The Causes of Poor Performance in English Language among Senior Secondary School Students in Dutse Metropolis of Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the causes of poor performance in English language among secondary school students in Dutse metropolis of Jigawa state. Responses were elicited from students and teachers in five secondary schools in Dutse metropolis. The study sample was 379, in which 300 were students and 79 were teachers. The descriptive survey design was used and questionnaire was used in collection of data. Frequency and simple percentage were used in the analysis of data. The findings of the study led to the conclusion that the dominance of mother tongue, inadequate qualified teachers of English language, negative attitudes of students toward English language, improper use of method in teaching English language, inadequate instructional media and facilities, lack of language laboratory for teaching English language are the causes of poor performance in English language among secondary school students of Dutse metropolis of Jigawa state.. The study also found out that provision of qualified teachers of English language, using the right approach to teaching of English language, provision of language laboratory, engaging of students in debating and listening to English programmes are some of the ways that can improve secondary school students’ performance in English language. The study also recommended that qualified teachers of English language should always be employed to teach it, adequate facilities and instructional media/materials need to be provided and where they are not available teacher are to improvise, proper supervision by all stakeholders should be imbibed and so on.