AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION.
- Background to the study
Language is one of the most useful tools that humans have, and it is essential to our survival. It has evolved into an essential mode of communication between nations, cultural groups, communities, and friends. It helps with overall personality development and grooming. It is used to express thoughts, desires, and feelings. It represents a particular culture (Ogiegbaen and Delona , 2010). There is no such thing as a nation without a language. Today, there are approximately 6,500 languages spoken in the world, with English being one of them. English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world today. Nigeria is a multilingual country with approximately 450 ethnic groups. English became the official language. It is also the language of inclusion, uniting people of various ethnic backgrounds. The language is important because it is used in many different fields, including communication, science, commerce, and entertainment (Ogiegbaen and Delona, 2010). This language is taught in Nigerian schools from preschool to university, and it plays an important role in the national curriculum. This is because it is the primary mode of instruction in schools. Language is important in learning, and if a learner is unable to communicate in the language of instruction, learning may be impossible (Malekale, S.D, 2003). Furthermore, “language is not everything in education, but everything in education is nothing without language,” according to ADEA (2005). Despite
Despite the fact that the English language is embedded in every aspect of Nigerian education, secondary students continue to struggle with language acquisition.
Language learners study English in a second language context, which makes learning English difficult. According to Maesin et al., “in second language acquisition, students find it difficult to use language abilities outside of language classes because there are fewer possibilities due to a poor linguistic environment” (2009).
The environment is important when learning a new language, and it can either help or hinder language acquisition. Environmental issues in Nigerian schools, according to Ogiegbaen and Delona (2010), include:
1.Many schools, particularly those in urban areas, are located in areas where there are a lot of people moving around and doing things.
2.A large number of schools
have crumbling structures with leaky roofs and damaged walls.
3.The majority of schools lack power.
4.He also mentioned that most schools, especially those in urban areas, are overcrowded, with some classrooms holding up to 100 students.
5.Most of the institutions lacked adequate staff rooms and offices.
6.Most schools do not have libraries, and when they do, there is a scarcity of books on the shelves.
This is the critical situation in most Nigerian secondary schools, which serves as an impediment to effective English language teaching and learning. As a result, this study investigates the impact of environmental factors on English language proficiency among secondary school students.
1.2 Problem description
The official language of Nigeria is English. It is also used in Nigeria. a second language that is learned and practiced. However, most Nigerians find it difficult to learn the language because there are numerous factors that influence English language learning. This study looks at the environmental factors that influence the development of the English language, among other things. Many psychologists agree that one’s environment has an impact on one’s language development (Ogiegbaen and Delona , 2010). All educational partners are concerned about the negative impact of the environment on students’ academic performance in general, and their learning of the English language in particular. It has been stated, in particular, that secondary school students’ English language proficiency is poor and unsatisfactory. In this regard, the purpose of this research is to look into environmental factors.
(Looking specifically at the learning resources and learning environment) and its impact on the English language.
1.3 The study’s purpose
The overall goal of this study is to investigate the impact of environmental factors on English language proficiency among secondary school students. This research aims to specifically:
To determine the availability of instructional aid used in the teaching of English in the school.
To investigate whether the school environment influences English language proficiency.
To make suggestions for possible strategies for improving the learning environment and improving English language proficiency.
1.4 Research concerns.
The following study questions have been prepared:
Is there a supply of instructional materials used in the classroom to teach English?
Does the school environment influence English proficiency?
language?
What are the possible strategies for improving the learning environment and increasing English proficiency?
1.5 The study’s importance.
The study’s findings would be beneficial to students, teachers, parents, and the school.
Students.
It will motivate and enable students to study and improve their English language skills.
Teachers.
It will enable teachers to always create a learning environment that is conducive to learning, as well as to be aware of the various ways in which learning resources can aid their teaching.
Parents.
They will be motivated to encourage their children to learn the language properly based on the feedback they receive from their children’s results. It will also encourage parents to contribute financially to the upkeep and development of their children.
the environment in which their wards learn.
School.
The findings of this study will assist the school in identifying errors and making positive preparations to make the learning environment conducive to learning, as well as providing the appropriate learning resources for the teacher to use while teaching.
Academia: The study is important to the academic community because it will add to the existing literature.
1.6 The Study’s Scope
The study will determine the availability of instructional aids used in the classroom to teach English. The study will also look into how the school environment affects English language proficiency. Finally, the study will suggest potential strategies for improving the learning environment and improving English proficiency. As a result, the scope of this research will be limited to
Primary schools in Benue.
1.7 Study Restrictions
The researchers encountered minor constraints while conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. Inadequate funds tend to impede the researcher’s efficiency in sourcing relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection process (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher chose a moderate sample size. Furthermore, the researcher will conduct this study alongside other academic work. As a result, the time spent researching will be reduced.
1.8 Terms are defined.
Environmental factors: These are the known characteristics of an environment that influence English language acquisition.
English is the official language and the second most widely spoken language in the world.
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