An Overview of Challenges in Learning English: A Case Study of Selected Senior Secondary Schools in Ankpa, Kogi State

Abstract

The paper discusses the challenges of learning English with particular reference to senior secondary school students in Ankpa, Kogi East. The aim of this study is to find out the problems students encounter in the learning of the English language at the senior secondary school level. 96 respondents were selected for the study, consisting of 11 English language teachers comprising 7 male and 4 female, 85 students including 40 male and 45 female. Questionnaire and group discussion methods were used. The questionnaires were administered to respondents and they were also involved in focus group discussion. It was found that most of the teachers were not trained to teach English, adequate facilities were not provided; curriculum was not adequately followed to meet the needs of students and students’ unseriousness due to heavy reliance on examination malpractice. Teaching and learning of English in Ankpa, Kogi East is based on the system of grammatical patterns and there is a trend of formal and bookish language, students just produce sentence and focus on reading and writing. These factors hindered the learning process of the English language. We can conclude that generally in Ankpa, Kogi State, there are many hindrances in the learning of English at the senior secondary school level, which include overcrowded classes, use of traditional methods, faulty examination system, and non-availability of required facilities etc. In Ankpa, by extension Kogi State, the situation is not satisfactory, particularly in the rural areas. Therefore, this study is an attempt to find out challenges faced by the students at the senior secondary school level in learning the English language. This study will also help to find out the actual practices of learning and teaching in the classroom and also suggests some important measures to improve the quality of learning the English language at the senior secondary school level with special reference to Ankpa in Eastern part of Kogi State.