TITLE:
Instructional Resources and Academic Performance in General Knowledge in Art: A Case Study of Sekyere Kumawu Senior High Schools, Ghana
AUTHORS:
George Ahoah Anyimah, William Kwabena Nantwi, Kennedy Asenso
KEYWORDS:
Instructional Resources, General Knowledge in Art (GKA), Academic Performance, Visual Arts Education, Teaching and Learning
JOURNAL NAME:
Art and Design Review,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to examine the instructional resources usage in general knowledge in art and how it affects students’ academic performance. This study employed a descriptive survey design complemented by a case study approach. The descriptive survey design was chosen because it allows for the collection of data from a relatively large sample, thereby providing a broad picture of the availability, adequacy, and utilization of instructional resources and their effect on students’ academic performance. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. A total of 150 respondents were selected using purposive, convenient, and simple random sampling techniques to ensure representation from different school settings. The study revealed that the instructional resources were largely inadequate and that teachers were compelled to improvise, borrow, or even purchase materials themselves to support teaching and learning. The lack of adequate resources discouraged students, leading to some losing interest in Visual Arts and shifting to other courses. The study further revealed that sufficient instructional resources enhanced teaching effectiveness and improved students’ understanding of the GKA syllabus. It was therefore recommended that, as a matter of urgency, the government should ensure adequate provision of instructional resources in schools in Sekyere Kumawu District to enhance teaching and learning. Since students are shifting from Visual Arts to other courses due to insufficient resources, urgent measures should be taken to provide adequate instructional materials to rekindle students’ interest in the subject.