How scientific terms are taught and learnt in the Intermediate Phase

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study seeks to investigate how a language is used in teaching and learning of naturalscience in the intermediate phase, with specific reference to the way in which isiXhosa(learners' home language) is used alongside English (the resource language and mediumof teaching and learning). My research investigated teaching and learning practicematerials in two classes and studied the roles of English and isiXhosa in mediatingcognitively challenging subject content, particularly natural science concepts andterminology.In chapter two I refer to different theoreticians to advance my argument around the use oflanguage as a tool to promote cognitive development and conceptual understanding inareas of academic learning in this case, natural science. I looked at work doneinternationally on cognitive development and then explored numerous research projectsconducted on the same issue in an African context around the use of indigenouslanguages in teaching and learning. I also explored the Language in Education Policyunderpinning the natural science curriculum statement, particularly the distinctionbetween additive and subtractive bi/multilingualism. I will discuss the language ofscience and investigate how this highly specialised natural science jargon is used toconvey understanding of science to learners who are not native speakers of English.Classroom observations and interviews with teachers are used to gain insight into the useof both isiXhosa and English in everyday teaching and learning. Teaching and learningmaterials such as textbooks and learners' work are also explored. These are attempts todetermine how natural science concepts and terminology are explained to learners andwhich language is used and for what purposes?The study concludes that the lack of materials in isiXhosa, coupled with unplanned codeswitching to English and the extensive use of English borrowings affect learners' abilityto understand cognitively challenging material.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University