The Effect of Socio-Cultural Factors on English Language Learning and the Impact on SSCE Results: The Case of Private vs Public Secondary Schools in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of socio-cultural practices on the English Senior School Certificate of Education (SSCE) results in public and private secondary school students in Kano, Nigeria. Using a case study approach, we explore whether socio-cultural practices might have influenced or constrained student performance in English SSCE results. This case study involves ten (10) participants from ten (10) secondary schools. An open-ended questionnaire was administered to all participants; findings revealed that teaching-related facilities in public secondary schools are not sufficiently available, unlike private schools. Furthermore, findings also indicate that the teacher-student ratio in public secondary schools is higher than in private schools. Students’ attitudes towards learning English language, including the use of social media, has also influenced the English SSCE results. Likewise, the schools’ socio-cultural practices affect the students’ performance in English SSCE exams. It is strongly recommended that the recruitment of additional English language teachers in public schools, and the establishment of more public schools aimed at improving the teacher-student ratio be employed. This would likely provide more active and interactive sessions for students, as well teachers. There is also a need to provide sufficient teaching and learning facilities and equipment in public schools, such as chairs, tables, fans, air-conditioning units, textbooks, computers, projectors, and so on. Public-school stakeholders should encourage the use of English language in English classes.