MATERIAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN FEDIS WOREDA SECONDARY SCHOOLS, EAST HARARGHE ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

This study examined the educational materials management practices in selected secondary schools of Fedis Woreda. The study aimed at investigating the availability of educational materials in the schools, their procurement, distribution, utilization, storage process, inventory control and maintenance in the secondary schools. The study adapted a descriptive survey design targeting a total population of 62(22 males and 40 females) teachers working at the 2 selected government secondary schools of Fedis Woreda. Out of these, 38 teachers were selected as a sample through simple random sampling technique. The study also involved the 2 school principals, 2 unit leaders, 2, vice principal, 1 supervisor, and 2 members of the Parent-Teacher-Student Association of the schools, all of them were purposively selected. Questionnaires, interview, observations, and document analysis were employed to collect data from primary and secondary sources. While the sample teachers filled the questionnaires, the second respondent groups including school supervisor, Parent Teacher-Student Association members were interviewed. Observation was also conducted to corroborate the quantitative and qualitative data. While the quantitative data were presented in tables and analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics; the qualitative data from interview were presented in narrations and analyzed through comparing and contrasting with the quantitative data. The study findings revealed inadequate educational materials in the sampled schools. i.e., inadequate classrooms, students’ desks, chairs, blackboards, stationaries, staff rooms, libraries, laboratories and computer labs etc., Thus, the school managers need to conduct regular assessment and evaluation of educational materials and ensure that these resources are adequately provided. The appropriate offices of the Woreda and regional education bureaus need to help the schools.