Department of Modern Foreign Languages
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Browsing Department of Modern Foreign Languages by browse.metadata.advisor "Du Toit, R. O."
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- ItemAddressing the digital divide : using CALL material to teach grammar to learners of English First Additional Language in classrooms with limited computer and multimedia resources(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Forbes, Deidre; Du Toit, R. O.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Modern Foreign LanguagesENGLISH ABSTRACT: Because English is the most widely-spoken second language in South Africa, it is becoming increasingly important for learners to be able to master the English language, including English grammatical structures; not only to do well at their internal and external school examinations, but also to communicate effectively in a progressively anglicised educational, occupational and commercial society. Educators of English First Additional Language (FAL) often have to augment existing textbook material, especially in the field of grammar teaching and learning, as many of the more recent textbook publications do not make sufficient provision for the communicative teaching and learning of grammatical structures. One way in which textbook material could be augmented would be to develop interactive multimedia learning material for the teaching of grammar. However, many South African English FAL classrooms are underresourced in terms of computers and other technological tools needed to use such interactive computer assisted language learning (CALL) material. The learners being taught in these technologically barren classrooms may fall far behind their peers in terms of exposure to interactive educational technology, i.e. they may become victims of the digital divide. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the digital divide could be addressed with the development and use of computer assisted language learning material that makes provision for learner interactivity and could be used in classrooms with minimal access to technological tools. To determine the attitudes of educators with regard to grammar instruction in general, as well as the use of technology in the teaching and learning of grammar and the general accessibility of technology in English FAL classrooms, educators of English FAL at nine rural, Afrikaans-medium schools situated in low-income communities in the Western and Northern Cape were asked to complete a questionnaire. The results of this survey were used to ascertain what kind of multimedia learning material would be suitable for use in technologically challenged English FAL classrooms. As part of this study, exemplar material has been developed to make a recommendation regarding the type of multimedia material that could be used in technologically under-resourced classrooms.
- ItemA blended-learning approach to strategy training for improving second-language reading comprehension in South Africa(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-03) Klapwijk, Nanda Maria; Du Toit, R. O.; Bergman, E. K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Modern Foreign Languages.It is widely recognized that learning to read is one of the most crucial learning processes in which children are involved at primary school. However, becoming a proficient reader is not equally easy for all learners. When it comes to the development of reading comprehension many children appear to have persistent problems. In order to meet the reading needs of students in the 21st century, educators are pressed to develop effective instructional means for teaching strategies to improve reading comprehension. The ability to read academic texts is considered one of the most crucial skills that students of English as a Second Language need to acquire. Reading comprehension has become the “essence of reading” (Dreyer & Nel, 2003:349). Literacy, and more specifically reading, is one of many areas where research has provided evidence of the potential impact of technology such as multimedia and hypermedia. If one looks broadly at the issue of technology and literacy, one of the more rewarding issues for educators is the role of technology in literacy acquisition and instruction, especially for primary grade learners (Pearson et al, 2005:3). This study aims to support the growing trend of an increasingly “paired” literacy, namely that of general literacy and computer (or technological) literacy. The study proposes that through implementing an overall blended-learning methodology for teaching learners how to use reading strategies, it will be possible to improve learners’ general reading comprehension levels.
- ItemCape Town - Africa' Gateway. A traveller' and cultural guide to Cape Town and surrounds, with educational Xhosa language phrases" : development and evaluation of a hypermedia application for language learning(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-12) Janse van Rensburg, Charise; Du Toit, R. O.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Modern Foreign Languages.Please refer to full text for abstract
- ItemDidactization of a youth novel as CALL material for advanced Grade 11– 12 learners of German as a foreign language(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-03) Strack, Uwe-Michael Peter Bernhard; Du Toit, R. O.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Modern Foreign Languages.Currently new teaching and learning paradigms are being called for in response to the ever increasing importance of the electronic media and information technologies, such as computers, in our daily lives and in education. In Language Teaching the reading of literary texts has received a lack of attention. The application developed for this study is an attempt to address this shortcoming. The application contains a reading programme which focuses on a German youth novel, Als aus Janusz Jan wurde by Herbert Somplatski, as well additional supporting texts, both literary and non-literary, and background information. By integrating this reading material into an interactive multimedia web-based computer application, it is hoped that it can be shown how reading can be made more attractive and effective in FLA (Foreign Language Acquisition). The application was designed against the background of current and planned South African syllabi for Second Additional Languages and by taking into account modern cognitive-constructivist learning theories, current requirements for multimedia design and CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) as well as various reading models and strategies. All these aspects regarding the design of the application and how they affect reading in FLA are discussed in this thesis. In addition a few prognostic suggestions are proposed.
- ItemFostering learner autonomy amongst second language student teachers with computer assisted language learning in a supportive role(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-03) Rousseau, Nicoline; Du Toit, R. O.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Modern Foreign Languages.
- ItemThe French menu : the design and development of a web-based application for chefs, restaurateurs and waitrons on the writing and understanding of menus in French(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2008-03) Kulenkampff, Julia; Du Toit, R. O.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Modern Foreign Languages.This study focuses on foreign language teaching and learning in the professional workplace. A gap was perceived in the catering industry where chefs and waitrons are required to use French cooking terminology in their profession without ready access to the correct usage of this terminology. The purpose of this study is to address this gap and to offer a solution to the observed need. The study concentrates on the reading and writing of menus in French. The reason for this focus is that this is the area where French cooking terminology is arguably needed, as it is here where the incorrect usage of the French language is most evident.
- ItemAn interactive, multimedia, web-based program to develop proficiency in specific reading skills for English first-year university students : an empirical study(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2004-12) Buys, Nelia; Du Toit, R. O.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Modern Foreign Languages.This emperical study is another addition to the expanding body of research on the effect of computer-based reading instruction on tertiary students within the South Africa context. Grounded in a sound theoretical framework and informed by practice, it identifies the importance of reading as a skill and the potential of new technology to enhance reading skills.