Assessment of media literacy in the teaching and learning of English language in Basic Schools in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri municipality

Abstract

Support for media literacy education has grown significantly in recent years with teachers and students advocating for its inclusion in the curricula. However, there are manifest differences in the ways people use media in teaching and learning of school subjects as well as in the level of their competence. This study assessed media literacy in teaching and learning of English Language in Basic Schools in the Nsawam- Adoagyiri Municipality. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, a descriptive survey design was employed. A sample size of 150 comprising 45 English language teachers and 105 students was used in the quantitative phase through multistage sampling technique. The research was underpinned and guided by pragmatist paradigm. Descriptive statistics involving frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation was used to provide counts of the factors underpinning the analysis of the questionnaire data and the demographic responses. In the qualitative phase, a sample size of 8 comprising 4 students and 4 teachers was employed. Data from the teachers‟ questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistical methods involving frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and average per item rating. The qualitative data collected through the interview was analysed using thematic approach. The findings of the study revealed that students are sometimes given instruction on media and information literacy in English Language. It was also discovered that students and teachers do not feel sufficiently familiar with the electronic media commanding. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education through the Ghana Education Service should furnish basic schools with English Language curriculum that features media literacy so as to equip teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills to impact on the students they handle at school. It is suggested that further research be done in other basic schools in the country, as well as, in private basic institutions on the use of media literacy in teaching and learning of English Language in order to do the comparative analysis on the system prevailing in these sectors. This suggestion comes against the backdrop that the study has a limited scope thus, involving students and teachers from sampled schools in Nsawam- Adoagyiri Municipality.