EFFECT OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMNCE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The significance of instructional materials in the school teaching and learning environment cannot be overstated. Instructional materials are learning aids that employ both sight and sound to impart meanings to students and enhance their educational experience (Nolan, 2022).

Regarding education, audio-visual aids are educational materials or teaching equipment that appeal to the senses of sight and hearing. These aid in motivating and enticing pupils to participate in learning exercises with a high level of recall by simultaneously producing images or charts for the eyes and sounds for the hearing.

According to Nolan (2022), when instructional materials are employed, students' or learners' attention is piqued, the lesson becomes genuine, students participate more actively, and they remember significantly more information than when instructional materials are not used.

Studies such as those done by Bekaiye (2019) and Iwoh (2018) found that teaching resources were either unavailable in schools or ineffectively utilized where they were accessible. In nature, instructional materials may resemble images or graphs. They consist of models, field excursions, charts, textbooks, blackboards, and pictures, among others.

The proverb that "a picture is worth a thousand words" is accurate. Nolan (2022) believed that children remember far more information when they see and hear in addition to reading and seeing. Additionally, he believed that learning occurs in less time when instructional resources are utilized.

The importance of instructional materials in the education system cannot be overstated. Ademola (2022) emphasized that instructional materials serve as an assistance for effective and efficient learning in any learning system, as well as a pivot for any learning system's economic and social rationale. Further, he says that instructional materials not only play a crucial part in the learning process of individuals, but also contribute to their total growth. According to Oshodi (2021), Nigeria must release the fruits of its investment in education through instructional materials, since it is these resources that would make her work a reality. Consequently, he campaigned for the provision of educational resources in schools. Additionally, he recommends the use of instructional tools that promote teaching at all educational levels, from preschool to university.

Subsequently, Ajayi & Salami (2019) underlined the significance of instructional materials in accomplishing educational goals by arguing that instructional materials increase instructors' competency, instructional effectiveness, and classroom management. It enhances the learning environment's appreciability and hospitability. The student's attention is better managed and maintained during the duration of the class.

Adeyemi (2022) reinforced the aforementioned claim by stating that when youngsters see something, it leaves a far more enduring imprint than hearing about it. This study focuses on the perceived impact of instructional materials on students' academic performance. In this regard, selected secondary schools in the state of Lagos will serve as case studies.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In every aspect of life, man seeks for efficient means of sharing his thoughts, talents, and expertise. Learning is the capacity to recall and appropriately apply what is being taught. A teacher is aware of this fundamental reality and so attempts to improve his teaching effectiveness in every manner feasible. It has been determined that using only words to express meaning, concepts, and information is unproductive (Adeyemi 2022). In addition to being unsuccessful, it contradicts several learning concepts. Common experience and study have demonstrated that people learn differently; hence, the instructor must offer teaching in a manner that captures the learners' attention so that they may retain what is being taught with less trouble and also ensure that learning occurs efficiently. This can be accomplished through the teacher's use of a variety of instructional tools that facilitate successful learning (Adeyemi 2022).

Consequently, the purpose of instructional materials is to accommodate the distinct learning styles of diverse types of students. This study aimed to explore the perceived influence of instructional materials on academic success among students. As a result, focus will be placed on the effect of stimulating and sustaining student interest in learning, altering attitude, degree of acquisition and retention of factual knowledge, and motivating students (Ajayi & Salami 2019).

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim of this study is to assess the effect of instructional materials on students academic performnce. Specifically, this study seeks to:

i.          Determine the extent instructional materials are used in secondary schools.

ii.        Determine whether instructional materials affects academic performance.

iii.      Examine the effects of instructional materials on students.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

i.          To what extent are instructional materials used in secondary schools?

ii.        Does instructional materials affects academic performance?

iii.      What are the effects of instructional materials on students?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The perceived influence of instructional materials on student academic progress is substantial, with special reference to a subset of private and public secondary schools in Jada Local Government.

This study's findings and recommendations will drive various governments and school authorities to devise methods for employing instructional materials successfully in the teaching and learning of topics in secondary schools.

For faster absorption and retention of information in the teaching-learning systems of various institutions, teachers might train students in the proper use of instructional resources.

The parents would not be excluded either. They would understand the significance of the use of suitable instructional materials by instructors in the teaching of various subjects, be able to assist schools financially in the acquisition of current instructional materials, and value the projects assigned to their children.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Mainly, this study seeks to assess the effect of instructional materials on students academic performnce. Specifically, this study seeks to determine the extent instructional materials are used in secondary schools, determine whether instructional materials affects academic performance and examine the effects of instructional materials on students.

Teachers and students of selected secondary schools in Jada LGArea of Adamawa State will be the enrolled participants for this study.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

As with any human endeavor, the researcher experienced small impediments while performing the study. Due to the scarcity of literature on the subject as a result of the discourse's nature, the researcher incurred additional financial expenses and spent additional time sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as during the data collection process, which is why the researcher chose a small sample size. Additionally, the researcher conducted this inquiry in conjunction with other scholarly pursuits. Additionally, because only a small number of respondents were chosen to complete the research instrument, the results cannot be applied to other secondary schools outside the state. Regardless of the limits faced throughout the investigation, all aspects were reduced to ensure the best outcomes and the most productive research.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Instructional materials: Also known as teaching/learning materials, are any collection of materials including animate and inanimate objects and human and non-human resources that a teacher may use in teaching and learning situations to help achieve desired learning objectives.

Academic performance: Academic achievement or academic performance is the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has attained their short or long-term educational goals. Completion of educational benchmarks such as secondary school diplomas and bachelor's degrees represent academic achievement. 

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