Extent of Utilization of Play Method of Teaching in Pre - Primary Schools

ABSTRACT This study focused on the Extent of Utilization of Play Method of Teaching in PrePrimary Schools in Awka Educational Zone of Anambra State. The work particularly stressed on the availability and utilization of material resources; that is, instructional materials otherwise called teaching aids and the use of play method of teaching. To address the problem of the study, four research questions and four null hypotheses were formulated. Descriptive survey design was employed. Twenty one item researcher developed questionnaire was used for data collection. The targeted population for the study consisted of thirty two (32) head teachers and one hundred and sixty (160) teachers in Awka Education Zone, and this number (total of 192) were selected through stratified random sampling. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using percentage and mean/standard deviation. Z-test was employed in testing the formulated null hypotheses. The results indicate that instructional materials needed in carrying out play method of teaching in Pre-Schools are not readily available. Due to paucity of instructional materials, both utilization and effectiveness were hindered. Hence teachers who have the necessary skills and expertise on the use of play method of teaching were limited in their performance. This goes to show that inadequate provision of instructional materials needed in Pre-Primary Schools in Awka Education Zone seriously hamper the use of play method of teaching and learning and all the attendant pedagogical approach required for such pupils between three to five years. Some educational implication of the findings were discussed and also some recommendations were proposed for the Government, such as providing enough and requisite instructional materials for the teachers.