Situational analysis of teaching and learning of speaking skill in selected secondary schools in Mbeya District,Tanzania

Abstract

This study was carried out for the purpose of examining the situation surrounding the teaching and learning of the speaking skill in secondary school. It was carried out in two selected secondary schools in Mbeya District, Tanzania. The study objectives were to explore the representation of the teaching and learning of the speaking skill in the policy documents, to find out how the English speaking skill is taught in the classrooms in secondary schools, and to establish the problems students face in the learning of the speaking skill. The study involved 208 respondents which 200 students and eight (8) teachers. The study employed interviews, document analysis, and observation to derive findings. Observations were done in the classroom; teachers and students were interviewed while documentary analysis included documents like the English syllabus for ordinary secondary education (2005), the English language teachers’manual for ordinary secondary education (2011). Research finding from the schools involved in the study indicates that there is the influence of the situation surrounding the teaching and learning of speaking skills to students speaking abilities. Although the English language is used as the medium of instruction and the speaking skill is taught as part of the long language lesson, more attention should be given to student’s involvement in the learning process by creating space for students to practice the speaking skills inside and outside the classrooms.