ENGLISH

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEMS OF LEARNING LITERATURE IN ENGLISH IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IKPOBA OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA BENIN CITY

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Abstract
This study investigated the persistent challenges associated withlearning Literature in English in Senior Secondary Schools, with a focus on identifying the key factors that hinder students’ interest, comprehension, and overall performance in the subject. Despite the central role of Literature in fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and language proficiency, many students continue to demonstrate poor engagement and low achievement. This research therefore examined a range of contributory issues, including students’ attitudes, students’ interest and instructional methods, the availability and suitability of learning materials, and broader environmental and administrative constraints. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from students across selected Senior Secondary Schools. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain reliable insights into the experiences and perceptions of the participants. Data gathered were analyzed using qualitative method to identify dominant themes and patterns. Findings revealed that major obstacles to effective learning of Literature in English include insufficient exposure to literary texts, students’ perception of the subject as difficult or irrelevant, inadequate teacher expertise, and limited use of engaging or interactive teaching strategies. Other notable challenges include overcrowded classrooms, limited time allocated to the subject, and poor access to recommended textbooks. The study also found that socio-cultural factors and a lack of reading culture negatively affect students’ motivation and ability to appreciate literary works. Based on these findings, the study recommended the provision of instructional materials, encourage positive student attitude towards Literature in English, schools should create opportunity such as reading clubs, literary competitions and drama activities to foster motivation and engagement with the subject, enhance the school learning environment and classes should be well structured and conducive for learning. The study concluded that addressing these challenges holistically will significantly enhance the teaching and learning of Literature in English in Senior Secondary Schools.
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A STUDY ON GRAMMATICAL ERRORS IN THE WRITTEN ENGLISH OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF EGOR L.G.A. OF EDO STATE

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This study investigated the grammatical errors made by senior secondary school students and the causes, consequences and remedial strategies for those errors in Egor Local Government Area. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected through
structured questionnaires administered to 100 students and 10 English Language teachers. Responses were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and mean scores. Findings showed that the most frequent errors in students’ written English were tense misuse, subject–verb disagreement, wrong or missing articles, pronoun errors, inappropriate preposition usage and faulty sentence structure. Teachers and students attributed these errors largely to mother-tongue interference, poor reading culture, inadequate grammar instruction (including rote methods), insufficient writing practice and large class sizes. The study further found that unchecked grammatical errors reduce clarity and coherence in writing, lower academic performance across subjects that require written work, and undermine learners’ confidence in communication. Both groups recommended practical, communicative grammar teaching, regular corrective feedback, increased writing and reading practice, remedial classes and peer review
activities. The study concludes that improving grammatical competence requires pedagogical shifts toward interactive, practice-based instruction and strengthened school support systems to restore writing accuracy and overall communicative competence.
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co-supervisor