Influence of Teachers’ Use of Improvised Materials on Learning of Islamic Religious Education in Public Secondary Schools in Wajir West Sub-County, Wajir County, Kenya

September 24, 2025

Mohamed Abdullajhi Adan – Mount Kenya University

Peace B. A. N. Atsyaya – Murang’a University

Waititu Muchoki Michael – Kenyatta University

Abstract: Teachers’ use of improvised resources for classroom teaching and learning prepares learners for mastery of concepts since learners acquire knowledge through interaction with familiar materials within the environment. However, in Wajir West Sub-county, learning of Islamic Religious Education being inadequate with learners registering low grades in IRE. Thus, the study examined the influence of teachers’ use of improvised resources on learning of IRE in public secondary schools. The study adopted mixed methodology and applied both descriptive survey and phenomenological research designs to enable the researcher to implement quantitative and qualitative methods. Target population was 2319 respondents which comprised 10 principals, 70 teachers and 2239 students from which a sample of 340 respondents was determined using Yamane’s Formula. This sampling procedure enabled the researcher to sample 4 principals, 16 teachers and 320 students. Questionnaires were used to collect data from students whereas interview guides from principals and teachers. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically based on the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially linear regression analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25) and presented using tables. The study found that learning of IRE is still low manifested by low academic performance in KCSE. Teachers improvise materials to improve classroom pedagogy and thus, improve learning of IRE. However, many teachers rarely improvise materials to help learners master concepts in IRE. Thus, teachers should continue to use improvised resources to improve classroom pedagogy.