The availability and extent of use of the approved English language and literature textbooks in enhancing teaching and learning in selected secondary schools in ilala municipality

The study aimed at investigating the availability and extent of use of approved English language and literature textbooks in enhancing English teaching learning in secondary schools. The study was conducted in Ilala Municipality in Dar es Salaam Region. The study population included EMAC officials, heads of schools, teachers of English and students of English. A case design research utilizing qualitative approach was employed in collecting and analyzing data. Data were gathered through interviews, focused group discussion and observation schedules. Findings revealed that approved English language and literature textbooks were not available in schools to facilitate teaching and learning. Unavailability was caused by delays in the approval process, poor purchasing power of the head of schools also adversely affected the teaching and learning of English. Shortage of experts and specialists in English language writing series adds to this problem of unavailability of approved textbooks in secondary schools. As a result, the study observed that teachers and students are compelled to use unapproved textbooks as an alternative whose authorship is not well recognized. The effect of using the low quality textbooks is the failure of students to interpret the content due to complexity of content, and inability to cover the topics in the syllabus. Therefore MOEVT should ensure the availability of approved textbook to enhance English teaching and learning.