UNDER ACHIEVEMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOL ENGLISH LANGUAGE(ACASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED SCHOOLS IN GWALE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE)

This study investigates the underachievement in English language learning among secondaryschool students in Gwale Local Government Area (LGA), Kano State. The research aims toidentify the key factors contributing to students' poor performance in English, with particularfocus on teacher qualifications, teaching methods, availability of instructional materials, andsocio-economic influences. Therefore, four (4) research objectives and research questionswere formed to guide the study. The research design adopted for the study was descriptivesurveydesign.Thestudyemploysaquestionnaire-basedsurveyof351studentsfromselectedschools to collect data on the causes of underachievement and potential strategies forimprovement. Findings reveal that the lack of access to learning resources and poor familybackground are major contributors to students' underperformance in English. Additionally,inadequate teacher qualifications and ineffective teaching methods, such as traditionallecture-based approaches, hinder effective language learning. The study also highlights thepositive impact of interactive teaching methods, teacher professional development, and theuse of technology on improving student outcomes. The research suggests severalrecommendations, including increased availability of learning materials, regular teachertraining, and the incorporation of engaging, student-centered teaching methods to fosterbetterlanguageacquisition.ThesefindingsprovidevaluableinsightsintothefactorsaffectingEnglish language learning and propose strategies for improving achievement in secondaryschools within the study area.