Learning Resources and English Language Ability of Learners (A Case Study of Ggaba Mixed Secondary School) In Ggaba Parish, Makindye Division, Kampala District, Uganda.

ABSTRACT The research study was carried out in Ggaba particularly covered Makindye East division, Kampala District. The research was basically based on a topic: “Learning resources and English language ability of learners in Ggaba Mixed Secondary school in Ggaba Parish Makindye. The research was guided by a number of objectives which included the following;- to find out effective ways of improving students’ English language ability, to establish the impact of learning resources on primary school learners’ performance in Kampala district, to determine solutions to improve on the assessment of English learning and the resources used. The study was to determine the roles of learning resources and English language ability on learners’ performance as well as to identify appropriate and sufficient learning resources for teaching/learning English as a second language. In identifying the objectives, the research was limited on appropriate learning resources and English language ability in Ggaba Mixed secondary school in Ggaba Parish, Makindye East Division, Kampala District, and it covered English language ability; and sufficient learning resources. In finding the research intentions, Questionnaires were issued out to 200 respondents from which data was obtained on the roles of learning resources and English language ability. Interviews were held with secondary school pupils, respondents plus the head teachers and class teachers of English on matters of the related topic. In the analysis of the findings, Teachers’ Questionnaires were collected and analyzed so as to obtain data on appropriate and sufficient learning resources available for the teaching of English. Students’ Questionnaires were not analyzed but were used to ascertain the sincerity of the teachers in filling the questionnaire. The methods used in scoring the items of the questionnaire were as follows: In conclusion, English language ability has a significant impact on achievement in English and general performance. English ability therefore affects learners’ competence and is the cause of poor performance. The research has also shown that sufficient and appropriate learning resources and structured classrooms have been identified as vital for teaching and developing of English language of learners. The use of inadequate and impropriate resources is therefore the cause of learners inability in English and poor performance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPROVAL~i

DECLARATION

DEDICATION

.

iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v

TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ix

ABSTRACT x

CI1ALPTE~~. ONE 1..

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the Study 1

1.2 Statement of the problem 2

1.3 Purpose of the Study 2

1.4 Research Objectives 2

1.4.1 General Objective~ 2

1.4.2 Specific Objectives~ 3

1.5 Research Questions 3

1.6 Scope of the study 3

1.6.1 Content Scope 3

1.6.2Timescope 3

1.6.3 Geographical scope 3

1.7 Significance of the Study 3

C [LA~PTE~~. T~A!O 5

LITE~~ATL.J.E ll~EIIEW 5

2.0 Introduction s

2.1 Concepts, Opinions, Ideas for Authors/Experts 5

2.2 The Roles of Learning Resources and English Language Ability 5

2.3 Sufficient and Appropriate Resources 7

vi

2.4 Theoretical Framework .8

2.4 Effective ways of improving students’ English Language Ability 11

2.5 The Impact of Sufficient and Appropriate Resources on Academic Performance in

English 12

2.7 Solutions to Improve on the Assessment of English Language Learning and the

Resources 13

Cll—LALPTE~~. ~rIiREE 17

~1 E~TI1ODc~L~~Gv’ 17

3.0 Introduction 17

3.1 Research design 17

3.2 Population study 17

3.3 Sample frame work 17

3.3.1 Sampling techniques 17

3.3.2 Sampling procedure 18

3.4 Research instruments 18

3.2.2. Research interview 18

3.4.1. Questionnaires 19

3.4.2 Interviews 19

3.4.3 Observation 19

3.5 Sources of data collection 19

3.5.1 Primary data 19

3.5.2 Secondary data 20

3.6 Data processing 20

3.7 Data analysis 20

CI—LALPTEl~. FOL.J1~ 21

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSIONS 21

4.0 Introduction 21

4.1 Demographic characteristics of respondents 21

VII

4.2 The Roles of Learning Resources and English Language Ability 23

4.3 Impacts of learning resources and academic performance in English 24

4.4 Solutions to Improve on the Assessment of English Language Learning and the

Resources 25

Solutions to Improve on the Assessment of English Language Learning and the

Resources 25

CI—IAPrE~~. FIIE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 28

5.0. Introduction 28

5.1 Summary of the findings 28

5.1.1 The role of learning resources on the academic performance 28

5.1.2 The impacts of learning resources on academic performance 28

5.1.3 Solutions and ways of improving the learning resources 29

5.1.4. Results from Cambridge Exams (ESOL) 29

5.2 Conclusions 29

5.5 Recommendations 30

5.5.1 To the administration 30

5.5.2 To the teachers 31

5.5.3 To the parents 31

5.5.4 To children 32

5.6 Area of future researchers 33

APPENDICES 34

APPENDIX Ill 37

ESTIMATED RESEARCH BUDGET 37

APPENDIX IV 38

TIME FRAME 38