Learning resource centers: adequacy and relevance of resources in public primary teacher training colleges in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adequacy and relevance of resources that are in public primary teachers training colleges in Kenya. It was guided by three objectives namely: to determine whether the materials available are adequate and relevant, to establish whether the materials are well maintained and to find out whether there is enough space in the learning resource centers in PPTTCs in Kenya. The study was carried out in Tambach Teachers Training College, Keiyo district, Rift Valley province of Kenya. This was a case study design and the target population was 1121. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that there were inadequate relevant materials in the LRC such as course books used in both college classes and teaching practice in various departments, syllabuses, catalogues, computers, educational journals and other publications. This was attributed to poor planning of replenishment of LRC materials (low budgetary allocation to LRC) and the fact that tutors were not involved in sourcing of LRC materials. The findings point to the fact that the materials in the LRC are well maintained and that there is adequate space. The study will enhance the effective use of the learning resource centre at Tambach Teachers Training College and possibly all the TTCs in Kenya.