Impact of Instructional Materials on Academic Achievement and Attitudes toward Physics among Senior Secondary Students of Apa, Benue State

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of instructional materials on senior secondary students’ academic achievement and attitudes toward Physics in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State. An experimental research approach was employed using a post-test only design, in which parallel groups of students were tested after exposure to treatment. The sample comprised 100 Senior Secondary II students randomly selected from seven schools offering Physics within the study area. Two research instruments were developed: the Physics Students Achievement Test (PSAT) and the Students’ Attitude Toward Physics Scale (SATPS). These instruments were validated by Physics education experts from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. Reliability analysis using Cronbach’s Alpha produced coefficients of 0.81 for PSAT and 0.84 for SATPS, indicating strong internal consistency.Students were assigned to experimental and control groups, with the experimental group taught Physics concepts using instructional materials. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided thestudy. Data collected were analyzed using mean scores, frequency counts, percentiles, chi-square tests, and independent samples t-tests. Results revealed that students taught with instructional materials significantly outperformed those in the control group (p < 0.05). The findings also indicated that instructional materials positively influenced students’ attitudes toward Physics. Furthermore, achievement and attitudes were shown to be closely related, suggesting a mutually reinforcing relationship. The study concluded that instructional materials significantly enhance both academic achievement and students’ attitudes toward Physics. Recommendations were made for teachers, curriculum developers, and educational stakeholders to strengthen the integration of instructional materials into Physics instruction for improved learning outcomes.