic under study, and inability to get data were among the constraints the researcher encountered in the cause of this study. Financial constraint was equally faced by  the researcher, in getting relevant materials  and  in printing and collation of questionnaires. Furthermore, time factor pose another constraint because the researcher have to shuttle between writing of the research and engaging in other academic work which made it uneasy for the researcher.

1.8       DEFINITION OF TERM

Instructional Material: are objects such as printed, audio and visual that aid in the successful delivery of lesson.

Teaching: The work or profession of a teacher.

Learning: Knowledge gained through reading and study.