An Evaluative Study of Teaching and Learning of English Grammatical Structures in Some Selected Primary Schools

An Evaluative Study of Teaching and Learning of English Grammatical Structures in Some Selected Primary Schools

1.1 Introduction

This research work is concerned with the evaluative study of teaching and learning of English grammatical structures in primary school. The research deals with the nature, objectives, methods steps and problems of teaching and learning of English grammatical structures in some selected primary schools in Kaduna North Local Government. In chapter one, the problem to be investigated was stated; objectives, hypothesis, scope and delimitation of the study were well treated. While chapter two reviews relevant literature related to the teaching and learning of English grammatical structures in primary school. The last three chapters centred on research methodology (i.e. methods of data collection), tabulation, analysis and discussion of data collected, summary, recommendations for the improvement of teaching and learning of grammatical structures in the primary school; there is also a general conclusion of all the issues raised in this research work.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The problem to be investigated in “An evaluative study of the teaching and learning of English grammatical structures in some primary schools.”

The research work is aimed at identifying the causes of pupils’ poor performance in using English structural items correctly. As a result of this, and other problems, this research will specifically investigate the following:

i) How pupils in primary schools are motivated to learn and use English grammatical structures.

ii) The methods and techniques employed by teachers in the teaching of English structural items in the primary school and the effectiveness of these methods and techniques.

iii) The types of materials (textbooks/teaching aids) used by the teachers and how relevant these materials are to the teaching and learning of English grammatical structures.

iv) The types of teachers employed to teach the English language in the primary school.

v) The areas of difficulty faced by teachers and pupils in the teaching and learning of English grammatical structures in primary schools.

vi) Suggest how best to improve the teaching and learning of English grammatical structures in primary school.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this research are:

1. Find out how English grammatical structures are being taught in primary school.

2. Address the various challenges faced by teachers and learners of English especially in the aspects of grammatical structures.

3. Make educational planners, language policy makers, curriculum developers and educational administrators to be aware of what is happening in the field (classroom).

4. Identify problem areas in the teaching and learning English grammatical structures in the primary schools and to proffer solutions to such identified problems.

5. Assess and evaluate the quality of teachers teaching English and the materials used in the teaching of English grammatical structures whether the materials are adequate, relevant or not.

6. Finally this research work will suggest and recommend some measures for improving the standard of English language teaching and learning with a special focus on grammatical structures at the primary school level.

1.4 Hypothesis

There has been great and serious concern from parents, teachers and educational bodies about the declining standard of pupils’ performance in the English Language. It is because of this that the researcher sets out to test the following hypotheses:

i) That pupils in the primary school show non challant attitude to the learning of English grammatical structures due to its rules and technicalities.

ii) That some of the teachers teaching English are not qualified to teach English.

iii) That some teachers use methods that are inappropriate and inadequate for pupils comprehension in the teaching of English grammatical structures.

iv) That there is general neglect by both teachers and pupils on the aspect of grammatical structures.

v) That some English textbooks are inadequate, outdated and inappropriate for pupils’ learning background.