English First Additional Language Research Articles

Embodying Learners’ Semasiological Disparateness in an English First Additional Language Classroom

Language-in-education policy in the apartheid era in South Africa reflected a divide-and-rule strategy, which stipulated that each ethnic group was to be taught in its language. Thus, the post-1994 period in South Africa involved a dramatic re-imagination of the country from a racially divided nation to a diverse but united, non-racial nation. This is pertinent to South Africa, a linguistically diverse country whose history of language in education has been shaped by political interests, as well as pedagogical considerations. Against this background, since the impact of cultural diversity on education policy and reforms is a strategically significant issue for us all, this study sought to explore how Grade 4 English First Additional Language (EFAL) teachers incorporate Grade 4 EFAL learners’ linguistic diversity in teaching and learning. For this qualitative study, 10 Grade 4 teachers in 5 primary schools in one district in South Africa were used as respondents. The researcher used one-on-one telephonic interviews to collect data. The results revealed that teachers acknowledge the need to use some approaches to support oral language development. Besides, teachers use a range of strategies, from translanguaging, and code-switching to translation, to encourage learners to use their home languages to develop proficiency in the EFAL. Also, the study has shown that cooperative language learning, which shares some characteristics with communicative language teaching helps learners develop a great liking of EFAL.

Profiling reading strategies used by Grade 10 English First Additional Language learners in two selected high schools in KwaZulu-Natal

In order to address learners’ reading difficulties, several researchers recommend the development of their reading profiles. To this end, South Africa is no exception. Many South African based researchers are of the view that designing and analysing learners’ reading profiles should be seen as a wise move towards fixing South African learners’ reading challenges. The study sought to profile the reading strategies that Grade 10 English First Additional Language (EFAL) learners used more and least frequently. The idea was to make teachers aware of their learners’ strengths and weaknesses with regard to reading. The study was quantitative in nature and a survey design was followed. A reading strategies questionnaire was administered to 60 Grade 10 EFAL learners who were purposively selected from two high schools. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated in order to assess the frequency of strategy used by the Grade 10 EFAL learners. The results indicated that before-reading and during-reading strategies were least frequently used by the learners. Moreover, the results showed that learners appeared to be using after-reading strategies more frequently. Recommendations are made that learners need to be made aware of the wide range of before-reading and after-reading strategies, along with how to use them during the process of reading.Contribution: The contribution of the study resides in the conclusion that teachers’ knowledge on how to develop and monitor learners’ reading profiles has the potential to improve learners’ reading proficiency.

Whose reading translates into mastery in English First Additional Language at Intermediate Phase?

Background: A large number of studies have established that reading for comprehension in South African schools is comparably poor relative to other Southern African states. Some of these studies confirm that learners’ competency in reading in English is lacking when contextualised in a learning environment. Various systemic evaluations were conducted intended to establish the gap in the literacy and numeracy of learners as the average achieved in Grade 3 for reading with comprehension was only 39%. Furthermore, a recent study found that only 19% of South Africa’s Grade 4 learners can read for meaning.Objective: To investigate whose reading translates to mastery in English First Additional Language (EFAL) in the intermediate phase.Method: An interpretive paradigm, using a qualitative approach was used. Four teachers from two schools were purposively selected for this study. The research involved the participation of 234 learners in Grade 4 and 152 learners in Grade 5 totaling 386 participants.Results: Teachers in the intermediate phase possess pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) which is strengthened by the subject matter knowledge in the teaching of reading in EFAL. While teachers demonstrate PCK, there is a necessity for enhancing the aspect of imparting knowledge of reading for meaning to learners.Conclusion: Teachers were knowledgeable in demonstrating diverse skills in the teaching of reading for meaning.Contribution: This study generates specific strategies for teachers to exhibit their PCK in developing and improving reading for meaning.

