Instructional Learning Materials’ Use and Students Academic Outcomes in Private Secondary Schools sin Rwanda: A Case Study of Nyarugenge District

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the influence of instructional learning materials use on students’ academic outcomes in private secondary schools in Nyarugenge District. The objectives that guided the study were: to identify the instructional learning materials used by teachers in the teaching and learning process in secondary schools of Rwanda; to assess the students’ academic outcomes resulting from the implication of instructional learning materials in teaching and learning process; to establish relationship between instructional learning materials and the students’ academic outcomes. The study was guided by system theory and descriptive survey design and correlational design. The sample of 244 respondents including students, teachers, headteachers and deputy headteacher in charge of study participated in this study. Questionnaires and interview schedule were used to collect data. Frequencies, percentages, mean, thematic approach and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient were used to analyse collected data, whereas, tables, figures and textual model were used to present collected data. The study findings revealed textbooks, worksheets, computers, chats, projectors, recoding books for students’ progress, chalks, internet sources, laboratory materials and workshops as the commonly used teaching and learning materials in private secondary schools in Nyarugenge district. Furthermore, findings revealed that computers and laboratory materials are not adequately used. The findings from teachers revealed that 68% of participated teachers agreed that effective use of instructional learning materials in teaching and learning process improves learners’ motivations in learning, and improves students’ academic outcomes, 82% of teachers reported that effective use of instructional learning materials improves students class participations. Furthermore, findings revealed a significant relationship between instructional learning materials and the student’s academic outcomes in private secondary schools in Nyarugenge district. This was revealed by p- value of 0.000 in the findings given by students and p- value of 0.004 in the findings given by the teachers. In addition, findings revealed that there is a positive degree of relationship between instructional learning materials and students’ academic outcomes as shown by the computed Karl Pearson product moment correlational coefficient of 0.433 and 0.78 findings from students and teachers respectively. The study recommended that students need to use effectively and efficiently available leaning materials in their schools. Teachers should use available learning materials in effective ways. In the schools where there are inadequate learning materials, they should explain to their leader the need for these materials. The study also recommended that school leaders should do all possible measures to provide their schools with adequate learning materials. Keywords: Students’ academic outcomes, instructional materials, learning outcomes, private secondary schools, Nyarugenge District, Rwanda