Effects of Instructional Materials on Literacy Levels of Learners among Primary Schools in Helsinki, Finland

Abstract

Instructional materials are many different tools and resources used by teachers to facilitate learning and encourage the learning process. The study sought to examine the effects of instructional materials on literacy levels of learners among primary schools in Helsinki, Finland. Learnercentered instructional materials encourage meaningful learning and makes learning more enjoyable. Nowadays primary school entry ages make it extremely convenient to employ instructional materials. Literacy is the ability to read, write, talk and listen in a manner that enables people to successfully communicate and make sense of the outside world. Literacy is highly valued in Finland, where over half of all young children can read before entering school. At the pre-school level, play-like activities and emergent literacy are prioritized. The study used the descriptive research design. The target population was 30 primary schools in Helsinki, Finland. The research did sampling of 15 participants that were chosen from the target population of 30 primary schools in Helsinki, Finland. Questionnaires were utilized to gather the data. The study concluded that instructional materials have a significant impact on the literacy levels of learners. The quality and relevance of instructional materials can affect how well learners comprehend and retain information, and ultimately, their ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. Effective instructional materials should be designed with the learner in mind, taking into account their age, reading level, cultural background, and learning style. The study recommended that the government should set aside enough funds to increase the number of instructional materials in primary schools. The government should locate materials centers to make it easier for teachers to borrow or collect teaching materials that are unavailable in primary schools.