Application of Literature Circle in Teaching English Language Composition Writing in Nigeria

Abstract

The learning of English as second language have been faced with several challenges among young learners in schools because of several factors ranging from dearth of teaching resources to adoption of traditional methodology by teachers. Composition writing is more challenging for students as the data available from West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) Results have revealed. The need for innovative strategies becomes inevitable, hence the adoption of literature circle for an improvement in teaching and learning of English composition writing. The study adopted a pre-test, post-test, control group, quasi-experimental design.  Three groups were involved in the administration before and after the experiment. A sample of 100 students (56 males and 44 females) was selected using a simple random sampling technique, from two secondary schools of the local government. The instrument used for data collection was a Composition Writing Achievement Test (CWAT), Data collected were analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that literature circles have significant effect on composition writing. Findings also showed a significant difference in the mean achievement between male and female students who were exposed to literature circles. The study recommended that teacher-education programmes should be redesigned to incorporate strategies that will help prospective teachers acquire skills that will enable them to help students develop sound writing skill. Also, Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) should emphasize that teachers embrace innovative strategies such as literature circles while implementing the curriculum.

Keywords: Literature Circle, Composition writing, Teaching, English Language