Proficiency of English Language and Student’s Academic Performance: A Case of Temeke Municipality

This study investigated the English language proficiency and the students’ academic performance. The study focused on three specific objectives which are first, to identify the influence of proficiency of English language as a LOI and student’s academic performance. The second objective was to examine school based factors influencing students’ proficiency in English language and third was to explore the challenges faced by both teachers and students in the teaching and learning English language. Research design used for the study was descriptive survey and the research approach used was mixed method approach. The study was conducted in Temeke Municipality in Dar es Salaam region involving five government secondary schools in four wards, and the participants were teachers and students from selected schools. The data collection methods are questionnaire, interview and documentary review. Content analysis was used for data analysis. The findings showed that there is poor English language proficiency among students in secondary schools hence contributing to poor academic performance. The study also found inadequate teaching and learning materials as well as other facilities in the schools studied that contribute to poor student performance. The study recommends that measures should be taken by the government in preparing a policy which will strengthen the use of English as a medium of instruction in secondary schools