Effectiveness of Audio Instructional Materials in Enhancing Acquisition of Pre-Reading Skills Among Pre-School Learners in Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of audio instructional materials in enhancing the acquisition of pre-reading skills among preschool learners. The objectives of the study were to establish the: effectiveness of audio instructional materials in enhancing acquisition of pre-reading skills and effectiveness of teacher’s pedagogical skills in enhancing acquisition of pre-reading skills among preschool learners. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to collect the required data. The target population was 294 Pre School teachers in Narok County. The sample size was 166 respondents selected using purposive and simple random sampling methods. Data was collected using questionnaires and observation schedules. Reliability and validity of the instruments was computed to ascertain the appropriateness of the instruments in collecting data and to ensure that the instruments provide consistent data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analysed and presented as per the emerging themes. The findings of the study revealed that the instructional materials were not effectively used in enhancing acquisition of pre reading skills among preschool learners. Audio instructional materials were least effectively used in most of the schools. Teachers indicated that they used their skills to develop their own instructional materials to assist in enhancing acquisition of pre-reading skills among the preschool learners. The results indicated that instructional materials facilitate acquisition of pre reading skills among the learners. The findings of the study shall be beneficial to the preschool teachers, instructional materials developers, policy makers in the education sector and other researchers.