This study investigated the factors associated with mass failure of students’ in English language in Senior Secondary Schools using four schools in Ijebu-North Local Government, Ogun-State, Nigeria. The study employed qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected using classroom observation, questionnaire and documentary review. Result of the study reveals that students were highly motivated to learn English for future expectations such as local and international communication, academic advancement and employment prospects. However, students’ performance was affected by shortage of English teachers and absence of teaching and learning materials. The findings shows that presence of untrained, under-qualified, and poorly trained teachers in schools who were incompetent and as a result they fail to teach some difficult topics in the syllabus. Study findings also indicated that students’ infrequent use of English language at school and home, large class size, teachers’ responsibilities, poor conducive teaching and learning environment in the classrooms, limited home support environment and poverty were contributing factors for poor performance in English Language. Based on this, the research recommends in-service teachers training to enhance teachers English teaching skills, equal distribution of English teachers, adequate teaching facilities, and conducive learning environment at the schools.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Front Page .……………………………………………………… i
Certification ……………………………………………………… ii
Dedication …………..………………………………………… iii
Acknowledgement ...…………………………………………. iv
Abstract …………………………………………………… v
Table of contents ……………………………………………. vi-vii
List of Table ……………………………………………. x
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 3
1.3 Purpose of the Study 4
1.4 Research Questions 5
1.5 Significance of the Study 5
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study 7
1.7 Operational definition of terms 7
CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review
2.1 Theoretical Framework 8
2.1.1 Behaviourism Theory 8
2.1.2 Critical Theory 10
2.2 Conceptual Framework 12
2.2.1 Brief History Of English Language In Nigeria 12
2.2.2 The National Education Policy And The Role Of English 13
2.2.4 Track Of Mass Failure In NECO Between 2009 – 2015 18
2.2.5 Factors Affecting Poor Performance of Students in English Language 21
2.2.6 Implications of Continuous mass failure of Students in English Language 24
CHAPTER THREE: Methodology
3.1 Research Design 26
3.2 Area of the Study 26
3.3 Population of the Study 26
3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques 27
3.5 Instrument for Data Collection 27
3.6 Validity 28
3.7 Reliability of Instrument 28
3.8 Method of Data Analysis 28
CHAPTER FOUR: Presentation and Analysis of Data 30
CHAPTER FIVE: Discussions, Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Discussions 40
5.2 Summary 43
5.3 Conclusion 46
5.4 Recommendations 47
References 51
Appendix 54
