Publication: An examination of the efficacy of instructional packages on Teaching of language in early childhood education in Lang’ata Sub-County, Kenya
Total Views 0
total viewsTotal Downloads 4
total downloadsDate
2015-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mount Kenya University
Cite this Item
Abstract
The role of instructional packages in teaching language in early childhood education settings
cannot be overemphasized. However, ECDE learners’ listening, reading and writing skills is still
wanting. Thus, the proposed study was focused on examining the efficacy of instructional media
on language teaching in early childhood in Lang’ata Sub-county, Kenya. The objectives of the
study were focused on types of instructional packages and their efficacy in teaching listening,
reading and writing skills. The study was guided by The Cognitive Load Theory. The study used
mixed methods approach and applied concurrent triangulation research design which enabled the
researcher to use the quantitative and qualitative methods during the same timeframe and with
equal weight. Questionnaires were used to collect data from ECDE Center Managers and ECDE
Teachers whereas observation schedules (Opinionnaires) were used to gather information ECDE
learners. The target population for the study comprised 50 ECDE center managers, 450 ECDE
teachers and 2000 ECDE Learners in Lang’ata Sub-county. Using The Central Limit Theorem, 5
preschools, that is, 10% of targeted 50, were sampled. Based on the same theorem, 300
respondents, that is, 12% of 2500, were sampled. The researcher applied stratified sampling to
create at 5 different strata based on the number of zones. From each stratum, 3 ECDE Center
Managers were selected using purposive sampling. 27 ECDE teachers and 30 ECDE Learners were
sampled using simple random sampling. Piloting of research instruments was conducted amongst
2 ECDE Managers and 8 ECDE teachers from 2 ECDE Centers in Lang’ata Sub-county to
establish validity and reliability. Reliability was determined using split-half method and reliability
coefficient determined using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Method which yielded a
value of r = 0.65 indicating high internal reliability. Data analysis began by identifying common
themes. Frequency counts of the responses were then obtained to generate information about the
respondents and to illustrate the general trend of findings on the various variables that were under
investigation. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically whereas quantitative data was analyzed
using descriptive statistics in Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS Version 21). The
findings of the study were presented using tables. The study established that there are different
instructional packages such as instructional games, simulation, problem solving media and teacher
utility software which enhance teaching of listening, reading and writing skills in early childhood.
It is evident that instructional package is best suited for teaching of language skills such as learning
listening, spelling, reading and comprehension skills. Thus, the study recommends that language
teachers must take the advantages of modern technologies in teaching and learning. In this respect
they need to acquire competency and the required ICT skills. Constant workshop and re-training
programs should be carried out on modern methods of teaching and procedure for developing
and production of instructional packages for language teaching in early childhood settings. The
use of instructional package for teaching language should be encouraged by the government and
the Ministry of Education. Each early childhood centers should have an Educational Technology
Description
Keywords
Early Childhood Studies