Exploring School Factors for Students’ Poor Performance in Form Four National Examinations in English Language in Tanzania

This study dealt with exploring school factors for students’ poor performance in form four national examinations in English language in Tanzania. Two objectives guided this study. The first; was to explore how teaching and learning methods contributed to students’ poor performance in English language, and the second was to examine how teaching and learning environment contributed to students’ poor performance in English language. The study used quantitative paradigm method supplemented by qualitative methods. The methods used to collect the data were: questionnaire, interview, observation and Inventory. The instruments used were questionnaire guides and questions for both teachers and students, observation schedule, interview guides and inventory guidelines. The study found the following methods of teaching and learning of English language, used in secondary schools: discussion, debate. Question and answer, small group discussion, lecture. Role play, project and dialogue. On the other hand, teaching and learning environments had great relationship as factors for students poor performance in English language in public secondary schools. The study recommended that the government should make the ratio of teacher-students is 1:35 to 40. Also, build school libraries and provide textbooks and reference books as well as librarians. Number of periods should be fifteen to twenty per week and there should be school inspections and teacher seminars