Assessing the effect of mode of instruction on the academic performance of students in North Tongu District

Abstract

The study was purposed at investigating the effect of teaching techniques on the academic performance of students in English language in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region. Three research questions bothering on types of techniques applied in teaching English language, factors affecting students‟ academic performance, and benefits of teaching techniques of English language on students‟ academic performance in the North Tongu District. Literature was reviewed in relations to the issues of the research questions. Descriptive survey was employed for the study. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 96 respondents which consisted of two headteachers, two assistant headteachers, eight teachers and 84 students in the North Tongu District. Questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. Frequencies and percentages organised in tables were used to analyse the data and results so presented. The study revealed that teachers in North Tongu District applied brainstorming, presentation and demonstration techniques in teaching English Language to enhance students‟ academic performance. However, lecture method was applied, but was seen not to enhance students‟ academic performance. In addition, the study pointed out English language learning and teaching in classrooms, attitudes of learning and motivation positively affected students‟ academic performance in English language in the North Tongu District. Finally, the study revealed that classroom participation, identification of befitting learning styles of individual students and increase in classroom interaction by students are benefits of using good teaching techniques in teaching English language. It was recommended that teachers in North Tongu District will continue to use brainstorming, presentation and demonstration techniques in teaching English Language to enhance students‟ academic performance. Again, Ministry of Education and Ghana education service should provide adequate teaching and learning resources to boost teaching and learning which will enhance students‟ academic performance in English language in the North Tongu District.