Exploring the Implications of the Articulation Gap on Grade 6 EFAL Learners’ Essay Writing Skills

The purpose of the study was to explore the implications of the articulation gap on Grade 6 EFAL learners’ essay writing skills. A qualitative approach was followed with a Case study research design. The research paradigm used in this study was the interpretive paradigm. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 English First Additional Language (EFAL) teachers in 3 primary schools at Malamulele Central Circuit. Document analysis, focus group interviews and lesson observation were used to collect data. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, the Garrison theory of teaching essay writing and the strength-based approach were aligned with the interpretivist paradigm. The study found that EFAL learners are unable to write essays that are academically acceptable in terms of the stipulated standard in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) document. Such an articulation gap results in a difficult transition from the foundation to the intermediate phase which has contributed to the high failure rate in Grade 6. The study concluded and recommended that the curriculum during transitioning from the foundation to the intermediate phase (Grade 6) should be revised and the Teaching and Learning Language (TLL) in the Foundation Phase should be English in order to build a strong foundation. This research study is of practical importance to various sectors of the South African education system and abroad as it contributes invaluable information to curriculum developers and implementers within the education department and to the entire stakeholders in the schooling system. Keywords: Articulation Gap; Essay; Writing Skills; Instant Feedback

English first additional language teachers’ attitudes on using e-learning in rural schools in the Vhembe East district in the Limpopo province

The teaching of English First Additional Language (EFAL) in South Africa is gradually changing from the traditional style because of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts are being made to stimulate learners’ interest in learning which include using information communication technology (ICT) in the form of e-learning to enhance understanding. The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was a major challenge as it compelled teachers to engage in online teaching – even those who were never trained in the use of technology. A qualitative research method in the form of semi-structured interviews was used to collect data from 15 EFAL teachers who were purposefully selected on the basis that they used e-learning to supplement their face-to-face teaching. I found that the integration of e-learning to the traditional physical contact style was essential in improving the teaching of EFAL. The majority of participants, however, highlighted that they still encountered challenges related to heavy workload and efforts to complete items listed in the work programme. Inadequate training of teachers on e-learning, a lack of resources and poor connectivity also acted as barriers to the full implementation of blended learning, which considerably improves learners’ performance.

Setting up classroom libraries in rural areas: The case of Mogodumo circuit in Limpopo

There is an urgent need to establish classroom libraries, especially in rural areas where learners hardly come across any reading material. The purpose of this study was to investigate how teachers set up classroom libraries in rural areas of the Mogodumo circuit in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was qualitative in nature. Fifteen English First Additional Language (EFAL) teachers from 12 schools participated in the study. Observation and semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data. It was found that while all participants recognised the importance of reading for their learners, only 7 of the 15 teachers managed to establish classroom libraries. The study revealed that teacher self-efficacy (TSE) played a crucial role in setting up classroom libraries, given the serious challenges of funding, resources and support experienced by rural schoolteachers. Teachers with high TSE managed to establish classroom libraries by using their own time, money, and resources, while those with low TSE failed to establish classroom libraries. We recommend that school managers should make time and resources available to rural schoolteachers to enable them to establish classroom libraries.

Setting up classroom libraries in rural areas: The case of Mogodumo circuit in Limpopo

There is an urgent need to establish classroom libraries, especially in rural areas where learners hardly come across any reading material. The purpose of this study was to investigate how teachers set up classroom libraries in rural areas of the Mogodumo circuit in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was qualitative in nature. Fifteen English First Additional Language (EFAL) teachers from 12 schools participated in the study. Observation and semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data. It was found that while all participants recognised the importance of reading for their learners, only 7 of the 15 teachers managed to establish classroom libraries. The study revealed that teacher self-efficacy (TSE) played a crucial role in setting up classroom libraries, given the serious challenges of funding, resources and support experienced by rural schoolteachers. Teachers with high TSE managed to establish classroom libraries by using their own time, money, and resources, while those with low TSE failed to establish classroom libraries. We recommend that school managers should make time and resources available to rural schoolteachers to enable them to establish classroom libraries.

