THE EFFECTS OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN OSOGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigates the relationship between the use of instructional materials and students' academic performance in technical education. A total of 40 respondents, comprising 35 students and 5 teachers, participated in the research. The study employed a descriptive survey design and utilized structured questionnaires to gather data. Hypotheses were tested using a t-test at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that the use of instructional materials significantly enhances students' academic performance by improving comprehension, retention, and engagement in technical subjects. However, challenges such as insufficient materials, lack of teacher training, and inadequate funding hinder effective utilization. The study concludes that while instructional materials positively impact students' academic performance, addressing the challenges related to their availability and usage is crucial for maximizing their potential. Recommendations include increased funding for instructional resources, periodic teacher training on their effective usage, and the establishment of resource centers to ensure sustainability and accessibility.