The Contribution Of Teaching Aids (Counting Objects) In Numeracy Skills Performance For Standard Two Pupils: A Case Of Kiteto District

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at investigating the contribution of teaching aids (counting objects) in numeracy skills performance for standard two pupils. The main objective of this study was to introduce an effective intervention for enhancing pupils‟ achievement levels in numeracy. The study revealed that there is a low numeracy skill which is caused by many reasons such as unsuitable teaching and learning environment, few teaching methods, negative attitude of pupils and parents towards numeracy, shortage of teaching and learning materials, negative interaction between teachers and pupils to mention few. Pupils who experience learning difficulties are not having low numeracy skills; rather the teaching methods may be the result of their low numeracy skills. This study uses qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study used purposive sampling and simple random sampling whereby purposive sampling used to select eight (8) teachers (in eight (8) different schools) who teach numeracy in standard two to fill the questionnaires and simple random sampling was used to select forty (40) pupils from four (4) schools (ten (10) pupils from each school) for focus group discussion (FGD). Data were collected through questionnaire, focused group discussion, observation and documentary review. The data obtained were analyzed and interpreted through short statements and other studies from different literatures for qualitative data and Microsoft excel for quantitative data. The study revealed that teaching aids used in teaching and learning numeracy are locally made; some of the teachers use it frequently and effective use of teaching aids in numeracy skills increases performance.