Difference in the Performance of Students in English Grammar Based on Parents Ethnic Background

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Language is one of the most useful tools we have as humans. Without it we could not think thoughts expressible to others, nor could we engage in the activities that commonly take place in the society we build ourselves (Di Pietro, 1994). Language is very important in education. Roy-Campbell and Qorro (1997) asserted that education is carried out largely through the medium of language, thus, language is very significant in the education process. Additionally, ADEA (2005) argues, “language is not everything in education, but without language, everything is nothing in education”. Language plays a crucial role in learning, and if the learner is handicapped in the language of instruction, then learning may not take place at all as the instructor or teacher and the learner will not be communicating (Malekela, 2003). The language of instruction in post-primary education to every learner is English. English subject is taught with consideration of the objectives stipulated in the syllabus. The objectives are important since they provide means through which the goals of education in Nigeria could be achieved. It is through the syllabus that can assure the teacher if or whether he has achieved the goals or objectives of the course. With such situation, it is important for teachers to establish objectives before working towards meeting the goals.