Concerns for the language skills of South African learners and their teachers

Abstract

The language of instruction and learner achievement is directly linked. In South Africa many English teachers lack the necessary English language skills to teach English effectively. The results of this research reveal that the average grade profile of English teachers at the ex-model C schools (schools previously attended only by white learners), regarding English literacy is that of Grade 12+ (Grade 12 is the last year of formal schooling), while the average grade profile of the teachers at the township schools is equal to Grade 9. The average Grade 12 English second language learners of the ex-model C schools have an English literacy skill profile equal to that of grade 10, while the average Grade 12 English second language learners of township schools have an English literacy skill profile equal to that of grade 8. It is clear that the language proficiency of teachers affect the language proficiency of learners.