The Challenges of Teaching English in Africa: With reference to Tanzania Public Secondary Schools

Abstract

English Language Teaching (ELT) in Anglophone Africa is faced with various challenges, some of which have been overlooked.  Among these is lack of clarity on the status given to English when making important decisions on language planning and policy.  This has lead to unrealistic objectives of ELT, inappropriate teaching and leaning materials, and inadequate teaching methods.  The article examines the different contexts in which English language is taught, in order to determine, at policy level, what objectives are realistic and what method and materials are appropriate for which context.  This would contribute towards addressing the  challenges facing ELT in Anglophone Africa.  Finally, the paper calls for a need for African language planners and policy makers to go back to the drawing board and the stock of ELT on the basis of the context that prevail on the ground.