Instructional Practices And Challenges In Secondary English Language Teaching: Implications For Development Of Benchmarks In Kenya

Abstract

There have been concerns about the declining standards of English in Kenyan secondary schools. A study was conducted to generate baseline data that would guide development of English language benchmarks. Its aim was to identify difficulties or challenges teachers of English face when teaching English and areas of focus for improving the teaching and learning of English in Kenyan secondary schools. The study also aimed at establishing areas of learners’ weaknesses. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Findings indicated teaching and learning of English would improve if based on set standards. There is also need to revisit teacher preparation and professional development programmes, with the aim of improving teacher training and addressing the identified challenges. Teacher educators’ training capacity is lacking in some skills and needs to be developed further.