Instructional Materials Usage and Students’ Academic Performance in Selected Ordinary Level Public Schools in Gasabo District in Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5212Abstract
The education system in Rwanda considers the passing of examination as the major criterion for performance. Instructional materials like computers, projectors, laboratory apparatuses and textbooks, play an important role in the achievement of educational goals, objectives and students’ performance. The purpose of this paper therefore, was to investigate the relationship between the usage of instructional materials and student’s academic performance in selected ordinary level public secondary schools of Gasabo District. This paper utilized a correlation research design to investigate the relationship between the usage of instructional materials and students' academic performance in selected ordinary level public secondary schools in Gasabo District. The study involved 264 participants, with a sample size of 159 determined using the Yamane formula. Various data collection methods were utilized, including questionnaires, observation, interviews, and document analysis. The collected data were managed and analyzed using SPSS software version 21, and the research instrument demonstrated high reliability with a Cronbach's Alpha score of 92.7%. The findings reveal that well-equipped science laboratories can affect students' assessment results in science subjects, with an R-Square of 0.489. Additionally, the study found that the usage of instructional materials can impact students' academic performance, with an R-Square of 0.532. The study also established a statistically significant relationship between instructional materials usage and students' academic performance, indicated by a Pearson coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.729. This demonstrates that effective utilization of instructional materials in schools can positively influence students' academic performance. It is recommended that educational managers need to prioritize curriculum stability and allocate appropriate budgets for instructional materials. Mobilizing parents for cost sharing and engaging the private sector in investing in education are crucial steps to ensure an adequate supply of instructional resources. Teachers play a pivotal role in utilizing the available materials effectively, making the teaching and learning process more meaningful and engaging for students. Parents should consider schools with sufficient instructional resources when selecting educational institutions for their children.
Keywords: Instructional materials, educational resources, Students’ academic performance and secondary schools
References
Abolmaali, K., Rashedi, M., & Ajilchi, B. (2014). Explanation of Academic Achievement Based on Personality Characteristics Psycho-Social Climate of the Classroom and Students ’ Academic Engagement in Mathematics, (March 2016). https://doi.org
Abrami, P. C., Bernard, R. M., & Tamim, R. M. (2011). Interaction in distance education and online learning : using evidence and theory to improve practice, 82–103. https://doi.org
Akinsanya, D. (2014). Differential Distribution and Utilization of Human and Material Resources on Students ’ Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Ogun State.
Barro, R. ( 2006). Education and development: Quality counts. Retrieved September, 14th 2008 from: http:/www.worldbank.org/education/pdf/Education
Eshiwani, G. S. (2016). Improving access to education, utilization of instructional resources and examination. Mimeo: Kenyatta University.
Fabunmi, M., Brai-abu, P., & Adeniji, I. A. (2007). Class Factors as Determinants of Secondary School Student ’ s Academic Performance in Oyo State , Nigeria, 14(3), 243–247.
Golafshani, N. (2003). Understanding reliability and validity in qualitative research.The Qualitative Report, 8(4), 597–606. https://doi.org
Kalio, M. & Ndifon, T. (2017). Instructional resources and teachers’ facilitation of skill based subjects on attainment of entrepreneurial skills by junior secondary students’ in Rivers East educational zone, Nigeria. Journal of educational research and development, 2 (1), 34-45.
Manda, D. K. (2014). education policy analysis archives, (March 2010). https://doi.org
Mulunda, N. (2018). Instructional resources and teacher effectiveness in Government aided in secondary schools in Uganda. Educational research journal, 2(3), 45-58.
Munguti, S. (2016). A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy ( PhD ) ( Curriculum Studies ), Kenyatta University July , 2016.
Mwangu, C. (2017).Teaching Biology Practical Lessons in Secondary Schools : A Case Study of Five Mzilikazi District Secondary Schools in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province , , 6(3), 47–55. https://doi.org
Nadimpalli, S. B., Devanter, N. Van, Kavathe, R., & Islam, N. (2016). Developing and Conducting a Dissertation Study through the Community-Based Participatory
Okemakinde, T., Adedeji, S. O., & Ssempebwa, J. (n.d.). Teaching Resources Utilization and Academic Performance in Technical Colleges in Oyo State , Nigeria
Okumbe, J.A. (2016). Human Resources Management: An Educational Perspective: Nairobi. E.D & R.B
Olayinka, A. B. (2016). Effects of Instructional Materials on Secondary Schools Students ’ Academic Achievement in Social Studies in Ekiti State , Nigeria, https://doi.org
Owoeye, J. S. (2016). School Facilities and Academic Achievement of Secondary School Agricultural Science in Ekiti State https://doi.org
Pintrich, P. R. (1999). The role of motivation in promoting and sustaining self-regulated learning
Ruth, M.K., Eduard, T. & Alex, R. (2015). Influence of instruction resources on secoandry schools students' academic performance in Makueni County Kenya. International journal of scientific research and innovation technology,2(1), 70-81.
Savasci, H. S., & Tomul, E. (2013). The Relationship between Educational Resources of School and Academic Achievement, 6(4), 114–123. https://doi.org
Shiundu J.S. & Omulando, S.J. (2012). Curriculum theory and practice in Kenya. Nairobi: Oxford University Press.
Terasa, N. (2014). Educational resources developemnt: Creative commons project open educational resources policy in Europe. Journal of education and development., 4(1), 1-18.
Usman, A. Y. (2013). ( ICT ) to enhance the teaching and learning of arabic and islamic studies in nigeria.
UNESCO (2016). School resources and learning environment in Africa. UNESCO institute for statistics. www.stats.uis.unesco.org.
Wambugu, J. (2013). Education Financing in Kenya : Parents ’ Perceptions about the Implementation of the Cost-Sharing Policy in Secondary School Education. https://doi.org
