Journal Screenshot

International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2226-6348

Students and Teachers Constraints in the Implementation of the Integrated English Syllabus in Secondary Schools in Mumias Sub County, Kenya

Samuel Odhiambo Ogola, Bob O. Mbori, Stephen B. Buluma

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v5-i4/2279

Open access

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the general public have expressed concern over the persistent poor performance of students in English at the KCSE level and some have attributed this to the integrated approach of teaching language and literature. Despite the shift in the examination structure by the KNEC in 2006 to integrate the four skills of language with aspects of literature, the teaching approach in the preparation of learners for the English examinations has not fully adopted the integrated approach. This study set to investigate the factors that influence the effective implementation of the integrated English language syllabus among teachers and students in Mumias Sub County, Kenya. The study was guided by Fullan’s theory of change which postulates that the implementation of any programme depends on resources, teachers’ capabilities, preparedness and involvement in educational reform and positive orientation towards the programme by teachers and students. The study adopted a descriptive survey study design. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedules and observation guides. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to identify the study sample which consisted of 25 English language teachers and 250 students selected randomly from 15 secondary schools in Mumias Sub County. The analysis of data was done using basic descriptive statistics based on the objectives of the study. Findings from the study showed that there are problems related to teaching methodology, availability and suitability of learning resources, the school environment, effective integration of English and literature, students and teachers’ attitudes and other socio-economic factors which account for low student achievement in English. The study suggests ways of designing appropriate teaching and learning resources, improving teachers’ pedagogical skills through strategies aimed at coping with the challenges faced in the teaching of integrated English and the provision of avenues for the teachers to play a critical role in designing an appropriate curriculum for the effective teaching and learning of the integrated English language syllabus.

Blenkin, G. M., & Kelly, A. V. (1981), Primary Curriculum, Sage Books. Retrieved from http://www.abcbooks.com on 14th June, 2010
Goodson, I., & Peters, M. (1990). Bringing English to Order, vii-xv, London, New York: Holt Reinhert and Winston Inc.
Kenya Institute of Education, (2002). Secondary Education Syllabus; volume one. Nairobi: Kenya Institute of Education.
Leung, W. L. A. (2010). Curriculum Integration in Liberal Studies: Curriculum Leaders Insights. The International Journal of Learning, 17 (6), 1447-9494.
Magoma, C. M. (1999). Teacher related factors which influence the implementation of the integrated English Course in Secondary Schools: A case of Ibicho division, Kisii Central district, Kenya. Unpublished M.ed Thesis. Nairobi: Kenyatta University.
Manning, E. (1997). ‘Grammar and Vocabulary: Showing the Connections’ in ELT Journal Volume 51/3, New York: Oxford University Press in Association with the British Council and IATEFL.
McBrien, J. L., & Brandit, R. S. (1997). The Language of Learning; a guide to Education Terms, Alexandria Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org on 23rd October, 2010
Morris, R. C. (2003). A Guide to Curriculum Integration, Kappa Delta Pi Record, Carrolton: State University of West Georgia. Retrieved from http://www.erie.edujournal.com on 14th May, 2011
Mwangola, E. S. (1993). Getting it Right – What Kenyan Teachers of English need Know: Proceedings of the conference on English across the Curriculum; the Kenyan context. Nairobi: British Council.
Sereti, J. R. (1993). Teaching Methodology for Large Classes: English Across the Curriculum in Difficult Circumstances – Proceedings of the conference of English across the Curriculum; the Kenyan Context. Nairobi: British Council.
Shiundu, J. S., & Omulando, S. J. (1992). Curriculum Theory and Practice in Kenya, Nairobi: Oxford University Press.
Teyie, J. A., & Okatch, B. (1991). Learning Language and Literature Through Drama - Proceedings of the Conference on English across the curriculum: The Kenyan Context, Nairobi: British Council.
Waithaka, J. M. (1993). English Across the Curriculum – The Ministry of Education’s Position. Proceedings of the Conference on English across the curriculum; the Kenyan Context, Nairobi: British Council.

In-Text Citation: (Ogola et al., 2016)
To Cite this Article: Ogola, S. O., Mbori, B. O., & Buluma, S. B. (2016). Students and Teachers Constraints in the Implementation of the Integrated English Syllabus in Secondary Schools in Mumias Sub County, Kenya. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 5(4), 20–31.