Students' attitudes towards learning French and socio-economic benefits accrued from learning it.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the extent to which students' expectations for socio-economic benefits accrued from learning French influence their attitudes towards French. A sample of 150 Form III students and 18 teachers from 3 schools answered the questionnaires. Six teachers were interviewed. Data obtained through questionnaires and a semi-structured interview indicated that most students who have positive attitudes towards learning French expect socio-economic benefits from learning French. It has been found that there is a weak positive correlation between students' attitudes and their expectations for socio-economic gains. Therefore, it has been concluded that social economic factors attract many students while pedagogic and linguistic ones repel. Our recommendations are firstly; students should be informed about the advantages of learning French. Secondly, French teaching should be introduced in Primary schools. Thirdly, teachers should vary and improve their French teaching methods. Fourthly, in schools, there should be provision of opportunities for all students to learn foreign languages whenever possible. Fifthly, motivations for French teachers and students should be considered.