Rethinking literacy pedagogy in the context of 4IR: Learners’ access and reading motivation

Background: In the education sector, technologies are (or can be) repurposed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to facilitate teaching and learning. However, this shift may impact on learners’ access to reading materials and reading motivation.Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether Grade 8 English First Additional Language (FAL) learners’ motivation to read is influenced by access to reading materials in a traditional classroom setting or through online reading platforms.Method: Likert-scale survey questionnaires were used to measure this relationship. Data from 466 Grade 8 English FAL learners from six South African township schools were collected and SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the data.Results: In traditional classrooms, the findings showed that increased access positively influenced motivation, whereas this effect was not evident in online reading platforms. However, in both settings, motivation increased when learners had access to a diverse selection of reading materials. Finally, the findings indicated a parallel relationship between learners’ low motivation and limited access to reading platforms.Conclusion: The study concluded that while traditional classrooms continue to play an important role in global education, the ongoing evolution of technology-based learning platforms has compelled a shift in reading practices toward online platforms, which are reshaping the educational landscape, demonstrating the increasing significance of technology-mediated learning in modern education.Contribution: The authors recommend enhanced collaboration between teachers and learners to devise innovative methods for motivating online reading, ensuring learners’ inclusion in the 4IR literacy pedagogy evolution.

Intermediate Phase learner performance in English: A quantitative analysis

Background: According to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS, 2006 with 87%, 2011 with 82%, 2016 with 78%, 2021 with 81%), an international reading comprehension assessment conducted at the Grade 4 level, South African learners perform very poorly in reading comprehension, even when reading in their African home languages.Objectives: To analyse learner performance in the Intermediate Phase (IP) focusing on English First Additional Language (EFAL) before and after the implementation of the Primary School Reading Improvement Programme (PSRIP) in Johannesburg West (JW) district. The study aims to analyse EFAL learning gains obtained during the pilot phase of the PSRIP in JW district.Method: Quantitative data (learner performance in EFAL) was collected from South Africa-School Administration and Management System (SA-SAMS) in six schools in JW. Learner performance marks from Term 1 before PSRIP was implemented and from Term 4 after PSRIP implementation were analysed quantitatively using System Analysis Program Development (SAP) data and analytics solutions.Results: Learner performance analysis based on the DBE pass rates indicates positive outcomes, learner performance increased in 3 out of 6 schools; however, based on the PSRIP pass rates, only 2 out of 6 schools managed to get 90% of their learners obtaining at least 50% in EFAL after PSRIP was introduced.Conclusion: Implementation of PSRIP affected learner performance positively; however, more support is needed to meet the PSRIP targets.Contribution: Based on these findings, there is a need to further investigate how (if at all) the PSRIP strategies can be used in other languages that are taught at IP level. Study results will inform language in education policies. Furthermore, the Department of Basic Education’s reading campaigns may adopt the benefits of the PSRIP in improving literacy development in other South African languages including the indigenous languages.

Discourse Competence as an Essential Variable in Developing Grade 11 English First Additional Language Learners’ Writing Skills

Discourse competence, which entails the interrelatedness of concepts in sentences in spoken and written language, is essential in the development of learners' receptive and productive English skills. Learners with excellent discourse competency skills can better grasp spoken and written texts on a local and global level. The main objective of this paper was to investigate the impact of discourse competence in grade 11 English First Additional Language (EFAL) learners’ writing skills. Halliday and Hassan’s Model of Evaluation framework, which advocates that the primary means of linking texts in discourse is through lexical cohesion, underpinned this study. This paper adopted an interpretivist paradigm. A qualitative approach was employed and a case study design was used to gather data from 40 purposely selected grade 11 learners. Document analysis was used. Findings indicated that (i) restricted knowledge of lexicon, (ii) inadequate knowledge about reiteration and collocation, and (iii) insufficient knowledge about appropriate use of cohesive and coherent devices, were among the established reasons for learners’ writing deficiencies. This paper recommends that essay writing skills can best be achieved through the implementation of the proposed recent language teaching methods such as the Text-based Approach, which uses texts to teach language structures and writing skills. The Department of Education should monitor the development of writing skills from the learners’ earliest years of schooling.

