Masters Degrees (Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy)
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Browsing Masters Degrees (Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy) by Author "Botha, Lyndall"
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- ItemThe perceptions of a group of Sesotho mothers, from a low socio-economic group in the Free State, on early literacy(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12) Botha, Lyndall; Gerber, Berna; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy.ENGLISH SUMMARY : South Africa’s education system is under scrutiny regarding the continuous poor reading performance of pupils in primary schools. South African Grade 4 and 5 pupils continue to score below the international average of reading achievement. Poor reading skills have a negative influence on the attainment of knowledge and limit opportunities later in life. Research has indicated that the foundation phase of literacy development, known as early literacy or emergent literacy, plays an important role in literacy outcomes. Research has demonstrated that children of parents from non-mainstream cultural and linguistic groups and who have a low socio-economic status, seem to be at risk for compromised literacy achievement. Little research has addressed parental perceptions regarding early literacy, particularly perceptions within specific cultural and linguistic groups. The study aimed to address this need. A qualitative research design, guided by an ethnographic approach was followed. The main aim of the study was to describe and explain the perceptions of a small group of Sesotho speaking mothers, from a low socio-economic group in the Free State, regarding early literacy. The data was collected making use of 12 standardized open-ended interviews, combined with an interview guide approach. The data was analysed using a thematic analysis process, as described by Braun and Clarke (2006). Three central themes relating to the participants’ perceptions of early literacy were identified in the data. Education was viewed by most mothers as an escape from poverty and the key to a successful life. Poverty was identified as the greatest barrier to home literacy practices and had a direct influence on the resources available in the home environment. The participants held varying perceptions regarding early literacy differences within specific groups of people, such as rich and poor; young and old; and Black and White. The participants also discussed their perceptions regarding early literacy from a cultural point of view. Limitations of the study are discussed, as well as recommendations for future research. The results have wide-ranging implications for practice. Professionals, such as speech-language therapists play a vital role in identifying and serving children at risk for compromised literacy development, while government departments play a key role in the promotion of early literacy, better education and improved living conditions for all South Africans.