FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MASS FAILURE OF STUDENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT

This study was on the factors associated with mass failure of students in the English language in secondary schools in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State. Using simple random sampling procedures, the researchers drew 128 students and 50 teachers from nine state owned secondary school of Enugu State.
Questionnaires were used to elicit information from the respondents- Teachers and students on the problems associated with mass failure of secondary school student in English language in WAEC Examinations. The questionnaire items included qualification and experience of the English teachers, the methods they adopt in teaching the subject, the materials available to them foe use in teaching the subject, the influence of the vernacular language in student learning of the subject and home environment.
In analyzing the data collected, means scores were used to answer the research questions. The results showed among other things, that the teachers knowledge of teaching the subject is not updated often times and that there is absence of teaching facilities in most of the schools while vernacular language and home environment have negative impacts, towards the students' the findings, recommendations were made and implications were highlighted. This was followed by suggestion for further studies, summary of the study and conclusion

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Statement of the Problem 
Perhaps not much attention has been given to the performance of students in junior secondary school subjects in recent years. This neglect, no doubt has relegated this junior subjects to the background in our junior secondary certificate examination. A close look at the 2004/2008 JSSCE result records, confirms that students' performance has been very poor generally and the increase number of school dropout in the area of study is a clear pointer of the theme. The poor performance is caused by many factors such as; students ineffective study techniques, quality of teachers and method of teaching, the parent's inability to provide useful materials like textbooks, exercise books and school fees and problem of inadequate instructional materials for teaching and learning of English language in schools.
In philosophical view of these causes, this study therefore is specifically designed to assess the factors associated with mass failure of English language in junior secondary school certificate examination in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

1.2 Purpose of the Study 
The main purpose of this study is to find out the factors associated with mass failure of English language in junior secondary school certificate examination. The interests of the researchers are to examine critically and identify the factors associated with mass failure of English language in junior secondary school certificate examination specifically, the study sought to find out if:-
1. There are sufficient numbers of qualified English language teachers and instructional materials for teaching of English language.
2. The previous socio-economic background of the students affect them in studying English language.
3. The attitude and interest of students towards the nature of English language contribute deeply to their mass failure in JSSCE especially in English language.

1.3 Significance of the Study
The student will be able to appreciate the importance of the effective domain like interest and motivation in improving their performance. With this awareness, the student might put up a positive attitude towards English language which will increase their performance and enhance higher grades in junior secondary school certificate examination. Teachers will also be able to adjust their teaching methods and offer remedial helps where they find out that students are putting up a low attitude. State government will also see the need of guidance and counseling in each schools, the ministry of education and curriculum planners for better organization of junior subjects in education.

1.4 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study was focused on the factors associated with mass failure of English language in junior secondary school certificate examination in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State. Due to military factors such as time and other resources and the inconvenience of handling a large scope, the researchers focused only on junior English language.

1.5 Research of the Study 
To carry out a detailed study of the research, the following research question will guide to study:-
1. Are there sufficient numbers of qualified English language teachers and instructional materials for teaching English language?
2. Does the previous socio-economic background of the students affect them in studying English language?
3. Does poor attitude and low interest of students towards the nature of English language contribute deeply to their mass failure in JSSCE especially in English language?