Challenges Facing Primary School Pupils in Learning English As A Foreign Language: A Case of Primary Schools in Itigi District Council

The study investigated the challenges facing primary school pupils in learning English as a foreign language. Objectives of the study were to examine the capacity of teachers to facilitate teaching of English subject in primary schools, examine pupils learning environment, and investigate measures for improving the environment for English teaching and learning. The study used a cross-sectional survey design which employed mixed approach research. The study area was Itigi District Council in Singida region. Fifteen teachers, one school inspector and three thousand students of standard three and six formed the sample of the study. Random and purposive sampling procedures were used in the selection of the sample. Questionnaires, observations and documentary reviews were used to collect data.The findings revealed that poor background of English language for teachers,extensive use of the mother tongue in the teaching and learning process, large class size, inadequate teaching and learning materials, were the challenges faced by pupils in learning English. The findings also indicated that there was insufficient time to practice English, lack of activities conducted by teachers in classrooms to strengthen pupils English language knowledge and skills. The study recommends that, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology should provide in service training for English teachers to improve teaching skills. Adequate teaching and learning materials should also be made available together with building more classrooms in order to put to an end to the problem of overcrowded classrooms. It is also recommended that further research should be carried out in other areas in order to find out challenges facing pupils in learning English.