Secondary School Students’ Text Possession, Attitude to English Language Learning and Home Background as Factors Affecting Their Learning of English Language

The English language enjoys a high status in Nigeria. In the school system, English is a compulsory subject from the upper primary school level onwards. However, it has been observed that students perform poorly in the subject. Several reasons have been adduced for this. While previous studies have focused on several learner factors, a few empirical studies exist on students’ attitude to learning English Language, students’ home background and students’ possession of recommended English Language textbooks. Against this background, this study investigated students’ text possession, attitude to English Language learning and home background as factors affecting the learning of English Language. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The sample comprised 333 senior secondary school students in Benin City. Three research questions were raised. Data were collected using an instrument titled ‘Text Possession, Attitude and Home Background Questionnaire’ (TPAHQ, r= .74). Results revealed that students have positive attitudes toward the learning of English Language and an enabling home background for the effective learning of English Language. In addition, students do not possess the recommended English Language textbooks. It is recommended that teachers should use engaging teaching methods to sustain the positive attitudes students have towards learning English Language. Similarly, parents should continue to ensure that their homes are conducive to effective learning. Finally, textbooks should be made available for students. Keywords: Text possession, Attitude to English Language, Home background, English Language learning DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-24-11 Publication date:August 31st 202