AN INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPACT OF INSTRUCTIONAL READING MATERIALS ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to Study
Many nations adopted the English language as a result of colonialism and other circumstances. English had been the language of commerce, interaction, and missionary endeavor as early as the beginning of the nineteenth century. Nigeria and Ghana, for example, utilize it as a national and international communication tool. The English language is used as a medium of education in these geographical areas, from elementary school to postsecondary level. English is the most widely spoken language on the planet, with more speakers than any other.

A teacher's influence on the school atmosphere, as well as the resources he or she employs to make a point, is enormous. If academic greatness is to be realized in our educational institution, these resources employed by the instructor have a substantial impact that cannot be ignored with a wave of the hand. The importance of using instructional materials in order to attain these educational aims cannot be overstated.

The term "instructional materials" refers to resources that help instructors make lessons more plain to students. They also provide learners with information, ideas, and notes. Instructional materials, according to Ijaduola & ALmarouf (1997), Aina & Ajani (1982), are materials or resources utilized in any teaching activity to encourage improved knowledge of the learning experience. They are utilized to provide the most rich learning environment possible, assisting both the instructor and the students in achieving specified goals. They also help instructors communicate more effectively with their students, allowing them to learn more meaningfully and permanently. Teaching resources, as defined by Ogunsanya &Omolakin (1984), are anything that aids the instructor in promoting teaching and learning activities.

Kay and Alfred (1981), who share the aforementioned viewpoint, describe instructional resources as "items that are meant to assist the instructor teach more successfully or, better yet, to allow the students to learn more readily." Many educational technologists, according to Ajelabi Vania (2000) and Akinlaye Opeyomi (1997), see instructional materials as technologies and resources utilized in the classroom to augment written or spoken words in the transfer of knowledge, attitude, ideas, concepts, and values. Thy have been characterized as items or objects brought into play to accentuate, clarify, reinforce, and vitalize the instructors lesson, according to Akinlaye Opeyoomi (1997). Ajelabi Vania, (2000) defines instructional materials as teaching-learning resources that are used in imparting educational information to the student and are an intrinsic part of the classroom instructional process. He goes on to say that it makes the lessons more real, tangible, and powerful. Learners are encouraged to study at their own speed, at their own rate, and at their own convenience. Since its introduction to Nigeria, the English language has taken on a variety of responsibilities, particularly in the educational arena. In education, the English language is broken down into many sections, including orals, lexis and structure, comprehension, and essays. It is a vital topic that must be credited in order to be admitted to a postsecondary institution. The significance of this topic necessitates the usage of instructional materials for optimal learning. Visual aids, according to Macaulay and Ajelabi (1989), bring lessons to life and help pupils learn more effectively. He goes on to say that having a lot of visual and general teaching resources is a sign that the instructors are ready for the session. Ehizojie Osaze (1989) elaborates on the significance of instructional materials. "Using audio-visual and other teaching aids is one of the methods to relax in the classroom environment, motivate students, and teach English in a creative and dynamic manner." This is because well-chosen/well-planned and produced audio-visuals:

– pique learners' interest;

– stoke imagination;

– encourage active participation and involvement in a lesson; – aid memory and recall; – connect learning to real-life situations;

– can remain in view for as long as the teacher desires.

Instructional materials should be concept-centered, activity-based, and work-related, according to the National Policy on Education (1998 updated).

Pictures, flashcards, posters, charts, tape recorder, radio, video, television, and computers are examples of visual and audiovisual instructional resources. These products are meant to augment the traditional teaching methods.

1.2 Statement of Problems
Teaching is basically about transmitting ideas, abilities, and attitudes from the instructor to the student. In Nigeria, for example, experience has shown that spoken words alone are severely inadequate and inefficient for communicating concepts and achieving desired learning results. Each year, when the results of public examinations are revealed, there is always a large percentage of students who fail the English language. Certain aspects of the English language, particularly poetry and grammar, present pupils with understanding difficulties. Without teaching tools, they cannot be taught successfully.

Mutebi and Matora (1994) confirmed that we retain 10% of what we hear, 40% of what we debate with others, and up to 80% of what we personally experience or do. This viewpoint is bolstered by the often cited ancient Chinese deduction.

I forget what I hear.

I recall what I saw.

I am aware of what I do.

1.3 Purpose of Study
The general objective of this study is to identify the impact of instructional reading materials on students’ academic achievement in english language. Specifically, the study will be guided under the following:
i.To examine the availability of instructional materials on the reading of English language in secondary schools.
ii.To ascertain the benefit of  instructional materials in the teaching and learning of english language.
iii.To evaluate the lack of instructional material on the academic achievement of students.

iv.To find out how instructional material will improve students academic achievement in english language.

1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions were generated to guide the study:
i.To examine the availability of instructional materials on the reading of English

language in secondary schools.
ii.To ascertain the benefit of  instructional materials in the teaching and learning of english language.
iii.To evaluate the lack of instructional material on the academic achievement of students.

iv.To find out how instructional material will improve students academic achievement in english language.

1.5 Significance of Study
The study will be of benefit to the teachers because there will be increase in productivity if effective teaching and learning with instructional material  takes place as it is only the teachers who will guarantee effective and adequate usage of instructional material and thereby facilitate success. Consequently a teacher of English language who makes use of appropriate instructional materials to supplement his teaching will help enhance quick and creative thinking, sharpen students’ imagination and this helps the learners to be spontaneous and enthusiastic.

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

1.6 Scope of the Study
The study will examine the availability of instructional materials on the reading of English language in secondary schools. The study will also ascertain the benefit of  instructional materials in the teaching and learning of english language. The study will further evaluate the lack of instructional material on the academic achievement of students. Lastly, the study will find out how instructional material will improve students academic achievement in english language. Hence this study will be delimited to Bauchi State.

1.7 Limitations of Study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8       Definition of Terms
Instructional Material: What the teacher uses to make the lesson more interesting and understandable.

Academic Performance: This has to do with the ability to do something or carrying out an activity.

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