An investigation of the impact of new English language texts upon the classroom practice of teachers in two ex-Department of Education and Training (DET) primary schools.
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Date
1996
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Abstract
This dissertation studies the impact on classroom
practice, of the unaided use of new English Language
texts, based on the TASC ( Thinking Actively in a Social
Context) approach, Thinking Skills and Communicative
Language Teaching ( CLT ).
The central aim of the study was to establish whether the
use of the new materials would effect any change in the
teaching methodology of the participant teachers as well
as a change in the learner involvement in the English
Second Language ( ESL ) classroom.
The literature on Thinking Skills and Communicative
Language Teaching was reviewed in order to establish the
significance of incorporating Thinking Skills into the
teaching of language. Issues related to school-based
curriculum development were explored with a view to
finding out whether the curriculum initiative undertaken
could contribute to improved ESL teaching and more
effective learning in primary schools.
The draft materials used, viz. "Language in my World",
were used collaboratively by the researcher together with
the writing team from the Curriculum Development Unit (
CDU ), University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.
A qualitative, participatory research method was applied.
Eight teachers from two ex-Department of Education and
Training ( DET ) schools, one rural, one urban ),
participated in the study.The research design enabled the researcher to collect data
over a period of six weeks. The research design, the
fieldwork, and analysis of the lessons observed are
described and recorded. The findings indicated aspects of
classroom practice which hinder the effective learning and
teaching of English Second Language. The implications of
the findings for appropriate curriculum development and
teacher training are considered. Certain recommendations
from the findings for curriculum development are made
which will enable teachers to develop their professional
knowledge and improve their teaching practice.
Description
Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.
Keywords
Teaching., Education, Primary.