Research article | Open Access
International Journal of Language and Education Research 2026, Vol. 8(2) 48-71
pp. 48 - 71
Publish Date: August 30, 2026 | Single/Total View: 0/0 | Single/Total Download: 0/0
Abstract
This study examines the enhancement of teachers’ linguistic and pedagogical competencies through capacity-building initiatives in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The research focuses on teachers’ English language proficiency, communicative competence, metalinguistic awareness, and pedagogical language knowledge—competencies essential for effective instruction where indigenous languages dominate daily communication. Using census sampling, questionnaires were distributed to 300 newly recruited teachers, with 260 responding (86.7% response rate). Data analysis via SPSS version 29 employed frequency counts, percentages, and descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that training effectively improves teachers’ linguistic and pedagogical competencies, demonstrating positive impacts on instructional practices, lesson delivery, student engagement, and classroom management. However, challenges exist in developing advanced academic language skills, implementing sophisticated questioning strategies, and creating English-rich learning environments. The primary obstacles were accelerated training pace and indigenous language dominance in daily communication. The study recommends extending training duration with dedicated modules on language awareness, academic discourse, and strategies for maximising English use in indigenous language-dominant contexts.
Keywords: Teachers' linguistic competencies, Pedagogical competencies, Capacity building, English language proficiency, Communicative competence, Metalinguistic awareness, Pedagogical language knowledge, Classroom discourse, Indigenous language contexts, Bayelsa Sta
APA 7th edition
Mahmud, M.O., Ogunbodede, K.F., & Ewata, T.O. (2026). Enhancing Teachers' Linguistic and Pedagogical Competencies Through Capacity-Building Initiatives in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. International Journal of Language and Education Research, 8(2), 48-71.
Harvard
Mahmud, M., Ogunbodede, K. and Ewata, T. (2026). Enhancing Teachers' Linguistic and Pedagogical Competencies Through Capacity-Building Initiatives in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. International Journal of Language and Education Research, 8(2), pp. 48-71.
Chicago 16th edition
Mahmud, Memunat Olayemi, Kolawole Francis Ogunbodede and Thompson Olusegun Ewata (2026). "Enhancing Teachers' Linguistic and Pedagogical Competencies Through Capacity-Building Initiatives in Bayelsa State, Nigeria". International Journal of Language and Education Research 8 (2):48-71.
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