TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONALISM AS DETERMINANTS OF THEIR UTILIZATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN CALABAR METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined teachers’ professionalism as determinants of their utilization of instructional materials in teaching Mathematics in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated to direct the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. A total sample of 69 Mathematics teachers from 24 public secondary schools in the study area via century approach . The instrument titled “Questionnaire titled “Teacher professionalism and utilization of instructional materials in teaching Mathematics” was used for data collection. The reliability estimate of the questionnaire was established through Cronbach Alpha reliability estimate method which ranged from .71 to.76. These estimates having met the criterion for stability, thus warranted the use of the instrument for the study. Simple Linear Regression was the statistical technique adopted to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that teachers’ Professionalism in terms of pedagogical and subject matter individually significantly predicts their Utilization of Instructional Materials in Teaching Mathematics in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. It was concluded that teacher utilization of instructional materials in teaching Mathematics depend on their pedagogical and subject matter. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others, that Ministry of Education with partner with school administrators should Implement regular professional development workshops and training sessions focused on enhancing teachers' subject matter knowledge and pedagogical skills.