The role of pictures in teaching english composition Writing in upper primary school in emuhaya subcounty, Vihiga county, kenya.

ABSTRACT

Instruction using a variety of learning resources has been heralded as a most

promising activity that can engage students into academic language and

literacy skills. However, research on picture based instruction in English

composition teaching is minimal. This study sought to establish the role of

pictures and its effect on composition writing and language achievement in

upper primary schools. This study was based on constructivism theory with

two proponents, Jean Piaget and Vygostsky. Two categories of schools were

selected; public and private. The sample population was about 10% of learners

in Emuhaya Sub-county, who constituted upper primary pupils from six

schools, twelve English panel leaders (teachers) and two Quality Assurance

and Standards Officers (QASO). The sample population constituted class

seven pupils of the six schools. The learners were twenty per group, within the

age group of 11-14 years. The research methodology employed in the study

was an experimental design. The experimental groups received the treatment

with the use of pictures, whereas the comparison group was taught

conventionally. Four instruments that were used in this study were

questionnaire, tests, interviews and observation schedules. This study was

piloted to establish whether the instruments were valid and reliable before the

actual study. The data was analyzed using SPSS software package version 21.

From the study, there was significant difference (p=0.001) among groups

where there was use of pictures and the controls. Basing on the findings of

the study, it was established that teachers rarely taught composition using

pictures due to the short preparation time and therefore this lowered

performance in composition writing. This study recommends a similar study

on the use of pictures in middle primary school to compare the results. It also

recommends a study on the adequacy and appropriacy of texts used by

teachers in teaching English Composition. Lastly a similar study should be

carried out for a longer period of time.