Pedagogical Strategies Limitations and Practices Leading to Improved Teacher-Learners’ Classroom Interactions through English in Lower Primary Schools of Rwanda

Abstract

Strategies employed by teachers and learners in lower primary schools in Rwanda were judged insufficient and ineffective, as learners’ learning performance, especially in rural schools, was still unsatisfactory in examinations set in English. The study aimed to investigate the limitations of the strategies used by teachers and learners in their English classroom interactions and to propose effective practices to enhance teacher-learner interactions in lower primary grades. The constructivism theory guided this study, employing a mixed method with a sequential exploratory research design. The research population consisted of 56,691 people, including 56,125 learners, 449 teachers, and 117 head teachers of primary schools in Musanze District. A sample of 115 respondents, including 109 teachers and six head teachers, were randomly selected. Semi-structured interviews with 18 teachers and 6 school head teachers yielded qualitative data, while 91 teachers completed a written questionnaire, which provided quantitative data. Thematic analysis helped to treat qualitative data, and descriptive statistical analysis by cross-tabulation was utilized in quantitative data cleaning and analysis. Findings revealed that strategies employed in teacher-learner classroom interactions present some limitations to effective teaching and learning through English. Furthermore, various practices, including special preparatory programs in preschool centers, improved methodology for pre- and in-service teachers’ training on the English language, and an emphasis on practical tasks to equip learners with sufficient knowledge and skills to solve school and real-life problems, were suggested. The study recommended the collaboration and cooperation of multiple educational partners during the implementation of the proposed practices. The proposed practices are expected to have a great impact on the journey of re-examining and re-contextualizing teaching and learning in Rwandan schools.