Bilingual Instruction: The Practice of Using Amharic and Englih as A Medium of Instruction to Teach One Subject in Some Selected Private First Cycle Primary Schools of Yeka Sub City in Addis Ababa

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Date

2007-07

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to assess the practice and perceptions of bilingual instruction in five sample private primary schools [Neway Youth Academy, Deleverance, Lucy Academy, Blue Bird and Majic Carpet] in Yeka Sub City in Addis Ababa City Administration. To this effect, the research attempted to examine: the how and why private schools teach one subject using Amharic and English as a medium. of instruction to teach one subject and the availability of appropriate and sufficient resources and the perception and role of major stakeholc;iers towards the program. And the major challenges encountered. To address the basic questions of the study, descriptive survey method was employed. Thus, questionnaires, semi structured interview questions, focus group . discussions; observations of classrooms, relevant and necessary document analysis were used. The data gathered were analyzed both in quantitative and -qualitative terms. To actualize the research, Yeka Sub City in Addis Ababa City Administration and five schools in this sub city were selected purposefully. Hence, sixty students, thirty parents, five schools principals, three educational supervisors which add up to a total of 98 participants were consulted to give their responses. - The results of the study revealed that the schools were not using the instructional language policy of Addis Ababa City Administration; due attention were not given in sensitizing school principals and teachers on instructional language selection and usage; education experts and schools have no idea on models of bilingual education; bilingual subjects' textbooks were not prepared in one text and also books were not adapted to the Ethiopian context. Further more, schools were found different in programming and allotment of p eriods of bilingual subjects. Finally, the study came across that, both human and material recourses were not developed to carry out bilingual education in the schools. Based on the findings and conclusions, recommendations that should be considered in the implementation of bilingual education were forwarded: It is necessary to develop clear language policy and sensitize stakeholders on the isSue of bilingual education; both human and material resources should be developed to carry out bilingual education program; deep and thorough study has to be conducted as to when and how to start bilingual education. Since English has a major role in higher education of the country and world wide communication, due emphasis should be given to this language

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Bilingual Instruction: The Practice of Using Amharic, and Englih as A Medium

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