Utilization Of Instructional Resources In Teaching Practical Geography In Secondary Schools In Kipkelion Sub-County, Kericho County-Kenya

Abstract

Performance of Geography subject in Kipkelion Sub-County has been poor. Over the years, the results have not been satisfactory to the teachers, parents and other stake holders. This prompted the researcher to investigate whether the educators and learners use instructional materials in practical geography. The following objectives were used in the study, to establish the utilization of instructional resources for Practical Geography, investigate extent the teaching and learning resources are used, establish the views of the teachers and students towards use of instructional resources, and establish the challenges faced by teachers when teaching Practical Geography. The theoretical framework of the study was based on Edgar Dale’s cone of experience. The study design used was descriptive survey. The study population comprised of Geography Heads of Department (HOD’s), teachers and students in secondary schools. Simple and random sampling techniques were used in selecting the research participants. This included a sample of 5 schools, 300 students, 5 Geography HOD’s and 10 Geography teachers. Students and teachers’ questionnaire, interview schedule and checklists were used in data collection. Analysis of data was done using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as include frequencies and percentages. The collected data collected was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used in data analysis. The results showed that 70 % of the schools had instructional materials yet only 22.5% of teachers utilize these resources while more than three quarters rarely or never utilize instructional materials. Majority of Geography teachers had poor attitude towards utilization of instructional materials. The study also revealed that Maps were the most utilized resources in classrooms, the least utilized being radios and dioramas. The study recommended that school management and administrators should improve instructional resources for teaching and learning practical geography by availing computers, geography teachers should be enlightened on the importance of utilizing instructional resources in teaching and learning practical geography teachers should be motivated in order to change their negative attitude toward utilization of instructional resources. Learners should be encouraged through field trips around the school and beyond and lastly the geography syllabus ought to be reviewed and also a number of lessons increased from three lessons to four per week and to five lessons in the upper classes.