Integration of computer- assisted language learning approach to enhance students’ performance in English as a subject in technical secondary schools, Nyanza district

Abstract

The implementation of appropriate methods in English Language teaching holds a crucial role in improving students’ academic performance. Despite English being a subject taught and medium of instruction in Rwanda’s educational system, Technical Secondary Schools have observed scarce performance in English, as evident in National Examinations and School-Level Assessments. This study aimed to explore the potential of Computer-Assisted Language Learning Approach (CALL) in enhancing Students’ Performance in English subject in eight Technical Secondary Schools of Nyanza District. The specific objectives were (i) to investigate the level of teachers’ adaptation to the use of CALL and its implication on teaching and learning English, and (ii) to investigate the level of students’ motivation towards CALL and its effects on learning English. This research adopted descriptive research design with the population of 359 students in Level 5 Construction Technology, and 24 teachers of English. Utilizing stratified simple random sampling, 105 students, and 24 teachers fulfilled all criteria to form the sample of this research. Data were collected using questionnaires in the form of a likert scale. Descriptive, inferential and regression analysis were done to test correlation, and impact of variables. The findings show that teachers use CALL in teaching and learning English language and students are motivated to learn English through CALL, which affect positively students’ performance in English. It is indicated by inferential analysis results of both P values of 0.020 and 0.015 which are less than the significant correction of 0.05, and regression analysis results of P values of 0.022 and P 0.014.The researcher recommends that RTB should provide more training for teachers of English in the use CALL Approaches in teaching, and Teachers, Parents should foster students’ motivation to the use of CALL in English class. Lastly, the researcher encourages further researches in the area of CALL to improve English-speaking skills.