An investigation into the challenges faced by teachers in implementing the language policy in early childhood education in areas of diverse backgrounds: the case of Gweru urban.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate challenges facing teachers in implementing the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in Gweru urban primary schools which enrol learners from diverse language backgrounds. The objectives of the study were to solicit challenges facing teachers in implementing the mother tongue policy and to find out the measures that have been taken to enhance implementation of the language policy. The research study was confined to Muwunga cluster in Gweru urban, with particular interest to Muwunga, Sandara and Saint Michaels primary schools. Related literature was obtained from the views of different authors pertaining under study. The literature revealed that teachers face several challenges in implementing the mother tongue policy. The researcher used descriptive survey to undertake the investigation. Questionnaires and face to face interviews were used to solicit primary data from the respondents. Findings were presented using tables and explanations discussions were given. Major findings such as lack of manpower conversant in all indigenous languages, shortage of financial resources to support implementation, and obscurity of language policy depicted the challenges facing teachers in implementing the mother tongue policy. The researcher recommended that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education provides financial and material resources to promote effective implementation of the mother tongue policy.