Challenges affecting performance of literature in English in Tanzania ordinary level secondary schools: A case of Tabora Municipality

Mugolozi, Caroline Nimehi (2019) Challenges affecting performance of literature in English in Tanzania ordinary level secondary schools: A case of Tabora Municipality. Masters thesis, Department of Policy Planning and Administration.

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Abstract

Literature in English is an important section within English language subject in secondary schools which requires special focus in preparation of learners to successfully finish that level of education. However, most of form four students seem to lack interest of studying the subject and have been performing poorly in literature section in their national examinations. Through this realization, the present study found it interesting to explore the challenges. In line with this objective, the study deployed questionnaire, interview guides, documentary review and observation for data collection in Tabora Municipality. The data were processed, analyzed and interpreted according to the Reader Response Theory and Cognitive Learning Theory. The findings of the process revealed that, the studied ordinary level secondary schools in Tanzania had poor environment for teaching and learning literature effectively. Similarly, the teacher centered methods which hindered students’ thinking capacity and creativity in literary appreciations were found to be the dominant methods used in the teaching of literature in English the situation that demotivated students to study it. The role of professionalism and motivation in the performance of literature in English was also affected due to teachers’ lack of self-commitment in guiding students on how to study the subject. This is particularly reading and understanding the literary books, analyzing and interpreting the stories presented by the writers and narrators, hence failing to recognize the importance of the subject and its value in identifying its role in affecting historical and cultural identities that are key to the development of mankind. It is therefore recommended that deliberate efforts to be taken to solve these challenges that affect the performance of literature in English in ordinary level secondary schools in Tanzania.

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