The Use of Instructional Materials and Selected Activity Methods of Teaching: A Tool for Improving the Performance of Clothing and Textiles Students

Abstract

An action was taken to improve upon the performance of Clothing and Textiles students in a selected Senior High Technical School in Ghana using instructional materials and selected activity methods. The objectives were: To arouse and sustain students' interest in Clothing and Textiles through the use of realia, charts, pictures and illustrations.; Use practical or demonstration to assist students to understand the concept learnt better and set standards for their individual practical.; Use group projects to improve their learning. Forty two SHS two Clothing and Textiles students were purposively sampled and observational guide, questionnaire, class exercises, quizzes and examinations were used for the data collection. Interventions such as vigorous use of instructional materials, hands on practice (practical), encouraging continuous learning by giving practical project work to students and constantly giving prompt feedback to students after an evaluation were put in place. The data was analysed using frequency distribution and percentages. The results showed a tremendous improvement in student's performance. It is recommended that Clothing Laboratory and other resources needed for teaching and learning of Clothing and Textiles should be provided for the school and Clothing and Textiles teachers should use varied methods for teaching the subject and insist on practical approaches since the subject is a practical- oriented one.