INFLUENCE OF UTILIZATION OF MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ON DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL COMPETENCIES AMONG GRADE ONE LEARNERS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

Authors

  • Nzii Priscilla Mueni Nzii Priscilla Mueni is a professional early childhood educator with over ten years experience in early childhood education programs. She has taught preschoolers both inside and outside classroom environment and boasts of a wide experience in use of instructional materials to teach different preschool subject areas. Nzii is currently a lecturer and instructional coach at a private early childhood education teachers training college.
  • Wanjohi Githinji Dr. Wanjohi Githinji is a trainer and a researcher in early childhood programmes. He has published widely in early childhood education in both course books and international research journals. He has held many leadership positions in early childhood programmes including being the District Centers for Early Childhood Education (DICECE) Programme Officer. He is currently a lecturer and academic research supervisor at the Department of Early Childhood and Special Needs Education, Kenyatta University.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v0i0.2619

Keywords:

mathematics, competence, instructional materials, grade one

Abstract

Mathematics is an important aspect in life. Early development of mathematics skills leads to early acquisition of mathematical competencies. For effective acquisition of mathematical competencies in early years, instructional materials are required to enhance development mathematical skills. Studies conducted in Kenya have not adequately focused on the use of instructional materials to develop mathematical competencies. This has hindered learning, making learners assume a passive role in their learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of use of instructional materials on acquisition of mathematics competencies. The study was guided by Bruner’s theory of instruction. Correlation research design was used in this study. The independent variables were: types of mathematics instructional materials in grade one classrooms, utilization of instructional materials during mathematics instruction as well as investigating the influence of instructional materials on acquisition of mathematics skills. The dependent variable was acquisition of mathematical competencies. The study was carried out in Nakuru East Sub County, Nakuru County. The target population was both private and public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub County. Grade one learners and teachers were the participants. Purposive, stratified and random sampling methods were used to select an appropriate sample for the study. Research instruments used were: lesson observation schedule, interview schedule for teachers and a competency checklist. Pilot study to test the instruments was carried out in two private schools and two public primary schools from the study area. Data was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The study established that few grade one teachers in public schools utilized instructional materials during mathematics instructions. It was also established that instructional materials influenced acquisition of mathematics competencies. The study recommends that teachers and other key stakeholders should invest more resources to ensure availability of adequate instructional materials for learners. It also recommends that school management should invest more to ensure adequate and right instructional materials are availed to enable learners and teachers have all the basic requirements required for better teaching and learning.

 

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References

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Published

2019-09-11

Issue

Vol 6, No 5 (2019)

Section

Articles

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