INFLUENCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ON SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT'S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN HISTORY IN CALBAR MUNICIPALITY, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study examined the influence of instructional materials on the academic performance of senior secondary school students in History in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. Instructional materials are essential tools used by teachers to facilitate effective teaching and enhance students’ understanding of subject matter. These materials include textbooks, charts, maps, audio-visual aids, and digital resources which help to make learning more concrete, practical, and engaging. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised all senior secondary school students offering History in selected public secondary schools within Calabar Municipality. A sample of students and History teachers was selected using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and achievement test, and analyzed using statistical methods such as mean scores, standard deviation, and chi-square. Findings revealed that the availability and effective utilization of instructional materials significantly influence students’ academic performance in History. Students taught with adequate and appropriate instructional materials performed better than those taught without them. The study also found that lack of instructional materials, poor utilization by teachers, and inadequate funding negatively affect the teaching and learning of History. These findings are consistent with previous studies which indicate that instructional materials enhance students’ comprehension, retention, and academic achievement when properly utilized in the teaching-learning process . The study concluded that instructional materials play a vital role in improving students’ academic performance in History. It was therefore recommended that government and school authorities should provide adequate instructional materials, teachers should be trained on their effective use, and schools should encourage improvisation where standard materials are not available.