AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF STANDARD , IMPROVISED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS IN SOME SELECTED SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, GWALE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA KANO STATE.

ABSTRACT Chemistry and instructional materials are vital for fostering a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles, facilitating hands-on learning, and enhancing student engagement in the exploration of chemical reactions and their applications in real-world contexts. This study examined the availability and utilization of standard and improvised instructional materials for teaching chemistry in selected senior secondary schools in Gwale Local Government Area, Kano State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, with data collected through questionnaires from 191 respondents across six secondary schools The findings highlighted the extent to which instructional materials are available and utilized in teaching chemistry, as well as their impact on student learning outcomes. The study revealed that while most schools have access to standard instructional materials such as periodic tables and charts, the availability of essential resources like textbooks and audiovisual tools remains inadequate. Teachers frequently use available instructional materials, and improvised materials are often used when standard materials are unavailable. However, practical demonstrations are not regularly conducted, which limits students’ hands-on learning experiences. Findings also indicated that instructional materials significantly impact students' academic performance. The majority of respondents agreed that students taught with appropriate instructional materials perform better academically. Conversely, the lack of these materials negatively affects learning outcomes. Additionally, the study found that time constraints limit the effective use of instructional materials during lessons. While teachers recognize the importance of instructional materials, more training and resources are needed to maximize their utilization. The researchers recommended improvement in provision of standard in structural materials, regular practical demonstration, teacher and professional development.