Practices, Challenges and Opportunities of Using Afan Oromo as a Medium of Instruction in Upper Primary Schools of Berbere Woreda, Bale Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Bezabih Wondimu,Tesfaye Guta

doi:10.11648/j.ipa.20200402.13

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to investigate practices, challenges and opportunities of using Afan Oromo as a medium of instruction in upper primary schools of Berbere Woreda, Bale Zone, Oromia. To attain the purpose of the study, mixed research design, that put on both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed and more specifically, concurrent triangulation mixed research design was employed. 45 teachers and 395 sample students were selected by using simple random sampling techniques respectively. Whereas, nine CRC supervisors and nine principals were selected by purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interviews were used as data collection tools. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics like frequency distribution (fd), percentage (%) mean (m) and t-test. The qualitative data was analyzed by narration and personal interpretation of the researcher. The finding of the study showed that; although there are the practices of using Afan Oromo as a medium of instruction, these practices are challenged by the absence of adequate reference materials and existence of negative perception of parents, students and local communities. The availability of Ethiopian Education and training policy and language policy has enormous opportunity for the use of mother tongues such as Afan Oromo as medium of instruction. So, to use Afan Oromo as medium of instruction in the upper primary school, it’s better to fulfill necessary supplies and exercise every opportunity that supports this practice. Finally, based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that strong collaboration among stakeholders needs to be undertaken to ensure the real practice of using Afan Oromo as medium of instruction in upper primary schools of Berbere Woreda, Bale Zone, Oromia, South East Ethiopia.

Highlights

IntroductionEvidences indicated that the child could associate what he/she has learned in the International and Public Affairs 2020; 4(2): 35-43 classroom with the previous knowledge and experiences that he/she accumulated from their local environment
The study found that there are limited practices that show the presence of practice of using Afan Oromo as a medium of instruction education
These practices were challenged by many problems such as material, absence of adequate support and attitudinal problems

Summary

Introduction

Evidences indicated that the child could associate what he/she has learned in the International and Public Affairs 2020; 4(2): 35-43 classroom with the previous knowledge and experiences that he/she accumulated from their local environment This clearly indicates that the use of a language that is familiar to both teachers and students plays a profound role in facilitating their learning and teaching. The document depicted, “Cognizant of the pedagogical advantage of the child in learning in mother tongue and the rights of the nationalities to promote the use of their languages, primary education were given in nationality languages” [3] This policy created a tremendous appreciation among the previously marginalized linguistic groups. Those well-established myths and attitudes hamper the use of mother tongue such as Afan Oromo as medium of instruction

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion