A studio exploration of maize husk as a material for teaching and learning aids to pupils of upper primary a case study of Purongo hill p.7 school, Nwoya district

Abstract

The study was carried out under the title, “A studio exploration of maize husk as material for teaching and learning aids to upper primary.” The study carried out a studio exploration of maize husk to find out the possibility of turning it into teaching and learning aids for upper primary pupils. The objectives of the study were determined by the challenges that teachers in Purongo Hill P.7 school, Nwoya district face in accessing teaching and learning aids. A case study design was employed where a qualitative approach of data collection and analysis was adopted to collect data from head teacher, deputy head teacher, teachers, Parent Teacher’s Association (PTA) chairpersons, and 88 pupils using interview guides, observation, and photography. A studio exploration was used to analyse the data through sketches and prototypes. The study found out why a majority of the teaching and learning aids are not made from local materials such as maize husk for primary schools, which led to the production of teaching and learning aids from maize husk for upper primary pupils in Purongo Hill P.7 school. The Literature reviewed was sourced widely from the articles, books, Journals. The study selected 20 participants who were selected purposively and included; school’s staff, pupils, and technicians. The study found that most teachers were facing financial problems to access commercial-based teaching and learning aids, lack of awareness and motivation of preparing them among teachers. The reasons why teaching and learning aid are not made from local materials included lack of funds in primary schools. Very little support was received from local governments and communities. The study concluded that it was possible to make soft boards, papers, and blackboards using maize husk using local means.