VISUAL MATERIALS USAGE AND LEARNER’S COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KITAGWENDA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction The study established the effects of visual materials usage on learners’ communicative competencies in primary schools in Kitagwenda District. Methodology The study used a cross-sectional survey research design consisting of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection and analysis. The study population consisted of teachers, head teachers, PTA members, and learners of p6 and p7 classes. A sample size of 232 respondents was used. Questionnaires and interviews were used during data collection. Statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) was used to aid the processing and summarizing of information obtained from the questionnaires while content analysis was used to analyze quantitative data. Results majority of the respondents (55.2%) were males while females were 44.8%. This implies that there are more male students than female learners in primary schools in Kitagwenda District. majority of respondents (51.8%) agreed that the Use of authentic materials improves reading skills only (18.3%) disagreed with the statement (Mean= 3.44; Standard deviation= 1.054). majority of the respondents (52.4%) agreed that the Use of authentic materials improves English language listening skills. (Mean= 3.37.; Standard deviation= 1.057). Conclusion Visual materials usage improves the learner's reading, writing, and listening schools which has a positive effect on their studies. Recommendation The study recommends that the government and other stakeholders in the education sector should seek to increase the funding for UPE to cater to all the school's monetary requirements to have enough teaching materials. This will help teachers access various forms of materials and use them in teaching.