Teachers’ Implementation of Communicative Language Teaching Approach in Primary School English Language Classrooms in Tanzania

Abstract

This study presents findings on how teachers implement the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach which is recommended in the English subject syllabus for primary education in Tanzania. It employed a qualitative approach and phenomenology design to explore the teachers’ experiences in using the CLT approach. Five public schools were selected based on comparably good performance in Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) reviewed for four consecutive years (NECTA, 2013-2016). Data were collected through interviews with subject teachers, head teachers, ward educational officers (WEOs), district education quality assurers (DEQAs), and classroom observations. The study reveals that although teachers could explain the CLT techniques stipulated in the subject syllabus, when observed in classrooms most of the teachers were unable to use the CLT techniques. Some teachers were willing to use the CLT techniques, but large class sizes, teachers’ insufficient language proficiency, and inadequate teaching and learning resources hindered them from effectively implementing the CLT approach. It concludes that the CLT approach was adopted for implementation before sufficient training was provided to teachers who have to implement it. The government should dedicate to annually allocate adequate financial resources for the needed improved teaching and learning environment of the English subject in primary schools in Tanzania.