Acquisition and use of teaching AIDS in home science education: a survey of selected secondary schools in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This study was a survey of how teaching aids are acquired and used in the teaching of Home Science education in secondary schools in Nairobi Province, Kenya. The main objectives of this study were to find out the types of teaching aids used in Home Science in secondary schools' and how they are acquired and used for the teaching of the subject. Data was collected by means of teachers' and students' questionnaires, headteachers' interview schedule and classroom observation schedule for Home Science teachers. The population for the study consisted of secondary schools offering Home Science in the 8-4-4 System of Education in Nairobi Province. A sample of ten maintained and assisted secondary schools were randomly selected from the province. Twenty five form one students and the same numbers of form three students in each school, responded to the students' questionnaire. In all, 410 students participated in this study. Two teachers from each school responded to the teachers' questionnaire and were also observed in the use of teaching aids. Eight headteachers and two deputy headteachers were interviewed. De~criptive statistics mainly tables and percentages were used in data analysis and presentation. According to' the findings, all the Home Science' teachers were females of high academic and professional calibre. Despite their qualifications, these teachers did not use as many teaching aids as had been expected. Many teaching aids such as projectors were missing in most of the schools. Schools had few teacher-made and student-made teaching aids. The Ministry of Education supplied very few teaching aids to schools. Most teaching aids were purchased by tne schools. While cost, durability and simplicity were given priority when choosing teaching aids, attractiveness and size were not considered by most Home Science teachers. Results revealed that the teaching aids that teachers used most were textbooks, diagrams, chalkboards and pens. Among other recommendations, the researcher suggested regular in-service training for Home (xiii) Science teachers so that new knowledge in preparation and use of teaching aids could be made available to teachers. Regular appraisal of teaching aids is therefore necessary. Alternative sources especially community-based materials should be sought. The establishment of resource centres was recommended so that a cluster of schools could be served by such centres. There is also need for further" research in areas related to teaching aids in Home Science,for example, teachers' attitudes towards preparation and use of teaching aids.