Teachers' Perceptions and Practices of Using Instructional Materials: Evidence from Haramaya Town

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine how instructional materials are perceived and utilized by primary school teachers in Haramaya town. The study utilized a mixed-methods design and collected data through a questionnaire and interview from 123 randomly selected primary school teachers. The collected quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (percentages, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent sample T-test and one-way ANOVA). Qualitative data were analysed through word description and narration. The study results indicated that most teachers had a positive perception of the use of instructional materials in teaching and learning, but their practices were found to be infrequent. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the utilization of instructional materials between male and female teachers, and no significant difference was found based on teachers’ educational qualifications. However, there was a significant difference in experience among teachers. Therefore, it is recommended that the Haramaya Town Education Office provide training to improve teachers’ utilization of instructional materials to enhance the teaching and learning process in primary schools