Factors Affecting Using Gumuz Language as a Medium of Instruction in Primary Schools of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa Univerisity
Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to assess the factors that affect the use of Gumuz language as a medium of instruction in the primary schools.A descriptive survey method was employed to collect and analyze data. The study involved 15 teachers, 7 mother tongue experts, 3 supervisors, 10 parents, 5 school directors and 68 students at Kamashi and Metekel zones in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. The data were collectedthrough questionnaire, structured interviews, focused group discussion and observation.
The resultof the study shows that; there were community’s and teachers’ awareness gap on the language education policy and strategy. It also indicates that there were lack of community involvement and absence of qualified mother tongue teachers, supervisors, directors and experts. The implementation of the program also affected by insufficientand less quality of curriculum materials, lack of supportive home-school environment, attitudinal problems of parents and students, absence of in-service teacher training and, continuous and collaborative support.Furthermore, the study indicates developed positive attitudeand sense of ownership of teachers, directors, supervisors and mother tongue experts that promotesthe implementation of the language as a medium of instruction except students and parents who were victims of language dilemma.
Therefore, the awareness raising, human and material resource development, Continuous capacity building, creating conducive home-school environment, supplying effective monitoring and support at all level is important. The community mobilization and stockholders involvement during implementation also needs critical emphasis.
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Primary Schools