Availability And Utilization of Instructional Materials in Selected Public and Private Primary Schools in Kasese Municipality, Uganda

ABSTRACT The main purpose of the study was to find out whether learning resources were well availed and put to better use by learners in public and private primary schools. The study used a descriptive comparative design. The researcher selected attributes for the study in the availability and utilization of instructional materials in classrooms. The researcher used a questionnaire to measure the levels of utilization of attributes and a checklist for the levels of availability of materials in the classrooms. The teachers filled in the questionnaire while observation checklist captured the presence of materials to the learners. Both public and private primary schools were visited. Demographic data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Data on availability and utilization variables was analyzed using statistical package for social science and summarized using descriptive statistics showing the means as indicated in tables 3 and 4. For comparison of levels of availability and levels of utilization of instructional materials in schools, data was analyzed using students sample T test. The main findings were: There were more female teachers than male ones. Schools were dominated by grade III teachers. Chalkboards were very satisfactorily availed in all schools. Wall maps, flannel boards, class libraries, models, laboratories, computers, radios, ground maps and other audio-visuals were poorly available in schools. The utilization level of instructional materials was generally low except for chalkboards and slates where their use was very high. Private schools were found utilizing and availing learning materials higher than public schools. The conclusion was that teachers in public primary schools had scarcity of instructional materials and low utilization as compared to their counterparts in private schools. The main recommendations are that government should increase the supplies of materials in public schools and train teachers on the preparation, make, maintenance and modern use of instructional materials in schools to improve learner achievements.

 TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapter

One The Problem and its Scope 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 2

The Purpose of the Study 2

Research Objectives 2

Specific Objectives 3

Research Questions 3

Null Hypothesis 3

Scope of the Study 4

Significance of the Study 4

Operational Definition of Key Terms 6

Two Review of Related Literature 8

Introduction 8

Concepts, Opinions, Ideas from Authors! Experts 8

The availability of appropriate and suitable instructional

materials in the teaching process 8

Teacher Utilization of available Instructional Materials 10

Comparing Level of availability and Utilization of Instructional

Materials in Private and Public Primary Schools. 13

Theoretical Perspectives 14

Related studies 16

Three Methodology 19

Research Design 19

Research Population 19

Sample Size 19

Sampling Procedure 20

Research Instrument 20

Questionnaire: 20

Validity and Reliability of the instrument 22

Data Gathering Procedure 23

Data Analysis 24

Ethical Consideration 24

Limitations of the Study 25

Four Presentation, Ana~yis and Interpretation of Data 26

Profile of the Respondents 26

Level of Availability of Instructional Materials. 29

Level of Utilization of Instructional Materials. 34

Significant Difference In The Level of Availability and Level Of

Utilization Between Public and Private Primary Schools. 41

Five Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations 44

Findings 44

Conclusions 46

Recommendations 48

Areas for further research 50

References 51

Appendix I: 55

transmittal Letter 55

Appendix II: 56

Clearance From Ethics Committee 56

Appendix III: 57

informed Consent 57

Appendix IV: 58

questionnaire on Utilization of Instructional Materials 58

Appendix V: 62

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitea 62