Challenges faced by intermediate phase English First Additional Language teachers in establishing classroom libraries in Limpopo Province

Classroom libraries have an important function in the development of reading abilities for English First Additional Language (EFAL) learners in the Intermediate Phase (grades 4 to 6). This research aimed at exploring the challenges faced by the Intermediate Phase EFAL teachers in establishing classroom libraries in a rural circuit of the Limpopo Province to promote learners’ reading ability. A qualitative grounded theory approach was employed using observations and an interview schedule with semi structured open-ended questions. Nine participants were purposefully selected. The study found that there was limited relevant reading material, a lack of space for setting up a classroom library in overcrowded classrooms, teachers’ lack of knowledge on organising the classroom library books and a lack of strategies on how to control the checking in and out of books. It is recommended that schools should first allocate funds for buying books and seek donations for reading material from public libraries as well as non-governmental organisations. Inservice training should be conducted to equip teachers with the basic skills of organising and facilitating the checking out and returning of classroom library books.

Teachers’ Perceptions of Integrating Technology in Rural Primary Schools to Enhance the Teaching of English First Additional Language

Teachers’ perceptions of integrating technology in rural primary schools play a substantial role in the Intermediate Phase (grades 4 to 6) in enhancing the teaching of English first additional language (EFAL). However, in a country such as South Africa, teachers experience barriers such as time constraints, load shedding, a lack of facilities, a lack of digital skills and an internet connection which challenges the incorporation of technology in language lessons in this posthumanism era. This study explored teachers’ perceptions of integrating technology in EFAL classes in rural primary schools in Limpopo, South Africa. There are several studies on how teachers feel about using technology in secondary schools and higher education, but only a few have concentrated on rural primary schools specifically the Intermediate Phase. Therefore, this area deserves further investigation to add to empirical data. An interpretivist paradigm guided this study informed by the technology acceptance model (TAM). An exploratory qualitative case study used semi-structured interviews for data gathering. Ten Intermediate Phase EFAL teachers were selected with the help of purposeful sampling. Using thematic analysis, the obtained data were categorized into codes and themes. It was found that teachers are willing to use technology to teach EFAL as it has revolutionized their teaching and appreciated its productivity in their teaching activities. It is advised that EFAL teachers receive additional in-service training on integrating technology into EFAL teaching. The acquired skills from the training may assist in time management and how to cope working with limited resources.   

Guiding principles for the appraisal of English-teaching software

This qualitative study was motivated by the lack of appropriate guidelines and criteria for the assessment and selection of suitable Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) applications focusing on English First Additional Language (EFAL) for Senior Phase (Grades 7-9) learners in Gauteng. Therefore, the study set out to formulate guiding principles that evaluators could reference in assessing and selecting EFAL CALL applications. A developmental research design was adopted to facilitate the inductive development of guiding principles suitable for the appraisal of EFAL CALL applications. A purposively selected sample consisting of Grade 7-9 learners, Grade 7-9 EFAL teachers and education officials was used to collect qualitative data. Development sessions were repeated until nothing new emerged. After a process of analysis and constant refinement of codes emanating from the data, eight guiding principles were determined. The findings of the study provide essential perspectives on the use of English-teaching software through the lens of learners, teachers and education officials. These perspectives are crucial in shaping the discourse on the use of technology as a lever for the enhancement of the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom. They provide voices that are often lacking in high-level policy discussions undertaken by Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training in South Africa.

