CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Background of the Study

Mathematics is the foundation of science and technology and the functional role of

mathematics to science and technology is multifaceted and multifarious that no

area of science, technology and business enterprise escapes its application. Ukeje

2016) described mathematics as the mirror of civilization in all the centuries of

painstaking calculation, and the most basic discipline for any person who would

be truly educated in any science and in many other endeavours. Despite the

importance placed on mathematics, researchers (Maduabum and Odili, 2016) had

observed that students lack interest in the subject and perform poorly in it. Ukeje

(2016) observed that mathematics is one of the most poorly taught, widely hated

and abysmally under-stood subject in secondary school, students particularly girls

run away from the subject.

Agwagah (2017) observed that the problem of ineffective teaching can be

tackled through planned and intelligent application of the mathematical teaching

instructional material . Thus Agwagah recommended the use of teaching

instructional material approach to the study of mathematics. The method of drill

learning. Srinivasa (2018) had earlier recommended the use of mathematical

teaching instructional material in teaching mathematics. Teaching as the name

implies could be seen as the process of giving knowledge or skill in a particular

subject, Longman dictionary of contemporary English (2014). To enhance

effective communication and transfer of knowledge, the process of teaching needs

the provision of certain tools or materials otherwise referred to as instructional

material to teaching. National Teacher’s Institute (2002) defined instructional

material as those materials which promote effectiveness of instruction and help the

teacher to communicate more effectiveness. However Bozomo and Ikwumadu

(2002) grouped instructional material into reading materials, audio – visual

materials and non-reading materials. According to Adeweyi (2011) instructional

resources can be categorized broadly into human and material resources. There are

so many kinds of instructional materials; some are visual for instance pictures,

graphs, diagrams, posters, chalkboard, models to mention but a few. Apart from

the visual materials, Maduabum (2017) indicates audio-acid as another kind of

instructional material. The visual materials have to do with helping the children to

learn through the medium of sight, while the audio materials enable teaching and

learning to take place through the medium of sound. Examples of these include

radio, tape recorder and wireless. They provide training and listening and consist
largely of the spoken word. The third category of instructional materials consists of

the audio-visual materials, some of which include television sets, video sets and

firm. The application of educational technology, otherwise instructional resources

at all levels of education sector of the economy.

The availability and use of instructional material in teaching and learning

play a vital role in academic performance, which is true in teaching aspect because

greater value is placed on educational facilities and resources. The role of teachers

in teaching and learning can only be effective when adequate materials are

provided and utilize well. Instructional materials are print and non-print items that

are rested to impact knowledge or information to students in the educational

process. Instructional materials were originally derived from the widely known

audio and visual aids, audio visual aids were popularly used by the teachers to

teach better. Odili (2019) posits that instructional materials, as useful devices for

teaching and learning help the teacher to teach without much talking and the

learner to learn by observation. The usefulness of instructional resources to

facilitate teaching and learning has been declinated by studies by many scholars.

Adowayin (2011) yet there is a conspicuous lack of the materials as well as use of

instructional materials in teaching in our schools. As rightly observed by

Onyejemezi (2018), our schools and colleges in Nigeria lack educational

technology materials. This is evidence by the absence of those resources in the

performance in mathematics among pupils and students. The effect of instructional

materials in Mathematics instructions has been widely researched but many

questions are still remains unanswered. The needs for exploring locally available

materials as an alternative for the grossly unavailable materials in our schools,

resourcefulness of the teacher must be in line with the learners’ curriculum and

environment so that classroom teaching does not have to be retarded. Hence,

government must strive to develop her local technology in all its

ramifications, since Mathematics is interested in providing solutions to

man’s problems holistically.

Statement of the problem

The general performance of students in mathematics has been a source of concern

to all education stakeholders including the parents, teachers, students, government

and the general public. Despite the fact that mathematics is one of the major and

pivot of science subjects in Nigerian schools, it is quite unfortunate that the

subject, which is the pilot of technological advancements, is being dreaded by

many of our students today. Several factors are responsible for students' poor

performance in mathematics such as: negative attitudes of students towards

mathematics, poor instructional strategies, language problem, difficulty paying

others. Therefore, this study, investigated the extent of the use of instructional

materials for teaching mathematics in junior secondary schools.

Purpose of the study

material in teaching and learning mathematics among secondary school students in

Ihiala Local Government Area.

Specifically, the objectives of the study are to;

1. Ascertain the mean rating score of influence of picture in teaching and

learning mathematics among secondary school students in Ihiala Local

Government Area.

2. Ascertain the mean rating score of influence of audiovisual materials in

teaching and learning mathematics among secondary school students in

Ihiala Local Government Area.

3. Ascertain the mean rating score of influence of Computers in teaching and

learning mathematics among secondary school students in Ihiala Local

Government Area.
 4. Ascertain the mean rating score of influence of projected instructional

materials in teaching and learning mathematics among secondary school

students in Ihiala Local Government Area.

Significance of the study

This study is significant, as it will favour the following groups: teachers,

researchers, curriculum planners, and parents. 

To the teachers, the findings of this study will be of immense benefit in teaching

Mathematics . It will increase their knowledge in choosing appropriate

instructional materials capable of releasing students’ tension towards the subject

thus improving students’ academic performance in Mathematics . It will equally

motivate mathematics teachers to develop an interest in utilizing suitable teaching

materials which will help towards reducing failure in the teaching and learning of

Mathematics in secondary schools in ihiala LGA. 

To curriculum planners, the findings of this study will help curriculum

planners to understand the need for continuous and regular provision of suitable

instructional materials for teaching and learning mathematics .

To parents and guardians, this research will be relevant to parents,

guardians, and other academic stakeholders because it will expose them to the

importance and effects of instructional materials in the teaching process.

instructional materials if they are required to do so. 

Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. Ascertain the mean rating score of influence of picture in teaching and

learning mathematics among secondary school students in Ihiala Local

Government Area.

2. Ascertain the mean rating score of influence of audiovisual materials in

teaching and learning mathematics among secondary school students in

Ihiala Local Government Area.

3. Ascertain the mean rating score of influence of Computers in teaching and

learning mathematics among secondary school students in Ihiala Local

Government Area.

4. Ascertain the mean rating score of influence of projected instructional

materials in teaching and learning mathematics among secondary school

students in Ihiala Local Government Area.

Hypotheses 

1. There is no significant difference between the sample mean on student who

instructional material

Scope of the Study 

The study is delimited to the influence of use of instructional material in teaching

and learning mathematics among secondary school students in Ihiala Local

Government Area. The study also focused on students, picture instructional

material, and use of instructional materials.