THE USE OF REFLECTIVE THINKING IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE TO CHILDREN IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study critically exposes way in which the teaching and learning of English language can be enhanced through reflective thinking. Reflective practice is encouraging and relevant to learner centered Education because it exposes the educators and learners to thinking beyond the doing. It also creates a friendly class atmosphere whereby the principle of fallibilism, open mindedness and tolerance is practiced.

CHAPTER ONE

1. O INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Education is the life wire of any nation. It is the catalyst that propels both economic and social development. This explains why nations as well as individuals lay so much emphasis on the intellectual development of individuals. No individual or group of individual has ever disagreed on the eicacy of education in solving societal problem. Everybody all agrees that education is the panacea for the eradication of ignorance and poverty. In the same vein (Babalola (2005:130) noted that education is one of the major elements that influence economic growth. It inculcates skills which are useful in the productive process of (extractive, manufacturing, engineering, construction and commercial services). Second, education provides knowledge of law, since, medicine, arts, philosophy and mathematics. Third, education provides job ethics and attitudes towards production of goods and services. Finally, education produces dynamic and creative human resources.Having seen the importance of education in our society, the question is what kind of education will help Nigerians attain to a greater height? Shall we continue to adhere to an education that is too passive and rote oriented? Nigerians have reached a stage that they need an advanced education system which will help to empower, enlighten and rebrand them. COIP4C educative approach will address this issue.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nigerian education system is in shambles because of lack of reasoning in the curriculum and this has destabilized the nation’s economic and social progress. The reflective method, if applied will help to remedy the drastic situation encountered in English language study. There are two main phases to the problems of Nigerian education system. These are: Problem of what to teach How to teach.