CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
English language is a global prestigious system of human communication used either by spoken or written, consisting of words in a structured and conventional way. It is the official language in Nigeria, which used in education, government, administrative, law, and commerce.On this account, it is necessary to ensure that, the secondary school students are given the basic and fundamental facet of English language. In order to achieve this; there must be instructional materials like Audio visual aids which are permeating the educational system as tools for effective teaching and learning. With audio visual, the communication of information can be done in a more effective manner and it can be an effective instructional medium for delivering information. Audio visual access to knowledge is one of the possibilities of information and communication technology that has tremendous impact on learning. The instructional media have emerged in a variety of resources, and equipment, which can be used to supplement or complement the teacher’s efforts in ensuring effective learning by students. It is recognized that conventional media technologies can no longer meet the needs of our teaching and learning processes; as a result they are being replaced by audio visual technology. This technology provides a learning environment that is self-paced, learner-controlled and individualized.
Audio visual is defined as the combination of various digital media types such as text, images, sound and video, into an integrated multi-sensory interactive application or presentation to convey a message or information. In other words, audio visual means “an individual or a small group using a computer to interact with information that is represented in several media, by repeatedly selecting what to see and hear next” (Agnew, Kellerman and Meyer, 2011).
Reisman (2010) described audio visual as a ray of “computer-driven interactive communication system, which create, store, transmit and retrieve, textual, graphic and audio tory networks of information.
Fetterman (2016) also viewed audio visual as those resources used for instruction that include one or more media such as graphics, video, animation, image and sound in addition to textual information. He identified four important characteristics of audio visual as:
- Audio visual systems are integrated
- The information content must be represented digitally
- The interface to the final presentation of media.
The power of audio visual lies in the fact that it is multi-sensory, stimulating the many senses of the audio lance. It is also interactive, enabling the end users of the application to control the content and flow of information. This has introduced important changes in the educational system and impact the way we communicate information to the learners (Neo and Neo, 2013).Ogunbote and Adesoye (2016) expressed that audio visual technology adds new dimension to learning experiences because concepts were easier to present and comprehend when the words are complemented with images and animations.
The evolution of audio visual has made it very possible for learners to become more involved in their work. With audio visual technologies, they can create audio visual applications as part of their project requirements. This would make them active participant in their own learning process, instead of just being passive learners of the educational content.
Reinsman (2014) expressed that audio visual involves processing, storage, generation, manipulation and retention of audio visual system, and the resources could include text files, pictures, video, audio , databases, archives, library catalogs, course notes, relevant links to various websites and easy access to search engines available on the Internet (Shuell and Ferber, 2011).
Audio visual in Education has been extremely effective in teaching individuals a wide range of subjects. Audio visual is changing the way we communicate with each other. The way we send and receive messages is more effectively done and better comprehended.
While a lecture can be extremely informative, a lecture that integrates pictures or video images can help an individual learn and retain information much more effectively.
Statement of the Problem
There is an urgent need to improve the quality of education to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations, and audio visual instruction is considered as a necessary tool for this purpose. However, the presence of audio visual alone will not stimulate significant changes in a school. Teachers are important ingredient in the implementation of audio visual instruction in education.
Without the involvement of teachers, most students may not take advantage of all the available potential benefits of audio visual on their own. Teachers need to actively participate in the use of audio visual facilities. They have to be trained in the use of audio visual and in its integration in the classroom activities to enhance thinking and creativity among students.
Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of this study is to examine the application of audio visual aids in the teaching of English language in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State.Specifically, the objectives of this study are to:
- Determine the availability of audio visual aids in teaching and learning of English language in senior secondary schools in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State.
- Determine the pattern and frequency of use of audio visual by teachers in these selected schools for teaching and learning.
- Determine the teachers’ competence in the use of audio visual aids in English language.
- Identify factors that limit the use of audio visual aids in teaching and learner of English language in senior secondary schools in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State.
Significance of the study
The findings of the study will be of much significance to students, teachers and researcher in secondary school. This is because the report of the study will serve as a good reference document to the group of learners when conducting a research on the same topic.
Again, the study has much significance on the government in Nigeria. This is so because, it will serve as a source of information to them, that non-provision of instructional materials to teaching provides basis for the falling standard of education in the country.
Furthermore, the study will be good significant to parents and the society, in account that when conducting parents teachers meeting, such issues may be raised and this will serve as a good reference document in providing solutions.
Scope of study
The study focused on the application of audio visual aids in teaching of English language in senior secondary schools in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State.
Research Questions
The study is structured to provide answers to the following research questions:
- How available are audio visual aids for teaching and learning of English language in senior secondary schools in Owerri North Local Government Area.
- What is the pattern and frequency of use of the audio visual aids for teaching and learning of English language?
- How competent is the teacher in the use of audio visual aids in teaching English language?
- What factors limit the use of audio visual aids in teaching and learning of English language?
APPLICATION OF AUDIO VISUAL AIDS IN THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN OWERRI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IMO STATE
