Use of Instructional Media in Elementary Schools in Kenya: Understanding Teacher Attitude and Perceived Pedagogical Value of Picture Books

Abstract

Picture books are instructional materials normally designed as learning aids. They combine visual and verbal narratives in a book format. The images in picture books use a range of media such as oil paints, acrylics, watercolour, and pencil, among others [1]. Teachers resort to use of picture books for instruction as a method through which the standard classroom environment could be minimized. The purpose of this study was to assess teachers of English’s attitudes and beliefs about the pedagogical value of using picture books for teaching English oral skills to pre-school pupils. The study was guided by the Two Factor Theory developed by Herzberg (1968) which suggests that people are influenced by two factors which motivate their performance namely motivators and hygiene factors. Thus the interplay of factors which influenced pre-primary school teachers of English to use picture books as instructional materials in this study included, attitude, perceptions of effectiveness, availability and perceived pedagogical value of the materials. The study used descriptive survey design to get information from all the elementary school teachers in the study area. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics which involved tabulation of data into frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations. Analysis of the results revealed that teachers were aware and appreciated the pedagogical value of picture books for training but however had mixed attitude towards its use. The study revealed a need to develop policy frameworks by Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to ensure accurate planning for better remuneration, integration of instructional materials in the curriculum and availability of infrastructure conducive for better elementary education and other similar studies in different areas utilizing qualitative or mixed methods to delve into other underlying issues for poor utilization of picture books as instructional materials.