Investigating Main Causes of Current Deterioration in Standards of English Language Proficiency among Pupils at the Sudanese General Level of Education

Abstract

This research tried to investigate the main causes of the deterioration in the students’ standards of English Language proficiency at General Education in the Sudan during the last two decades (1990-2010). It also attempted to find out solutions to this decline. In this study, the researcher adopted the Analytic Descriptive Method to carry out the study. The researcher designed and conducted three tools for collecting data from the targeted population. These tools were: tests for (303) pupils at General Education (Basic and Secondary levels), a questionnaire for (100) teachers of English Language at Basic and Secondary Schools and an interview with thirteen (13) expert teachers at universities, instructors and administrators at the Ministry of Education. The validity and reliability of the tools were confirmed. To investigate the research problem, the study tried to find answers to the following questions: III 1- To what extent have conflicting policies of English language such as (changes of Education ladder and syllabus, literature) Arabicization and removal of English contributed to the decline of students’ standards of proficiency in English language? 2- To what degree could this decline be attributed to the quality and quantity of the teaching staff? 3- To what extent has the examinations’ system followed at Basic and Secondary levels played a role in the creation of this decline? 4- To what degree have other causes such as overcrowded classes, unsuitable learning environment, learner's age, motivation and attitudes towards the foreign language contributed to the decline besides the removal of English Literature from the Syllabus? The study was founded on four hypotheses which have been confirmed by the participants’ responses to the three tools questions/statements directed to them in addition to Basic Certificate Level results. Hypothesis (1) states that “(The changes of Education ladder and syllabus, Arabicization and removal of English literature)” throughout different political periods contributed to the decline in standards. Hypothesis (2) states that (The shortage in qualified trained teachers represents a major factor in the decline students’ standards of proficiency. IV of Hypothesis (3) states that the system of examinations followed at General Education has an important effect on this decline. Hypothesis overcrowded (4) states classes, that (Other unsuitable factors environment, such as learners’ small age, motivation and attitudes) have contributed to the decline. The findings of the study revealed that the shortage in qualified trained teachers is among the major causes of the decline in the students’ standards of English Language achievement at Basic/Secondary schools. It also showed that the reduction of teaching/learning years/hours has contributed greatly to the decline. The study indicated that there are some weaknesses in “SPINE” series such as lacking grading, integration of language skills and authentic materials concerning the target language culture. In the light of the findings of the study, the researcher recommended a series of recommendations which include: training of teachers, fundamental amendments within “SPINE” series, availability of textbooks, including Literature in the syllabus, increasing the time devoted to English, improving the system of examinations. Finally, the researcher suggested some suggestions for further studies.

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