Influence of print media on learning of English language in secondary schools of Mubende District.

Abstract

The study was caused by the realization that print media is an abundant source of reading materials that can be used in schools in the teaching and learning of English language. There is a general problem of English language competence in the schools of the area of study. Among the possible reasons for that being reading materials for practicing in spite of the abundant supply of print media that can be utilized to solve the problem of reading materials and consequently lead to an improvement in the language competence. 1) The scope of the study was limited to the reading and writing skills of learning English language. The study was guided by three questions namely; to what extent are students aware of availability of print media as an alternative source in learning of English language in secondary schools in Mubende District? 2) To what extent have teachers integrated print media in teaching and learning of English language in secondary schools of Mubende District? 3) What correlation exists between print media use in the teaching and learning of English and students’ language competence in secondary schools in Mubende District? Research methods used included both the qualitative and the quantitative methods. Data was collected using questionnaires for students and teachers of English in all the sample schools, interviews for students, teachers and headteachers from the same schools, classroom observations, and documentary evidence from school libraries, book stores, and teachers’ schemes. Students’ samples were picked using the systematic sampling technique from senior three and four of each school. Two teachers of English from each school were subjects of the study and all the headteachers of the sample schools.

Findings revealed that most students were familiar with the various types of print media especially newspapers and magazines. The sources of print media varied from schools, markets, shops and homes. Students and teachers alike indicated that they read print media for some specific purposes, which were found to be supportive to improving competence in English language. Teachers were found to be aware of print media as a source of teaching materials which they referred to some times, although they did not include them in their schemes and lesson plans. A significant correlation was found to exist, using the correlation test, between use of print media and English language competence among students. The study concluded that there was ample knowledge and use of various print media among students, and teachers in the area of study. The study recommended that schools should provide students with print media more regularly. Teachers should incorporate print media in their lesson plans. Print media houses should be more supportive to rural schools by providing them with old print media.