An Assessment Of The Influence Of Language Code Switching On Learning Of History Subject In Tanzanian Secondary Schools The Case Of Mkalama District

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the influence of language code-switching in the learning

of the History subject in Tanzanian secondary schools in Mkalama district, Singida.

This study was guided by the Socio-cultural theory of Vygotsky (1978). Vygotsky is

best known for being an educational psychologist with a socio-cultural theory.

Qualitative research approach and multiple-case design were used to collect, analyze

and data presentation. Data were analyzed to provide teachers‟ and students‟

perceptions on the use of language code-switching when learning the History subject.

The objectives of the study were to assess teachers‟ and students‟ perceptions on

influence of language code-switching in the learning of History subject, to examine

the types of code-switching in the learning of History subject among teachers and

students in Tanzania secondary schools and to examine strategies that teachers and

students employ to code-switching when teaching and learning of the History subject.

The findings indicated that to a great extent, English as the language of instruction

and examinable language in learning History subject in secondary schools is not well

mastered. Also, code-switching has been viewed as an unavoidable strategy to

support the leaner acquisition of History skills. Noteworthy, language code-switching

has created lack of confidence in speaking, insufficient mastery of History skills.

Furthermore, the study has explored strategies used by teachers and students to code

switch when leaning the History subject. The study recommended that teaching of

History subject by the use of language code-switching has to consider the types of

language code-switching in relation to the nature of the topic, context and level of

learners language ability. Also, more research has to be carried out on the influence of

multilingual learning of History subject in Tanzania secondary school