THE EFFECT OF BILINGUAL TEACHING METHODS ON ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AMONG NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study examined the effect of bilingual teaching methods on English proficiency among Nigerian secondary school students. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative assessments of students’ language skills with qualitative data from classroom observations and teacher interviews in selected secondary schools. Results show that students taught through bilingual methods performed better in vocabulary, reading comprehension, and oral communication than those taught using monolingual approaches. Teachers also observed that integrating the mother tongue alongside English enhanced understanding and reduced learning anxiety. The findings suggest that bilingual pedagogy can effectively improve English proficiency and support academic achievement. Recommendations include adopting context-specific bilingual strategies and providing teacher training to implement these methods effectively in Nigerian secondary schools.