Out of class activities and writing proficiency in English Language of "O" level students in selected schools in Soroti District

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of engagement in out-of-class learning on students‟ language proficiency in the selected secondary schools in Soroti District, Teso Region. It was guided by the following objectives; to investigate whether learners are exposed to out of class activities; to explore teachers and students‟ perceptions towards out- of-class activities and to examine the impact of out-of-class activities on students‟ Writing Proficiency. The researcher designed a study based on descriptive quantitative and qualitative research methods utilizing questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and documentary analysis to the students and teachers, including school administrators. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 20 Data Editor. The study found out that the most frequent activities in which English language is practised out-of-class are entertaining activities like watching movies on television, videos and surfing on the Internet and that the level of students‟ development in English language activities outside the classroom is positively associated with their language proficiency. The conclusion was that students‟ language engagement in authentic settings enhances their linguistic competence. Involving learners in language activities out of the classroom promotes learners‟ language proficiency. It was also observed that students prefer to use English language through mostly entertaining activities such as watching movies, videos or surfing the internet. It was recommended that teachers examine their teaching and learning approaches to meet the demands and interests of the 21st century learners by exposing them to authentic English language environments beyond the confines of classroom. This research could be beneficial for language teachers because it will enable them encourage their students to practise English language outside classroom, for students to offer some ways to develop their language proficiency with application of English in authentic environments, and for educational administrators to give some ideas for curriculum design including out-of-class learning.