TRAINING TEACHERS ON THE USE OF DIENES MULTI-BASED BLOCKS TO TEACH BASIC SIX PUPILS PLACE VALUE AT NABULUGU D/A PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WESTMAMPRUSI DISTRICT

Abstract

The researcher observed that most teachers do not teach with appropriate teaching and learning materials especially during Mathematics lessons. They undermine the value of Dienes Multi-Base resources and therefore, do not even take into consideration the type of TLMs to be used when planning their lessons. It is as a result of the above mentioned menace that has necessitated embarking on this research. The qualitative research design was adopted by the researcher for this study. The research instruments employed for the study were observation and interview. Findings from the interview revealed that most teachers do not use Dienes multi-based block resources in their mathematics lesson delivery and even the few that teach place value in math’s lesson are not using Dienes multi-based block resources. The interview also revealed that most teachers lack the spirit of using self-made materials (locally available materials) to support the few sophisticated materials available for teaching and learning. Findings from the observation confirmed that some teachers actually teach using chalkboard illustrations and pictures from pupil’s text books. Others teach using the lecture method which affects children understanding of concepts and ideas. After intervention, it was recommended that the Ghana education service (GES) should enforce by-laws to guide the implementation of school- based (SBI) and cluster-based in-service (CBI) training in our schools. Supervision unit of the GES should be strengthened up by circuit supervisors to do proper monitoring and supervision. Colleges of Education should infuse DMBs materials preparation and usage as a course in order to equip teachers with the skills of developing interactive materials for teaching and learning in schools, especially the basic school level. The districts training officers should organise training based on the needs of the trainees not on huge funds to maximise profit. Guidelines for organising appropriate refresher for teachers in mathematics should be strictly followed.