Influence of Computer Based Learning English Pronunciation and Learners’ Achievement in Primary Schools; Kenya

Abstract

Despite the awareness of native language interference and different ways of pronouncing words, it is not clear how teachers are making efforts to solve this challenge. English pronunciation involves too many complexities for learners to strive for a complete elimination of accent. Teachers do not have enough time in class to give proper attention to the aspect of instruction because it is tedious. Therefore pronunciation has been neglected for long; teachers tend to think that subject is very technical. The objectives were; to establish the relationship between the students taught with computer and those taught by regular method. Find out influence of computer on pronunciation. Theories utilized were system approach where teachers set objectives, develop sequence of instructional activities directed by means of materials which students exploit on their own and Piaget where mental constructs are developed by children through experiences in the environment. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to enable appreciation of all the aspects. The study adopted Experimental design involving static group comparison design. Simple random sampling was used to select the school and purposive sample to obtain the class. Experimental group was exposed to computer and control to regular teaching for nine weeks. The teacher in experimental group was trained on the use of computer to teach new words. Post- test (reading) and questionnaire were administered to all respondents. Experts ascertained their reliability. Data was analyzed through use of inferential statistics which were t-test and chi-square. Descriptive statistics involving frequencies, percentages and standard deviation were also used. Hypothesis was formulated for future use. The results of the study show that computer facilitates learning pronunciation better compared to traditional teaching, it motivates, there is relationship between use of computer and achievement. Therefore Computer be integrated in teaching English to improve correct pronunciation. It is recommended that; computer be flipped into classroom and policy on use of instructional media be emphasized.