INFLUENCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF LEARNERS WITH VISUAL IMPAIREMENT IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN RONGO SUB-COUNTY KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The study assessed the influence of instructional materials on academic Performance in public primary schools in Rongo Sub County Migori County Kenya. The specific objectives of the study was to investigate the impact of instructional materials on academic performance of learners with visual impairment. The study employed mixed method.
Problem Statement Learners with visual impairments experience the impairment of visual system that has an impact Mon their ability to learn. In Kenya learners with visual impairment also experience problems in interaction with learning environment.
Methodology: The target population included 29 head teachers of public primary schools with integrated program, 40 Special Needs Education (SNE) teachers and 5 Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) giving a total of 74 respondents. Purposive and Saturated sampling techniques were used to get a sample size of 29 Head teachers, 40 SNE teachers and 5 CSOs. Two questionnaires were used to collect data; one for SNE teachers and another for head teachers. An interview schedule was used to collect data from the Curriculum Support Officers. Piloting was done in the neighboring Uriri Sub County. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages and means. Inferential Statistics analysis was analyzed using Pearson
Results The study established that there was significant relationship between instructional materials and academic performance all at p lt; 0.05. Therefore all null hypotheses were rejected and it was concluded that all the factors affect academic performance in Rongo Sub – County.
Recommendations: The Ministry of Education to organize workshops and seminars for teachers to improve their knowledge and skills: ensure appropriate instructional materials. The Ministry of Education and the Board of Management (BOM) to provide relevant teaching learning materials.
Keywords: Instructional Materials, Academic Performance, Visual Impairment, Public Primary Schools, Inclusive Education
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