Assessing the relationship between teachers’ perceptions and their classroom practices and challenges in teaching English vocabulary to young learners: the case of some selected primary schools in Dawro Zone, SWRS, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, there is a growing demand for early English education. Teaching vocabulary to young learners is crucial for language acquisition, and teachers’ perceptions and actions in the classroom are essential for effective teaching. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between teachers’ perceptions and their teaching practices in teaching vocabulary to young learners (TVYLs) in some selected primary schools in Ethiopia, South Western Regional State (SWRS), Dawro Zone. To explore their relationship, a descriptive survey research design with a mixed-methods approach was used. A total of 90 EFL teachers with different levels of experience participated in the study through simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using classroom observation, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients, both quantitatively and thematically. The data analysis showed individual differences in teachers’ theoretical perceptions and indicated that there is a discrepancy between their perceptions and classroom practices. The main factors affecting teachers’ effective TVYLs were large classes, teachers’ lack of knowledge of approaches, lack of time to practice vocabulary through integration with other skills, and teachers’ lack of experience in professional development. Finally, recommendations were made based on the main findings.