PROBLEMS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN ONITSHA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated problems of teaching and learning English language in Onitsha North Local Government Area. English is the dominant language in Nigeria and it has become almost a necessity for people to learn English language if they are to enter a global workforce. The teaching and learning of the English language, however, has not been so easy due to some difficulties experienced by the teachers and students. Descriptive survey research was adopted for the study. The area of the study was Onitsha North Local Government. The population consisted of 15 male teachers, 35 female teachers, 15 male students and 35 female students making it 100 teachers and students from public secondary schools. Purposive random sampling technique was used for the study. Two research questions guided the study. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Data collected were analysed using the mean rating. Results showed that English language teachers and students are facing numerous challenges such as inaccessibility to educational technologies, inadequate professional training and inability to write or speak the English language. The study, therefore, concluded that the challenges encountered by teachers and students of English language are caused by mother tongue interference and low interest to study a second language. Based on the findings, the study recommended, among others, that teachers should be acquainted with classroom management and utilise their skills in ensuring that students develop interest in learning the English language. This will enhance effective teaching and learning of the English language.