The availability, suitability and use of instructional materials in integrated science classrooms in Zimbabwean schools - D Zhou

The study surveyed the availability, suitability and use of instructional materials for 'O' level integrated science in the Gweru District of Zimbabwe. Judgmental sampling was used to select a sample of 15 schools in the district, including rural boarding schools, urban boarding schools, urban day schools, rural day schools and private schools. A questionnaire and interviews were used to gather data on the availability of instructional materials. Another questionnaire obtained data to evaluate the suitability of instructional materials and an observation schedule was applied to evaluate the use of instructional materials. The results reveal that the availability and suitability of the materials varied among the different types of schools investigated and that there was much room for improvement. Most teachers have not yet reached higher levels of operation regarding the use of instructional materials. In conclusion a number of recommendations are made to improve the situation.
From: Africa Education Review Vol. 4 (2), pp. 114-130