The use of English as a medium of instruction in Colleges of Education, a study of Dambai and Jasikan Colleges of Education

Abstract

This study sought to explore the significance, challenges as well as effects of English as a medium of instruction in Colleges of Education in Ghana. A mixed method design was used for the study. Questionnaires, in-class observation and interview schedules were employed to collect data, using purposive and simple random sampling. Findings revealed that the significance of studying English language include promoting the internationalization of universities, improving employability prospects of students, and using it as a link language in institutions. Furthermore, English is assigned the role of library language and it gained importance in our educational programmes. It has developed fast knowledge acquisition among students, and helped create elite class. It was also discovered that English language makes students become bilingual, enhances students’ academic progress and serves as a medium of instruction when students are constrained by local languages. The challenges include promoting excessive consumption of time during lessons, students participate less in class due to low level proficiency in English, and failure of students to understand lectures and textbooks written in English. It was also discovered that students engage less with their learning materials and learning by memorization. The effects include enhancing career opportunities of students, and making students globally accepted. English language also leads to school dropout; helps improve proficiency level of students, but students fail to ask questions as a result of inadequate vocabulary. It is recommended that language alternation pedagogy in addition to various support measures in place could increase English learning levels in Colleges of Education in Ghana.