EFFECT OF TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONALISM ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ENGLISH

EFFECT OF TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONALISM ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ENGLISH

ABSTRACT

The study examined effect of teachers’ professionalism on students’ academic performance in English, a case study of public secondary schools in Jalingo Local Government area of Taraba State. The study employed the survey design and the purposive sampling technique to select 450 staff SSS 1-3 level. A well-constructed questionnaire, which was adjudged valid and reliable, was used for collection of data from the respondents. The data obtained through the administration of the questionnaires was analyzed using the Pearson correlation analysis.

The results showed that there is positive and significant relationship between teachers’ personality and students’ academic performance in English Language (r=0.772; p<0.05). Teacher-students’ interaction and students’ academic performance in English Language (r=.896; p<0.05). Teachers’ action and students’ disposition towards the study of English Language (r=0.772; p<0.05). The study concluded that teachers professionalism has a significant impact on student academic performance in English Language in the selected public secondary schools in Jalingo Local Government Area.

The study suggested that; A recommended number of years could be specified for teachers as mandatory to acquire additional academic qualifications in their area of specialization (English); All students (especially art students) should be encouraged to offer English and literature as this will enhance their performance in English language and other art subjects; Teachers of English and literature should explore the right strategies to teach the subject so that students will understand and apply the knowledge in other subject areas.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1                                         Background of the Study

Education is a continuous process in human life. It is the process of training, imparting and developing the knowledge, skills, abilities, mind and character of the people (Olaniyonu, 2008). Education is equally the process of harnessing and exploring the inherent and latent abilities of individuals for their personal development in particular and national development in entirety. Meaningful improvements in the quality of education that students receive are determined by the quality of their teachers. Hence, quality teaching and learning are indispensable for students’ academic performance (Anderson, 1991).

For a country like Nigeria that strives to achieve rapid technological advancement, academic performance in English Language is key to the accomplishment of this goal. English language is an indispensable tool of expression and communication in which all other subjects are taught.  A number of scholars that adduced the role that language played in the development experience of nations such as USA, Britain, Canada, Australia and the like, have advocated for the use of English Language in teaching critical subjects like Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, etc, in Nigerian secondary schools. This suggestion was made to tackle the menace of poor academic performance of students in Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) over years.

EFFECT OF TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONALISM ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ENGLISH