Interrogating Students’ Low performance in English Language Subject in Government Primary Schools: Evidence from Dodoma City Council

This study aims at exploring the factors contributing to low performance of English language subject in government primary school in Dodoma city council. The study using descriptive survey design which is appropriate for collecting detailed data needed for the study. Data were collected using questionnaire and In-depthinterview. The questionnaire targeted English teachers and students, while interviews were conducted with head of schools and educational administrator. Data from interviews were analyzed thematically. Themes were identified and coded to understand patterns and insights related to the factors affecting students' performance. Results indicate that the factors contributing to low performance of English language in government primary schools were; weak English background among pupils, multilingual classes, and incompetent teachers on language usage, limited resources, crowded classroom, and overreliance on Swahili language, shortage of English language teachers and lack of parents’ support and interest. These findings offer valuable insights and it is recommended that Ward Education Officer (WEO) and head teachers need to report the correct and most useful data about the number of English language teachers per school, availability of teaching and learning resources like books, its deficits and the quantities needed; this would effectively enable the government to equally allocate these resources. Moreover, students should be motivated to acquire confidence wherever they make mistake in language classroom to in courage them in language learning.