Challenges Of Using English As A Medium Of Instruction In The Upper Part Of Primary Schools In Rural Uganda A Case Of One Primary School In Mpigi District
Date
2018-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University. College of Education,open distance and e-learning.
Abstract
The study explored the challenges of using English as a medium of instruction in the upper part
of primary schools in rural Uganda. The sample consisted of the head teacher; pupils and
teachers of upper primary school grades (five to seven), from one selected primary school in
Mpigi district. The research questions used were:
How do teachers use English as a medium of instruction in the upper part of primary schools in
Mpigi district? How are teachers facilitated by the government in using English as a medium of
instruction in the upper part of primary schools in Mpigi district? How does English as a medium
of instruction affect pupils’ academic performance in the upper part of primary schools in Mpigi
district?
The study adopted a qualitative design. Tn-depth interviews were conducted with selected pupils,
teachers and the head teacher. Classroom observations were also conducted as a support method
with teachers of English, Mathematics, Basic science and health education as well as social
studies, the examinable subjects in Ugandan primary schools. In addition, relevant policy
documents were reviewed.
The findings revealed that pupils and teachers in the rural primary schools experience dilemmas
and tension, in the teaching and learning process, partly owing to language in education policy.
Implications for the teaching in either local language or English as a medium of instruction were
discussed and a number of challenges in using English as a medium of instruction were revealed,
which consequently had a negative effect on pupils’ academic performance. This proved that
pupils understand better when they are taught in a familiar language (local languages) than when
they are taught in a non- familiar language (English), as it has been claimed by several
intellectuals in the same field of study.
Description
A Research Report Submitted To The College Of Education, Open, Distance And E’learning For The Partial Fulfilment Of The Award Of Bachelor Of Education In Arts Of Kampala International University.
Keywords
Upper primary, Medium Of Instruction