Browsing by Author "Newman, Linda Rozetta"

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    Opvoeders se perspektiewe rakende die gebruik van die leesperiode en skoolbiblioteke in geselekteerde skole in die Noord-Kaap
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Newman, Linda Rozetta; Le Cordeur, Michael; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Reading is an important skill for the 21st century and are one of the cornerstones of learning. Research shows an escalating concern about the reading ability of South African learners. In an attempt to improve the literacy levels of learners, the Northern Cape Department of Education, issued a circular to schools instructing them to implement a daily reading period of 30 minutes. It is required of schools to indicate the reading period on the timetable and reading must be formally instructed. The purpose of the study was to determine the perspectives of teachers regarding the use of the reading period and school libraries. It is hypothesized that teachers do not provide enough exposure to learners regarding reading. Secondly It is hypothesized that teachers do not a create a reading culture or foster a positive attitude towards reading, because they ignore the reading period and do not use the library as a resource. A mixed method approach was followed, where both quantitative and qualitative research designs was used. The study consisted of a literature review and an empirical study. The empirical study was conducted at two high schools in the Namaqua District. The data was collected by means of a questionnaire which was completed by 16 Grade 8 and 9 teachers. Focus group interviews were also conducted with the participating teachers. An analysis of the empirical data showed the following : - According to the results the majority of the teachers are aware of the reading period. - The teachers indicated that the reading period is not implemented at both of the schools. - The teachers did not receive any guidance or support from the Northern Cape Education Department to assist learners with reading problems. - The data showed that both schools do have a school library. - From the responses of the teachers it seems that the library resources are old and insufficient. - The data indicated that the teachers do not use the school library as a resource to promote teaching and learning. - The learners are not exposed to the library to assist them with curriculum assignments. The research confirmed the research hypothesis that the reading period is not implemented and that the school library is not used by the teachers to promote the literacy levels and academic performance of the learners.