GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT
This study sought to assess the performance of social studies students taught with improvised instructional materials and those taught with conventional materials. Survey and quasi-experimental research designs were used. The study was carried out in the Central Senatorial District of Cross Rivers State comprising of six local government area namely: Abi, Boki, Etung, Ikom, Obubra and Yakurr. The population of the study consisted of all the social studies teachers and students in the 89 secondary schools (JSS II) in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State. The total sample size of 612 subjects drawn from 12 secondary schools was used for the survey study. The sample consisted of 12 teachers teaching and 600 students offering social studies in JSS II students from selected schools. The two main instruments used for the study were questionnaire and performance test. The face, content and construct validation of the two researcher-designed instruments were ascertained. The research hypothesis was answered using independent t-test at .05 level of significance. The study concluded that social studies students taught with improvised instructional materials perform better in academically than those taught with conventional materials. Also, there is significant difference in the performance of social studies students taught with improvised instructional materials and those taught with conventional materials. It was therefore recommended that schools should give room for acquisition of skills and knowledge and development of self- confidence and self- actualization to student. In addition, school administration should enable both the teachers and students to participate actively and effectively in lesson sessions using improvised instructional materials.
KEY WORDS: Social Studies Students, Instructional Materials, Improvised Materials, Conventional Materials.