Language, Communication and Effective Teaching and Learning in Nigeria

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the centrality of the application of language rules and communication principles in ensuring effective classroom teaching and learning in Nigeria. Learners act or behave according to the information received. And teachers cannot give correct information and in a proper way if language rules and communication principles are down played. Using the Standard Nigerian English (S.N.E) as a framework, the writers posit that a good teacher, whether in the sciences, arts or humanities must have a high level of proficiency in the use of the medium of instruction- English language, as is the case with us in Nigeria. The thrust of this paper therefore is to impress on all teachers, whose medium of instruction is English language, this all important truth, so they can bear it in mind and prepare themselves accordingly to be their best as they carry on with their noble duties.