An Exploration of the Role of Teachers in Enhancing Learners’ Performance in English Second Language in Grade 7 at Seven Primary Schools in Oluno Circuit

Abstract

The purpose of this was to explore the role of teachers in enhancing learners’ performance in English second language in grade 7 at seven primary schools in Oluno circuit. A case study design was used within the qualitative research approach. The theory of Vygotsky’s constructivism theory of cognitive development was used as the theoretical framework of the study. The population for this study comprised of all 25 Grade 7 English Second Language teachers from 25 schools in Oluno Circuit, in Oshana region. Eight Secondary Schools from the Oluno Circuit were randomly selected to take part in this study. A sample comprising of six Grade seven ESL teachers was then chosen purposively from the 7 schools in Oluno Circuit. An interview guide and a non-participant observation schedule were used to collect data from the ESL grade 7 teachers. Data was analysed using themes which were discussed later. The literature and the theoretical framework were used to compare and contrast the study findings. Participants revealed that ESL teachers motivate their learners to use English in their daily conversations so that they develop the love of the language and also become fluent speakers and writers, and also that ESL teachers motivate learners when they give them feedback about the activities given, and this encourages learners to put more effort and work hard to achieve well. The study also unveiled that one of the ESL teachers’ roles is to assess learners formally and informally which the teachers to ensure that all skills are taught and equally assessed. The study further established that the role of the ESL teacher to plan for the subject content and develop the materials to be used during teaching and learning. Participants in the study indicated that ESL teachers develop teaching and learning materials to make the lesson more interesting and enhance learners’ understanding about the content being learnt. The study also found that ESL teachers have a role to engage learners in school activities as well as helping them to model the language structures and rules. All ESL teachers purported that ESL teachers are mediators between the school and home, and they also create a positive learning environment for learners to practice the language in a meaningful context. It can therefore be concluded from the results of this study that. there are several roles that ESL teachers can play, that can contribute to the enhancement of learners’ performance in ESL, these are such as teachers being motivators, assessors, planners for the subject content, developers of activities and teaching materials, creators of a positive learning environment as well as engaging learners in extramural activities. The researchers recommend that good foundation in ESL be laid at junior primary grades. This study also suggests that all schools should at least have access to internet connection because ESL materials such as e-books, e-journals, e-magazines and other social sites may be helpful in better teaching and learning English language skills.