Factors influencing the performance in English language, a case study of selected senior high schools in the Ketu South District of Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

Over the years, the language of instruction in Ghanaian schools has been English. Thus, performance in English determines students‟ performance in other subjects since English is the language of instruction in schools. Performance is completion of a task with application of knowledge, skills and abilities. This study sought to investigate factors influencing performance in English in four Senior High Schools in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region. The study investigated the influence of the quality of teaching, availability of teaching and learning materials and resources, school climate and home background on the performance in English in the four Senior High Schools in the Volta Region. The study employed a mixed research design with a sample of 200 students and 38 teachers. Data were collected with the use of questionnaire, interview and observation and analyzed thematically with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). Findings suggest that the availability of teaching and learning materials, teachers‟ attitude towards teaching and learning, home background and school climate have a significant effect on performance in English. Based on the results, it is argued that the presence of learning materials was important in enhancing students‟ performance in English. As such, teachers have to put measures in place to help students in order for them to use English frequently. The school must also motivate both teachers and students, and parents should be involved in their children‟s academic life. Finally, Government should also provide the necessary teaching learning resources to enhance teaching and learning as well improve performance.