Investigating the Causes of Low Level in English Language of Secondary Schools Students in Governmental Schools in Gezira State

Abstract

This study is carried out to identify factors cause the poor performance in English language among secondary school students in Gezira State. The researcher has adopted the descriptive analytical method through questionnaires, interviews and observations as tools for gathering the data concerning the study. The sample of the study consisted of 374 were students and 26 were teachers. The data obtained from the observation and the questionnaires have been processed computationally with SSPS program to examine the correctness of the hypothesis of this study. Frequency and simple percentage were used in the analysis of data. The findings of the study led to the conclusion that the dominance of mother tongue, inadequate qualified teachers of English language, negative attitudes of students toward English language, improper use of methods in teaching English language, inadequate instructional media and facilities, lack of language laboratory for teaching English language are the causes of poor performance in English language among secondary school students in the Gezira State. The study also found out that qualified English teachers language who use the right approaches of teaching English language are the ones from whom students will get benefit, provision of language laboratory should be considered, engaging of students in debating and listening to English programmes are some of the ways that can improve secondary school students’ performance in English language. The study also recommended that qualified English teachers should always be employed to teach it, adequate facilities and instructional media/materials need to be provided where they are not available.