Effectiveness of Communicative Approach on Oral Communicative Ability of Igbo L2 Learners at The Upper Basic Level in Lagos State

Abstract

It has been observed that Igbo L₂ curriculum has not been promoting the major objective assigned to it, namely, to inculcate in Igbo L₂ learners communicative competence in Igbo language. This study investigated the effectiveness of communicative approach on oral communicative ability of Igbo L₂ learners at the upper Basic level. The quasi-experimental research design involving non-randomized experimental research design. Two research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The sample for the study consisted of ninety (90) Jss II Igbo L₂ learners drawn from two intact classes in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Igbo L₂ learners were taught for six weeks (6) using the communicative approach. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test statistics was used to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that L₂ Igbo learners taught with communicative approach achieved higher in their communicative ability than those taught with conventional method. The study, therefore recommends that teachers of Igbo as a second language should adopt a communicative approach in teaching. They should combine dialogue, games, contests, role play and songs so as to motivate learners and make their lessons very interesting.

Keywords: L₂ learners, communicative approach, Upper Basic level, Igbo language.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-24-03

Publication date:August 31^st 2023