Merging English Home Language and First Additional Language curricula: Implications for future quality assurance practices

South Africa has a uniquely differentiated English curriculum in a bid to cater for diverse proficiency levels prevalent among its learner population. While this stride made sense in a population with one of the highest inequalities in the world, it is equally important to reflect on whether the differentiated systems do serve the purpose of equal access in relation to the quality of provision. Surprisingly, very little research has been carried out to validate the merits of this curriculum and assessment differentiation to date. In this paper, I report on Umalusi’s commissioned study on English curriculum benchmarking with three countries: Kenya, Singapore and Canada. This four-country case analysis focuses on curriculum goals and the depth and breadth of English Home Language (EHL) and English First Additional Language (EFAL). The results of the analysis show that the objectives of EFAL and EHL are largely similar and that both compare favourably with these subjects taught in the three other countries under investigation. However, framing the study within theories of language acquisition and language variation, I argue that the EFAL/EHL differentiation at both curriculum and assessment levels is unmerited and serves the opposite intent: deepening inequalities and access to the English language. In the end, useful recommendations for repackaging an assessment of English into one that takes account of its diverse learner population are advanced and further research opportunities are highlighted.

The silence of black female voices in the course of learning english literature in South African secondary schools

This article explores patriarchal supremacist content in English secondary school Literature in postcolonial South Africa. In the course of colonization and Bantu Education, South African women, particularly Blacks were excluded in matters of education. They did not only endure racial, sexist, cultural, and other gendered-based atrocities in their societies and homes, they also suffered politically, economically, and intellectually. That made them more apprehensive than white women. For millennia black women, in particular, were treated as nurturers, caregivers and homemakers who were regarded as weak and dependent. Much of what secondary school literature, read in English classes, is written by males and follows a male protagonist. If women texts are involved, women are [were] portrayed differently from males, viewed as less capable or less significant. Although SA democratic constitution (Chapter 2) prescribed that everyone has a right to expression, in which everyone shares human rights, such as equality and freedom; black South African women still experience inequalities and lack of resourcefulness in the academic literary world. While women are the broad targets of myriad inadequacies and appalling atrocities in SA and have tried to raise their plights scholastically through literary writings and movements, they are deprived of chances to share these experiences in the literature that is scholastically acknowledged in secondary school Literature. As a result, this study examined the gender representation in English texts, read in SA secondary school Literature, regarding women representation in English first additional language (EFAL) Literature set-works in post-apartheid South Africa from 2009-2019 using a quantitative approach. Black Feminism Theory, which advocates equal representation of sexes, undergirds this study.

Rethinking social interaction in English first additional language classrooms during the post Covid-19 era

Social interaction among peers and teachers in English First Additional Language (EFAL) classrooms is a more significant predictor of communicative competence, which is the goal of any language program. During the Covid-19, there was a decline in social interaction among learners due to the sudden change from onsite to remote teaching and learning. This paper aimed to explore the effects of lack of social interaction in EFAL classrooms and how it can be enhanced during the 'New Normal'. This study was underpinned by Long's (1981) Interaction Hypothesis Theory, which emphasizes social interaction as an essential component of language learning. This study adopted a qualitative approach embedded in an interpretive paradigm. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were utilized to gather data from 32 conveniently selected participants. Data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings of this paper indicated that the effects of lack of social interaction were; the inability to solicit information from learners, lack of direct contact, and lack of immediate feedback, which were caused by the COVID-19 social distancing measures. This negatively affected the quality of education. Furthermore, the lack of interactive social activities in EFAL classrooms threatens the acquisition of language proficiency skills, which are key to academic literacy. Therefore, the authors recommend that language teachers receive training on how language lessons should be planned during blended learning to engage learners in interactive social activities like role-playing, storytelling, debates, and group discussions.

