Improving the Teaching of English Language: Dealing with Large Heterogeneous Classes

Abstract

In Ghana, the medium of instruction in schools and the language of official business is English. However, many people in the country complain about the falling standard of the language. Over the years, the chief examiners' reports on SSS English examinations indicate that there is a crisis in the language and communication skills of the students in Ghana. To help solve the language problem, some researchers have identified a number of weaknesses in students' writing which have to be addressed by teachers. This work is different. It is a case study which identifies the issue of poor handling of large heterogeneous classes by teachers, as a probable reason why many students cannot communicate effectively even after they have gone through the English language programme for SSS students. Two SSS classrooms of the Tema Methodist Day Secondary School were investigated for the purpose of this research. The results obtained after classroom observation and analyses of data show that students in the classrooms are from diverse linguistic, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, which seem to have some influence on their ability to communicate well. Again, teachers use classroom activities and textbooks which do not seem to cater for the needs of students. This work identifies the specific needs of the students and offers a range of suitable activities and teaching methods which may be used by the teachers who handle such large heterogeneous classes.