THE PROBLEM AND PROSPECTS OF TEACHING PHONETICS IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at examining the problem and prospect of teaching phonetics in Junior Secondary Schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area in Edo State. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The design adopted for this study is the survey research design. The sample consisted of 100 respondents basically Government schools English teachers. Questionnaires were used for the collection of data. The research instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor. The test re-test method was adopted in testing the reliability of the instrument after which the research instruments were administered by the researcher herself. The data obtained were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that they are possible barriers associated with the teaching of phonetics in Junior secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government which includes qualifications and professional development of the school teachers. It was also revealed that teachers’ communication skills affects teaching of phonetics in Junior secondary school in Ovia North East Local Government. Based on the findings, it was recommended that all aspects of social skills (verbal and non-verbal) should be used, while teaching topics in phonetics and phonology in the sandwich programme of Colleges of Education in South-West, Nigeria. It was also recommended that Languages laboratory is an essential resource of English Language department, this should be provided to the departments in colleges of Education not only in South-West, but in Nigeria tertiary institution where English language is being offered either, at NCE or Degree level.