Language Teaching Approaches in Kenyan Schools

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue III, March 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Language Teaching Approaches in Kenyan Schools

Muriithi, Gerald Njuki
The author is a PhD Linguistics, candidate at The University of Nairobi.

Abstract
The reason for conducting this research was to find out the strategies/ approaches which the teachers use in class to teach language. The sestrategies are the ones that play a major role in influencing the learner’s performance.
The main objectives of the study, in this case, were: To come up with the approaches used in the teaching of the English language, the difficulties the teachers face when using these strategies, and to find out the influence that the teaching strategies impact on the learners’ performance. Data collection was done and the target population was 300 whereby 280 were students and 20 were qualified language teachers. The criteria used to collect the data was the use of simple questionnaires, observation, and interviews among the students and the teachers. In this case of data collection, it was recorded using descriptive statistics such as pie charts and tables since they were the most efficient ways of collecting storing data for future reference, and easy retrieval when required. Data analysis was done using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The outcome was that all teachers(50%) preferred the method of discussion which ensures every learner gets involved thus ensuring the centrality of the learner.This was in contrast were (25%) preferred the lecture method and the others used the other methods in delivering the content as per the curriculum. This study advocates that the student-centered approach should be adhered to as it gives the learner time to participate in class, improves the ability to recall, and influences performance. It was noticed that some teachers faced some difficulties since the number of students was a little bit large thus leading to poor choice of methods of teaching to use.In conclusion, the education stakeholders should allocate more resources to equip knowledge to the students, discussion on the method that should be used, and adding more qualified language teachers to ease the pressure the teachers face on choosing the best teaching strategy.

Keywords: Quantitative, qualitative, curriculum, descriptive statistics, data analysis

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Based on this topic of study, the following will be represented. Statement of the problem, research questions, the objective of the study, rationale/justification, theoretical framework, methodology, literature review, findings, discussion on findings, and conclusions. The teaching approaches are very key in the teaching of English.This is portrayed by the way the content is presented to the students, preserved, and utilized. The use of English in Kenya based on history was declared officially when independence was attained in 1963 (the Republic of Kenya,1964). It was to be used for the most important areas such as education and that’s why it is a crucial part of academics today. English is a global language that is used in many countries for various purposes such as in academics. Therefore, it is concluded that it is an important curriculum-based subject across the world according to it is supportedby (Braine, 2014).

Read More