Browsing by Author "Luizinho, Robyn Mandy"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Constructing first additional language learning : a content and thematic analysis of CAPS
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Luizinho, Robyn Mandy; Oostendorp, Marcelyn; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of General Linguistics.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Only 9.6% of the South African population speaks English as a home language, but the majority of learners experience English as the language of learning and teaching for all subjects. Surprisingly low pass rates for school-leavers and poor results on international literacy assessments are attributed to learners’ limited English fluency. As the language policy implemented to develop English first additional language, the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) document is used by teachers as a model for best practices in the classroom for improving second language fluency. This study investigates whether CAPS, as a model for best practice, demonstrates an understanding of second language acquisition theory, whether this understanding is clearly communicated through its language use, and whether it represents an effective model for language use and practical implementation in the classroom. Using AtlasTi, a linguistic analysis (by means of content and thematic analysis) was conducted. These analyses aimed to identify the main second language learning and teaching strategies in CAPS, and dominant themes evident through the language use in CAPS respectively. Overall, the results reveal the document to contain predominantly audiolingual and communicative approaches to second language acquisition. The analysis shows that the language in CAPS does not construct a clear idea of these approaches, nor does it model the best practice for implementing them.