FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO STUDENTS’ POOR PERFORMANCE IN SSCE FRENCH LANGUAGE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EBONYI STATE

Abstract

This article is an extensive investigation on the factors contributing to students’ poor performance in SSCE French Language in Secondary Schools in Ebonyi State. This was achieved through five  research questions that were proposed as a guide in the study. A theoretical review of some scholars’ works ON students’ poor performance in SSCE Secondary Schools and the teaching and learning of the French Language in Nigeria and Ebonyi State in particular. The population of the study comprise of 140 respondents, 25 item structured questions designed to be used to collect information from respondents. Data collected was presented and analyzed statistically using percentage. An average percentage of 50% and above was accepted and any item with percentage below was rejected. The findings of the study determined what could be said to be the factors that contribute to students’ poor performance in SSCE French Language or not. The factors are students’ lack of interest and confidence in the Language, the amount of time allocated by the school authority to the teaching and learning of French Language and the method of teaching in the classroom, unavailability of French Language textbooks and other teaching materials, none   intention   of the student to choose French Language as a career and insufficient number of French teachers. Consequent upon the findings of the study, some recommendations were given such as: French teachers should put more efforts into making the learning of the French language more interesting and simple and while evaluating the students, they should consider the fact they are just learning French as a foreign language. School administrations should make a little adjustment on the amount of time allocated to the teaching   and learning of French Language and equally introduce modern approach to teaching in the classroom. The state government and owners of secondary schools should equip their schools with enough French Language textbooks and other teaching materials to encourage student's performance in the French Language.