DIRECTORATE FOR POST GRADUATE PROGRAM ASSESSING THE CHALLENGES OF USING ENGLISH AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN NATURAL SCIENCE CLASSES AMONG GRADE 11 TEACHERS IN THREE PREPARATORY SCHOOLS IN ADAMA TOWN, EAST SHOA ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges to use English as a medium of instruction in natural science classes of Adama Preparatory Schools. The study was conducted to find out the challenges that the teachers face while they are using English as a medium of instruction, to identify the causes of this challenges and to see what the teachers employ to solve this challenges. To achieve the purpose of the study, a descriptive survey study research design that includes both qualitative and quantitative approach were used. For this 27 grade 11 teachers were involved. The teachers were selected using random sampling technique. The instruments used to collect the data were questionnaires, interviews and classroom observation. The data were analyzed by using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Quantitative data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and qualitative data were interpreted, summarized and added to the quantitative data to support the data. Finally, the data were integrated to create the holistic picture of the study. The result showed that the existence of problems related to teachers, such as poor back ground of language proficiency or experience, lack of pedagogical training, problems of implementing different strategies, lack of confidence in using English, lack of basic language skill, and having limited vocabulary etc. The findings also revealed the problems related to teachers such as, teachers beliefs about using English learning and teaching process, teachers methodology of teaching. Because of findings, it was recommended that in order to improve the teachers abilities in using English as a medium of instruction, above all, teachers have to practice teaching in English with their collogues and share experience among themselves. The teachers teaching methodology should be changed from teacher-centered to student-centered. On the other hand, to enhance teachers using English ability, science teachers have to play their appropriate role