Influence of Human Resource Utilization of Instructional Resources and Pupils’ Acquisition of Skills in English Language in Public Primary Schools in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Instructional resources play an important role in the acquisition and learning of receptive, productive and digital skills in English language. Teachers of English and pupils manipulate instructional resources to acquire and learn these key skills for use academically and in different social contexts. Teachers of English demographics teaching experience and professional qualifications can to an extent determine usage of instructional resources during the teaching learning process. This study sought to establish how human resource utilization of instructional resources influence pupils’ acquisition of skills in English language in public primary schools in Nairobi, Kenya. The study used Mixed Methods Research design. Qualitative and quantitative data was elicited using questionnaires (headteachers, teachers of English and grade 6 pupils), structured interviews, observation checklist form and an English Assessment Test. A sampled population of 41 headteachers, 260 teachers of English and 316 grade 6 pupils participated in the study. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was presented using tables, frequencies and percentages. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis was used to test the null hypothesis and show correlations between human resource utilization of instructional resources and pupils’ acquisition of skills in English language. The findings revealed that teachers of English utilization of instructional resources during English lessons significantly correlated with acquisition of skills in English language (r=.883**, n=260, p=0.001). The study concluded that teachers of English demographics, teaching experience and professional qualifications does determine factors such as adeptness, resourcefulness, embracement and attitude in the use of instructional resources which influence pupils’ acquisition of skills in English language.