EFFECT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES ON THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ECONOMICS SUBJECT IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL AT YABA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of community resources on the teaching and learning of
Economics in senior secondary schools within Yaba, Local Government Area, Lagos State.
The research focuses on how various local assets—such as libraries, industries, financial
institutions, museums, professionals, and cultural centers—contribute to the effectiveness of
Economics education. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, using a sample of
120 Economics teachers and students randomly selected from five senior secondary schools.
A simple random sampling method was used to select 24 participants in the area. Data were
collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and
inferential analysis (Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis). The findings reveal that
teachers' utilization of community resources is crucial and significantly enhances the
teaching and learning of Economics, if utilized effectively, promoting student engagement,
understanding, and academic performance. Teachers who incorporate field trips, guest
lectures, and practical experiences report higher student engagement and understanding of
economic concepts. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and lack of
resources hinder the effective utilization of community resources. The study recommends that
policymakers and educators prioritize the provision of community resources, supporting
teachers in integrating these resources into their instructional practices, institutionalizing
partnerships between schools and community organizations to enrich the Economics
curriculum, advocating for training teachers to harness local resources effectively. The study
provides empirical evidence supporting the integration of community-based assets into the
educational system bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world
applications.