Utilization of improvised materials in teaching of mathematics in preschools in Mwihoko zone, Ruiru Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2016
Authors
Wanjiru, Pauline W.
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Abstract
The use of improvised teaching and learning materials is very important in the
study of mathematics. This therefore makes it paramount to seek for a strategy for
teaching mathematics that aims at improving its understanding and performance
by students. Use of improvised materials in teaching of mathematics in schools is
something researchers are keen to understand. The purpose of this study was to
investigate teachers' use of improvised teaching learning materials in teaching of
mathematics in pre-schools in Ruiru Sub County, Kiambu County. The study also
investigated the factors influencing the use of improvised materials in teaching of
mathematics. The study was based on Vygotsky's (1978) Theory of Zone of
Proximal Development (ZPD). Vygotsky's constructivist theory is renowned for
its contribution to the development of modern learning theories in education
especially through his concept that defines the ZPD as the distance between the
actual development level as determined by independent problem solving and the
level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult
guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers. The study reviewed
literature related to use of improvised teaching and learning materials in
instruction of mathematics, relationship between use of improvised materials and
teachers' perception; relationship between type of school and use of improvised
materials and the relationship between improvised teachings-learning materials
and teachers' gender. This research adopted a descriptive survey design to
investigate teachers' perception and use of improvised materials in teaching of
mathematics in preschools. The population for study was preschool teachers in
Ruiru Sub-County. Simple random sampling and a sample size of 60 respondents
was used to select preschools teachers in Ruiru Sub County, Kiambu County.
The research instruments used in this study were questionnaires and observation
schedule. Before the actual data collection, the questionnaires were piloted with three
preschool teachers from three preschools. The study used validated instrument to
adequately address the objectives of the study and employ split half method to test
the reliability of the instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed with the help of
the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). First, data collected using the
questionnaires were coded, assigned labels according to variables categories and
entered into the computer. Qualitative data were organized into thematic areas for
easier interpretation, common items were obtained in data collected and clustered
according to research objectives so as to identify variables that depict general
concepts of the study.
Description
A research project report submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of Master of' Education (Early Childhood Education) in the school of education, Kenyatta University 2016