A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ORAL ENGLISH PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN ADO- EKITI, EKITI NIGERIA

Abstract

Speaking is one of the language skills that enhances students’ performance in the English language. This is because speech is the primary manifestation of competence in language use. This study examines the differences and similarities in the spoken English of private and public schools in Ado Ekiti. The study aimed at examining the Oral performances of the students and identifying the factors affecting Oral English performance in schools. Error analysis is the theory used for analysis. The data were obtained through the use of questionnaire purposively administered to the students from selected schools. Interview and observation were also used. The data were analyzed by transcribing the words pronounced by the students. The four stages of error analysis were used to analyze the errors identified. The reports of the questionnaire were used to identify the similarities and differences in public and private schools. The findings revealed that public secondary school students in Ado-Ekiti perform better in Oral English than their private secondary school counterparts also in Ado-Ekiti. It is also discovered that private secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti have a shortage of Oral English teachers while public secondary schools have more proficient teachers. However, both private and public secondary schools lack teaching aids for Oral English.Secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti need to focus attention on Oral English teaching so as to improve the performances of the students in the English language. Also, private schools in AdoEkiti

need to employ competent Oral English instructors to handle the teaching of Oral Eng lish. It is recommended that private school administrators should provide creative and dynamic Oral English instructors. In addition, prominence should be given to Oral English.Governments at all levels should provide language laboratories and materials for use in secondary schools because it helps to reduce Mother tongue interference in Oral communication.