SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT AND PUPILS INTEREST IN LEARNING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Social environment and pupils interest in learning of foreign languages in primary schools
ABSTRACT
The study and learning of foreign languages in a multilingual society like ours cannot be over emphasized. The only medium of communication between individuals of different ethnic nationalities Nigeria and also the means of communication with persons from other nationalities can only be through an acceptable language.
Children born in Nigeria have their native language as their mother tongue. This “mother tongue” language kind the influence the child’s ability to accept learns and even speaks foreign language which in this case is the only medium of communication in school.
The population of the study was some selected pupils in primary schools in Uyo Local Government Area. They are about 1,102 pupils in primary school (according to statistics available in Uyo Local Government Education Council, 2012). The population of the study was some selected pupils in primary schools in Uyo Local Government Area. This research project seeks to evaluate the factors that militate against the learning of foreign languages in primary schools and prefer solutions and recommendations that will help address this anomaly.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Language studies have been feature of civilization thousands of years ago. It is a means of conveying our ideas to other people. English language plays a prominent role in Nigeria’s development. It serves as a language of communication commerce technology etc. It is a force for national integration, considering the multilingual nature of the country’ in academic pursuits.
The idea is that by doing this, pupils are directly and indirectly establishing close links with minds far and near, thus helping in English language.
Despite the emphasis placed on the language the performance and interest students in the subject is low and poor. The pupils are not fluent in speaking and writing English because of certain factors. The native tongue has come dominate the way they could even pronounce any word in English. The environment of learning contribute to the learning of the language (Eka, 1993).
Education as noted in (FRN, 2004) is a process of developing an individual mentally, morally, spiritually, physically and socially to be able to cope with the demands of the society that he lives in. Similarly, the national Policy of Education has spelt out lofty goals which are to be achieved in the aspect of foreign language learning. Also, these lofty programmes are marred by certain factors. Thus, these factors cause students lack of interest in learning English and any other foreign languages.
Furthermore, Stockyard and Mayberry (1992) summed up the social environment as those issues of the society most students as they affect the active involvement of students in their academic pursuits. To stimulate students’ interest and build upon and accommodating social environment.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The declining performance of students in written and spoken English is of great concern to the government, education stakeholders and the general public. Moreover, the rate of failure of student in English language and their general non-Chalant attitude to the subject is alarming and has often attracted a public outcry.
Furthermore, their ability to think and develop manipulating skills that can enable them function effectively in the society tend to be below expectation.
Moreover, the extend to which the English language teach organize his/her work makes class interesting. Thus, he creates variety in his approach to classroom situation. Similarly, personality as well as the peers can make the students to be excited and develop personal liking for English language.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The study examined social environment and pupils interest in learning of foreign languages in primary schools.
Specifically, the study aimed at the following objectives.
(1) To examine the influence of peer group on pupils interest in learning foreign languages in primary schools.
(2) To determine the influence of school location on pupils interest in learning foreign languages in primary schools.
(3) To examine how linguistic environment influences pupils interest in learning foreign languages in primary schools.
1.4 Significance of the Study
The knowledge of the influence of social environment well encourages the students to relate positive and discriminate the peers they keep.
The study well also enables parents guardians to offer useful advice to school administrator and government on the ways of providing favoural environment for the students to study.
Also, the finding will be of immense benefit to the school counselors. Thus, to be able to counsel, guide and teach students how to maintain a healthy and active environment. Hence, this will enhance good performance develop their interest in learning the subject.
1.5 Research Questions
(1) How does peer group influence pupils’ interest in learning foreign languages in primary schools?
(2) How does school location influence pupils interest in learning languages in primary schools?
(3) How does linguistic environment influence pupils’ interest in learning foreign languages in primary schools?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study:
(1) There is no significant influence of peer group on public interest in learning foreign languages.
(2) There is no significant influence of school location on pupils’ interest in learning foreign languages.
(3) There is no significant influence of linguistic environment on pupils’ interest in learning foreign languages.
1.7 Definition of Terms
In order to avoid misunderstanding of words, the researcher finds it necessary to define some terms in the context in which they were used in the study.
Social: This relates to the society the involvement of meeting other people the same rank, group or with society
Environment: All the circumstances, people things around the students that influence their lives.
Foreign Languages: These are languages that are not the mother tongue (L1) of pupils in Nigeria. These include, English language, French, etc. these are known to be second language (L2).
Academic Performance: This refers to the achievement of the pupils in the test, internal and external examinations.
School Location: This is seen as the environment where the school is cited. It might be in the Urban or the Rural Area.
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