Instructional Materials Utilization In Early Childhood Education, Factor Affecting This Use And Strategies To Cope With Challenges The Case Of Hula Woreda, Sidama Regional State.

Abstract

Instructional materials utilization in early childhood care and education, factor affecting this use and strategies to cope with challenges the case of hula woreda, sidama regional state. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. From the total of 32 government preschools found in Hula Woreda, 22 early childhood care and education were selected by stratified random sampling technique. The total sample size of the study was 141, participants whom 44 were teachers, 22 were department heads, 22 were pedagogical center facilitators, 9 were cluster supervisors and 44 were school principals. Data collection tools were focus group discussions with cluster supervisors, interviews with school principals and department heads, and questionnaires for pedagogical center facilitators and teachers. In addition to the above data collection tools, document analysis was also conducted. The data analysis was carried out by Microsoft excell and SPSS version 24. whereas qualitative data were analyzed through thematic approach and narration. The analysis of the data revealed that extent of utilizinginstructional materials was found to below level, and to teachers attitudes in utilizinginstructional materials was found to be low commitment, low encouragement, low attention towords usinginstructional materials, backward handling and low follow up from school. The major challenges affecting the practice of utilization of instructional materials by teachers include lack of awareness, skills, training , motivation, and support from school leaders. Therefore, the issue under discussion needs to be instructional materials proved through training, community sensitization, coordination, motivation, experience sharing, and maintaining adequate resources are recommended for the betterment.