The use of audio-visual aids in teaching oral English-A case study of Form Two science students of Akumadan Senior High School

Abstract

This study investigated the use of audio-visual aids (AVAs) in teaching Oral English to Form Two Science students at Akumadan Senior High School in Ghana. Specifically, the research sought to: (1) examine the extent to which AVAs are used in teaching Oral English; (2) assess teachers’ attitudes towards the use of AVAs; and (3) identify the challenges associated with the use of AVAs in Oral English instruction. The study employed a qualitative case study design, using interviews and classroom observations to collect data from four English language teachers and thirty students. Data were thematically analyzed to identify emerging patterns and insights relevant to the research questions. The findings revealed a moderate level of AVA use in Oral English instruction, with audio recordings and videos being the most commonly used tools. Teachers held positive attitudes toward AVAs, recognizing their benefits in enhancing pronunciation, listening comprehension, and student engagement. However, the use of AVAs was constrained by challenges such as insufficient training, lack of teaching resources, time limitations, and infrastructural deficiencies, including unreliable electricity. The study concludes that while AVAs enhance the teaching and learning of Oral English, their full potential remains unrealized due to systemic and contextual limitations. Recommendations include increased provision of AVA equipment, professional development for teachers, curriculum revisions to accommodate AVA use, and supportive institutional policies. The study offers practical implications for teachers and school administrators and calls for policy reforms from educational authorities to promote technology-integrated instruction. It also contributes to existing literature by affirming the theoretical significance of AVAs within Cognitive Load Theory, Dual Coding Theory, and Experiential Learning Theory. Keywords: Audio-visual aids, Oral English, senior high school, language instruction, Ghana.