Factors Affecting English Performance of Class IV Students in Kazhi and Khotokha Primary School, Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag in Bhutan

Abstract

Following a qualitative approach, this study reports on the factors affecting the performance of class IV students in English at Kazhi and Khotokha Primary School under Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag. The study involved sixteen participants: four teachers and six students from the two schools and their parents (n=6). Participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews and the analysis showed that participants in general agreed that students faced difficulty in terms of their performance in English subject in class four. Findings showed that various factors affected students’ performance in English. Participants reported factors such as students not being able to find adequate time for learning and practicing English, inadequate resources, parents’ knowledge and skills in English and the level of curriculum as contributing factors. The implications of findings for the importance of providing adequate resources and future study examining class four English curriculum has been discussed.