Problems Of Using Instructional Materials In The Teaching Of English Language In Juniour Secondary Schools
[EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE.]

Statement of the Problem 

The major goal of using instructional materials in the teaching of English Language in junior secondary schools is to educate students to be able to confront problematic situations in the subject with confidence. In other words, English Language is supposed to teach students to become functional problem - solving students. 

 In order to make English Language teaching and learning meaningful and interesting, teachers need to employ a variety of instructional materials and teaching methods which Adeyemi (2000) states that they are indispensable for the study of English Language. He believes that the most appropriate learning takes place when the learner is in control and dominating session in the teaching –learning process.

The variety of instructional materials and methods used in the teaching of English Language are not fully utilized and appropriately used, and these makes the teaching of English Language difficult and hard for the students to understand. When the available instructional materials are not properly utilized and well managed, they pose a lot of problem to the teaching of English Language. “The problems of using instructional materials, such as the lack of fund, inadequate time for the use of instructional materials, lack of knowledge on the side of the teacher on how to operate the available instructional materials, should be tackled to the core, in order to inculcate in the students, the expected knowledge, about English Language”. (Odo, 2001:188).

  In view of the above, it is important to study the problems of using instructional materials in the teaching of English Language in junior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of the study is to find out the problems of using instructional materials in the teaching of English Language in junior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo state. Specifically, the study is designed to:-

1. Find out the different instructional materials in use, in the teaching of English Language in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.   

2.   To ascertain the most widely utilized instructional materials by classroom teachers in the teaching of English Language junior secondary schools?

3.  To find out the different problems of using instructional materials in the teaching of English Language in junior secondary schools?                

4. To examine the remedies to the problems of using instructional materials in the teaching of English Language in junior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. 

Significance of the Study

The result of this research project will reveal to the teachers, students, and the government about the problems of using instructional materials. It will as well be of great significance owing to its quality and contribution.

The result of this research will also guide English Language teachers to effectively and efficiently use instructional materials and to know the causes of the problems of using these materials.      

When these problems are tackled, it will help to stimulate the students’ mind and make them spirited, hence showing positive interest towards teaching and learning, if the materials are efficiently used.

Similarly, the result shall contribute as a source of material to researchers, educational administrators, and stakeholders and curriculum planners to update their knowledge of the causes and problems of using instructional materials. 

The result of the study will also enlighten the teachers   about the different problems encountered during the use of instructional materials in the process of teaching and learning of English Language. 

The result of the study will also serve as a guide to other researchers who would wish to carry out research on a related aspect of the topic.

Scope of the Study

There are many junior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. 

The scope of the study is limited to seven (7) secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo state which were randomly selected. The scope of the study is on the problems of using instructional materials in the teaching of English Language in junior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The schools of study had to be selected for a proper and a good research work. 

Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated to guide the study:

1. What are the instructional materials used in teaching English Language in junior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State?
2. What are the most widely utilized instructional materials by classroom teachers in the teaching of English Language in junior secondary schools?

3. What are the different problems of using instructional materials in the teaching of English Language in junior secondary schools?                

4. What are the remedies of the problems of using instructional materials in the teaching of English Language in junior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State?