FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS’ USE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LABORATORY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND LITERATURE, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY
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Abstract
This study examined the factors influencing students’ use of the English Language Laboratory in the development of language proficiency in the Department of English and Literature, University of Benin, Benin City. It focused on identifying the types of resources available in the laboratory, assessing students’ perceptions of the quality of those resources, and evaluating the extent to which such resources influenced students’ engagement in language learning activities. The study also investigated the relationship between the quality of the laboratory resources and students’ proficiency development, as well as the challenges affecting effective utilization of the language laboratory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 588 students from the Department of English and Literature, while a sample of 100 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling technique to ensure fair representation across English and Literature Education and English and Literature Arts students. Questionnaire served as the primary instrument for data collection. The data obtained were analyzed using mean scores and percentages, with 2.50 as the benchmark for decision making. The findings revealed that essential audio and audiovisual resources, such as recorders and headsets, were available and reliable, yet critical components like functional computers and comprehensive instructional materials were insufficient. Students perceived that while the available resources enhanced engagement, participation, and motivation in language learning, the inadequacy of digital tools limited the potential of the laboratory to fully support independent language practice beyond class hours. Moreover, the study found a significant relationship between the quality of laboratory resources and students’ language proficiency, particularly in the areas of grammar, fluency, pronunciation, and listening skills. Nonetheless, factors such as faulty equipment, inadequate resources, limited access, and occasional technical issues were found to impede the effective utilization of the laboratory, even though irregular power supply was not a major concern. Based on these outcomes, the study recommended that the University of Benin should prioritize the upgrading, maintenance, and regular replacement of faulty language laboratory equipment, including functional computers equipped with updated language learning software, to enhance both quality and accessibility. The Department of English and Literature was encouraged to provide a wider range of current instructional materials that would promote active, engaging, and independent language learning. Furthermore, the study recommended that administrators should extend laboratory operating hours and adopt flexible schedules to increase students’ opportunities for practice. It was also recommended that the university management should strengthen technical support by implementing proactive maintenance protocols and ensuring prompt repairs to prevent disruptions during use. Finally, continuous professional development workshops for laboratory facilitators and instructors were emphasized as vital to optimizing the pedagogical use of technological resources and ensuring that the laboratory effectively contributes to students’ overall language proficiency development.
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