The Analysis of the Effect of the use of English as Language of Instruction in Public Secondary Schools on Students’ Learning: A Case of Misungwi District, Mwanza
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SAUT
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The focus of this study was to determine the relationship between the use of English as a
language of instruction in public secondary schools and its effect in students’ learning. The
objectives were to explore the outcomes of using English as a language of instruction in
secondary schools, to find out the challenges teachers and students face in using English as a
language of instruction in learning process as well as to identify the possible ways to improve the
use of English as a language of instruction in public secondary schools. The study was conducted
in Misungwi district in Mwanza region. The study collected data from students, teachers and
heads of schools through questionnaire, interview and observation. The data were analyzed
descriptively as well as statistically. The study found that many teachers and students are not
fluent in the use of English as the language of instruction, they have been using two languages in
teaching and learning process, that is Kiswahili and English. This is due to the fact that Kiswahili
has been their language of instruction at primary level, when they reach at secondary level, they
find English language as the language of instruction, therefore students fail to understand the
subject content in English which leads to poor academic performance. The study concluded that
English language should be used as a language of instruction from primary level to secondary
level; this will help the students to be proficient in using it. The study recommended that the
Ministry responsible with Education in Tanzania has to emphasize on the use of English
language in secondary schools effectively as a language of instruction at all levels. The
Education language policy makers have to think the proper ways on the use of English language
as a language of instruction from primary to secondary level. Also, it can be recommended that
classroom teachers have to avoid using two languages in learning process. Moreover, parents
should support their children in learning English language making sure they create conducive
environment of learning English as a language of instruction example buying English books for
private study of their children after school.
Keywords
English Language