ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of the availability and utilization of instructional materials on the academic performance of the adult learners in adult literacy centers in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo state. This is to ascertain the level of availability and utilization of instructional materials and how they affect adult learners’ academic performance in the teaching and learning process. Base on the purpose of this study, four research questions were raised to properly examine the problem of the study. Also, relevant literature was reviewed in line with the research questions and other concepts.
Survey research design was adopted to carry out the study and the population of the study comprises of adult learners in six literacy centers in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo state. The sample size for this study consisted of one hundred and fifty (150) adult learners (respondents) who were randomly selected through simple random technique from six adult literacy centers in the local government which was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire which was designed by the researcher and it was validated by the researcher’s supervisor. The reliability of the instrument was determined through test retest method. The data collected were analyzed using tables, frequency count and simple percentages.
Form the data collected from the respondents (adult learners), it was discovered that only some of the instructional materials were fully available. The available instructional materials include whiteboards, primers, charts, textbooks and workbooks while others which include computers, projectors, slides, graphics and flashcards are scarcely available. The instructional materials available are adequate in the literacy centers. Also, there is proper utilization of the available instructional materials which in turn greatly enhances the learning process and adult learners have a positive outlook and perception towards the instructional materials in their literacy centers. It was recommended that there should be an establishment of Ministry of Adult Education that will be responsible for the provision and supervision of the utilization of instructional materials and other adult education programs in the country so as to bring about national development.
