Challenges of Students’ English Language Learning: The Case of Selected Secondary Schools in the Central Zone of Tigrai

The objective of this study was to investigate the challenges students experience in English language learning with particular reference to six selected secondary schools of the central zone of Tigrai. Participants of the study include students, English teachers, department heads, and vice-directors. Primarily, the subjects of this study were grade 9 and 10 students and were selected randomly based on the determined sample size. With regards to the teachers, the existing teachers, department heads, and vice-directors of the schools participated in the study. To achieve the objectives, a mixed-methodology was employed to gather relevant and valid data. As a result, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and classroom observations. Consequently, the quantitative data are analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, and the qualitative data are also analyzed using thematic analysis. Then, the results of the quantitative and qualitative data are triangulated to enhance the credibility and validity of findings. Finally, the findings of the study showed that the students have poor background knowledge, a lack of motivation and participation, overuse of mother tongue by teachers and students, teachers predominantly use the lecture method, lack of co-curricular activities and facilities in the schools. Lastly, it is recommended that attention should be given to the quality of education, and students, teachers, schools, and parents should work jointly to help students learn English in a better way.