ASSESSMENT OF TRAINEE TEACHERS' UTILIZATIONS OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS IN TEACHING PRACTICE IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the status of teacher trainees in relation to their utilization of instructional materials in teaching practice in Ebonyi State. Fifty four teacher trainees proportionately sampled from the three educational zones in the state were observed during teaching practice while teaching English and Mathematics in Primaries 4-6 based on the researchers’ constructed Observational Schedule titled: "Utilization of Instructional Materials Assessment Checklist for Teaching Practice Students". (UIMACTPS). The instrument was validated using test retest method and Cronbach procedure was used to obtain reliability co-efficient of 0.81. The study also adopted another researcher- made instrument titled: "Perceptions of Teacher Trainees on Strategies to be adopted to Enhance their Utilization of Instructional Materials in Teaching Practice" (PTTSAEUIMTP). The instrument was pilot tested using trainee teachers from Enugu State College of Education (Technical). A reliability value of 0.79 was obtained using Cronbach procedure. In the Checklist simple percentage was used to rate the weightings while mean and standard deviation formed the basis of data analysis in the questionnaire. t - - Test of difference was used to test the hypothesis. Among other things data showed that teacher trainees' proficiency in utilization of instructional materials was not observed. Teacher trainees, as strategies to enhance their use of instructional materials suggested orientation and workshop. It was recommended that Microteaching should be made more demanding to prepare teacher trainees for teaching practice.