Stakeholders’ Perceptions of English as a Medium of Instruction in the Acquisition of Vocational Skills in Vocational Training Centers in Morogoro Tanzania

Abstract

Limited skills among Vocational Education and Training (VET) graduates emanates from English language incompetence among trainees and trainers.  This makes it more difficult to interact effectively during training sessions to develop the necessary abilities. The study examined stakeholders' viewpoints  on the application of English as a medium of instruction (MOI) for the development of vocational skills in Morogoro region. Interviews, focus  group discussions and documentary analysis were used to gather data from 92 participants and analysed using thematic lenses. The findings showed  that trainees' use of English as a MOI for skill acquisition was ineffective. Stakeholders differed in their opinions on the use of English as MOI that  provoke a thoughtful debate on the appropriate medium of instruction in VET centres. Stakeholders suggest a need to improve English language use in  VET centres through the use of remedial strategies and the extension of practical training duration. The study recommends using Kiswahili as a MOI in  VET.