English as the medium of instruction and its effects on teaching and learning in diploma teacher education in Tanzania: a case of Morogoro region

The study investigated how English as the Medium of Instruction affects teaching and learning in Diploma Teacher Education in Tanzania. Specifically, the study investigated the nature of teaching and learning, how English language as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) affects teaching and learning processes, and also Principals’, learners’ and tutors’ views on the language used as the MOI for Diploma Teacher Education. The methodology of the study was qualitative approach using a case study design. The sampling was composed of a total sample of 62 respondents made up of College principals, tutors and students and obtained through purposive sampling techniques only. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions and observations and analyzed qualitatively. The study findings indicated that, lack of competence in the MOI impacted on the use of traditional teacher centered method which does not promote effective interaction. Also, English language as a MOI affected teaching and learning process differently, which could impose restrictions on the improvement of teaching and learning process in Diploma Teachers’ Colleges. It was also found that majority of the respondents wanted the government to change the existing MOI in Diploma teacher education in order to achieve student centered teaching and learning approaches and development of critical teacher education training competences. The study concluded that the nature of teaching and learning was dominated by both English and Kiswahili languages. Also students from both colleges and some tutors wanted the government to change the existing MOI in Diploma Teacher Education. The study recommends that, the language policy of education has to reflect the status of English language in Tanzania. Despite the fact that English is needed for international communication, the prescriptive Education and Training Policy (1995) statement that enforced its application as the medium of instruction in colleges is highly questionable due to its limitations. However, English language can be learned as a subject to attain the purpose of international communication. The language policy of Education needs to focus on the attainment of knowledge.