Using Self-Directed learning to mitigate the Post-Covid-19 Pedagogical needs of Rural English First Additional Language Learners

Perhaps, one major lesson that can be drawn from the COVID-19 pandemic is the danger of learners’ over-dependence on teachers. This situation requires serious scrutiny, especially in rural schools where remote learning faces serious challenges. Therefore, enhancing learners’ learning autonomy in the post-pandemic era is necessary. In response, this paper seeks to provide insights into how self-directed learning may be used to mitigate the pedagogical needs of English first additional language (FAL) learners in rural South African schools. Fifteen English FAL teachers in this study responded to the question: What could be done to promote rural English FAL learners’ self-directed learning in the post-COVID-19 era? The paper follows a qualitative research design and adopts self-determination theory as a lens. The study uses observation, online interviews and document analysis for data generation. The findings indicate that English FAL teachers view self-directed learning as a tool to monitor learner progress, promote ownership, increase learning opportunities, and enhance school-home connections. Self-directed learning mitigates English FAL learners’ pedagogical needs by fostering a sense of ownership among rural English FAL learners, designing activities that promote learner-centred learning, creating supportive learning environments, and increasing parental involvement. The study recommends that English FAL teachers may use tasks with clear instructions to allow learners to complete them independently and with less teacher dependency. In addition, parents and teachers may communicate consistently to maintain and strengthen home-school relationships that foster learners’ self-directed learning and parental involvement. Keywords: COVID-19, English FAL, Post-pandemic, Self-directed learning, Rural learners

Translanguaging in an English First Additional Language context in the further education and training phase

English is used as a medium of teaching and learning in most South African public schools although most of these learners are English First Additional Language (EFAL) speakers. To counter this anxiety, translanguaging as a multilingual intervention becomes handy. Translanguaging is about engaging in multilingual discourse practices; it is an approach to bilingualism that is centred not on languages, as has been often the case but on the practices of bilinguals that are readily observable. This study aimed at exploring how grade 11 EFAL learners feel/behave when the teacher orders them to abandon their home languages the moment they enter the classroom and how to promote one’s home language in the classroom.This qualitative study involved 12 grade 11 EFAL learners, equally divided into two interview focus groups. These EFAL learners were purposively selected from one education district in South Africa. The findings indicate that learning involves building on what the learner knows, so that the learner brings it to the current situation, restructures it and creates new knowledge. Also, more knowledge is needed about how to prepare teachers to best serve multilingual learner populations, including how to incorporate new understandings of translanguaging into instruction and assessment practices.

Post-method practice in the English First Additional Language classroom: A transformative language pedagogy

In the study reported on here we investigated the use of post-method practice to optimise pre-service teachers’ teaching practice and English First Additional Language (EFAL) proficiency. This study was premised on the theoretical framework of Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy which promotes diverse perspectives in language learning and teaching among teachers and learners. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 10 (n = 10) third year pre-service teachers enrolled in a 4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree programme in the Department of Language Education, School of Education at the University of Limpopo, South Africa. We found that post-method pedagogy enables pre-service teachers to monitor their teaching process and optimise learners’ potential to learn, which affords them opportunities for critical reflection on the self and the social world, as well as opportunities to form learning communities. The results suggest that post-method pedagogy enables pre-service teachers to recognise their prior and current knowledge, and their potential to teach and act autonomously. This promotes their ability to know how to develop a reflective critical approach in their teaching by analysing and evaluating their teaching acts, initiating change in their classroom practices, and monitoring the effects of these changes. We concluded that post-method practice could provide teachers, curriculum developers and researchers with an understanding of the realisation of post method in teaching and learning of EFAL in South African classrooms.

A qualitative exploration of the management of grammar structures by English language curriculum advisors in concert with FET educators

The aim of this paper is to explore the management of grammatical structures by the Limpopo Province (LP) English First Additional Language (EFAL) Curriculum Advisors (CAs) in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase. The majority of English language learners’ language proficiency and accuracy are not at an acceptable level and this brings into close scrutiny the quality of teaching and learning that takes place in English language classrooms, and in particular, the effectiveness of teaching grammar structures in EFAL. The research design is exploratory and the approach is qualitative. A selected number of EFAL CAs in the LP participated in the exploration. The paper is underpinned by an integration of Behaviourism, Mentalism, Cognitive and Universal Grammar theories. Findings indicate that educators need more systematic support regarding addressing grammar structures since interlanguage, grammar permeability, and the inappropriate handling of grammar structures appear inherent.