The following are the reasons why our country has been experiencing poor English language performance:
(1) IGNORING THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We continue to be incompentent in English language, the language used by those who we think we will catch them in terms of progress. This is why even the Chinese and Russian people have to be competent in English in order to compete with world giants like USA and UK.
(2) INCOMPETENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS
The bitter truth that our country has many incompetent English language teachers. These teachers were taught by incompetent teachers under poor English language learning environments and resources. So, you can't expect anything new from these kinds of teachers.
(3) EMERGENCE OF KISWAHILI IS OVERSHADOWING THE TRUTH THAT ENGLISH LANGUAGE IS STILL IMPORTANT IN THE WORLD
We think that growth of Kiswahili will liberate us from studying English language.
WHAT TO DO NOW (THE WAYS FORWARD):
The following are the suggestions which will help improve the quality of teaching and learning English language in Tanzania:
(1) Train in-service English language teachers regularly.
(2) Impose a new training method to Student teachers who are in the colleges and universities.
(3) Ensure strict job interview before employing English language teachers.
(4) Preparation and supply of enough, authentic and up-to-date English language texts.
(5) To make sure that every student has a copy of the selected textbook. At least one book per a student.
There should be 1:1 ratio when it comes to the supply of books for students. It is now an old fashion to use one book for one class or one book for every group of 5 - 10 students.
(6) Providing strict instructions to schools and parents that every secondary school student should have a dictionary and a grammar book. And he/she should study them intensively.
(7) Introduction of English Language labs (ICT Rooms) where students will be interacted with English language learning skills and methods.
Emmanuel Kachele is a 37-year old Public English Language and Literature Teacher. He is also the founder of popular Kachele Online Blog (www.kacheleonline.co.tz) which is used by most English language and Literature teachers and students in Tanzania and beyond. His books are found here: https://www.kacheleonline.co.tz/2022/10/kachele-online-books-full-notes.html?m=1
Contact:
Emmanuel A Kachele
P.O.Box 532,
Kabungu Secondary School,
Mpanda, Katavi.
Email: kacheleonline@gmail.com
Website: www.kacheleonline.co.tz
OTHER ARTICLES:
Why English language is still an underperforming subject in Tanzanian Secondary Schools?
https://www.kacheleonline.co.tz/2020/08/why-english-language-is-still.html?m=1
Some 5 Ways to Improve Performance of English Language Subject in Secondary Schools:
http://www.kacheleonline.co.tz/2019/02/some-5-ways-to-improve-performance-of.html?m=1
Four Reasons Why Teachers Should Update Their Knowledge:
http://www.kacheleonline.co.tz/2018/06/four-reasons-why-teachers-should-update.html?m=1