Intermediate phase mathematics teachers' proficiency in the language of learning and teaching : the Eastern Cape province
Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University
Abstract
The South African Language in Education Policy (LiEP) stipulates the use of English or
Afrikaans as a language of instruction in the upper primary school, after mother-tongue
instruction in the lower primary school. Educational research confirms that English is used as
the official Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) by 90% of the learners in public schools
in the country. These learners are multilingual, thus, they are also English Language Learners
(ELLs). The aim of the article is to analyse the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE)
Intermediate Phase (IP) mathematics teachers’ language proficiency in English, the prescribed
LoLT. This article is generally informed by Cummins’s work and particularly informed by the
socio-–psycho-linguistics theory. A standardised teacher English language proficiency
assessment piloted in five South African universities was administered on 55 Intermediate Phase
(IP) mathematics teachers purposefully selected from 16 education districts in the ECDoE. Data
were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed. Results show that teachers’ language ability in
English, is very low and the IP teachers who are not proficient in the language of instruction are
likely to compromise the quality of mathematics instruction. Since study participants are
qualified practicing teachers, this article concludes that the onus is on teacher education
institutions to linguistically prepare IP mathematics teachers adequately.
Description
CITATION: Tshuma, L. & Le Cordeur, M. 2019. Intermediate phase mathematics teachers' proficiency in the language of learning and teaching : the Eastern Cape province. Per Linguam, 35(3):106-124, doi:10.5785/35-3-849.
The original publication is available at https://perlinguam.journals.ac.za
The original publication is available at https://perlinguam.journals.ac.za
Keywords
Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Intermediate phase, Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa, Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT), Language in Education Policy (LiEP)
Citation
Tshuma, L. & Le Cordeur, M. 2019. Intermediate phase mathematics teachers' proficiency in the language of learning and teaching : the Eastern Cape province. Per Linguam, 35(3):106-124, doi:10.5785/35-3-849.