EXPLORING THE ATTITUDES OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS TEACHERS TOWARDS TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN GWALE LGA

This study examines the attitudes of senior secondary school teachers towards teaching English in Gwale Local Government, Nigeria. English plays a crucial role in students' academic and professional success, making teachers' perspectives on the subject highly significant. The study investigates how factors such as teacher training, resource availability, class size, and student preparedness influence teachers' attitudes and effectiveness in delivering English language instruction. A descriptive survey research design was employed, with 22 English teachers selected from three public senior secondary schools. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings revealed that while most teachers had a positive attitude towards teaching English, challenges such as large class sizes, inadequate instructional materials, and low student interest negatively impacted their motivation. It was also discovered that teachers who received specialized training in English instruction demonstrated higher confidence and enthusiasm in the classroom. The study concludes that addressing these challenges through improved teaching resources, professional development programs, and better student preparation can significantly enhance English language instruction. It recommends further research on the long-term impact of teacher attitudes on student performance, a comparative study between public and private schools, and the role of digital learning tools in English education. By improving support systems for teachers, the quality of English language education in secondary schools can be greatly enhanced.