Browsing by Author "Boi, Andrew Damian"

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    English medium of instruction as barrier of vocational skills acquisition: case Study of selected vocational training centres
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2014) Boi, Andrew Damian
    The study investigated English medium of instruction as barrier of vocational skills acquisition in Morogoro region. The study was guided by the following objectives: to assess trainees’ and trainers’ ability to use English language of instruction in skills acquisition; to examine the factors influencing trainees’ English language abilities in acquiring vocational skills and to explore stakeholders’ opinions on the use of English language of instruction in vocational training centres. The study was guided by the conceptual framework adapted from (Ofoha, Ngozi, Blessing & Michael, 2009).The study employed mixed method approach informed by descriptive case study design. The sample involved 120 vocational trainees, 24 trainers, four centre managers and four registrars to make a total of 152 respondents. Stratified sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed to obtain the samples of the study. The data of the study were collected through questionnaires, interviews, an observation guide, focused group discussion and documentary review. The data were analysed using content analysis and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20. The study findings revealed that there was an ineffective mastery and use of English language of instruction among trainees for skills acquisition. Ineffectiveness was evidenced in vocabulary, grammatical structure, spelling, fluency and code switching and code mixing. Second, it was found that vocational trainees experienced English language difficulties which emanated from different factors including the effect of mother tongue, shortage and poor quality of teaching and learning materials, the nature of English language and other factors such as nature of the occupation and individual initiatives. Lastly, the study revealed that stakeholders preferred English language to remain a medium of instruction in enhancing skills acquisition among VET trainees. The study concludes that English language ability of trainees does not support the full acquisition of vocational skills. Though, stakeholders prefer English language to remain the medium of instruction in VET. Thus, the study recommends the establishment of English learning programmes to enhance language skills and allocation of adequate time for practical sessions to enable trainees make practices for effective mastering of vocational skills.