Improving the teaching and learning of ESL in under performing schools of the North-West Province

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to: - determine what makes ESL teaching and learning effective. - identify the problems experienced in English Second Language (ESL) teaching and learning in the under-performing schools. - develop a framework for the improvement of the teaching and learning of ESL in under-performing schools. This study followed a three-pronged approach, viewing the effective ESL teacher as possessing certain knowledge, skills and personal qualities. The effective ESL teacher was regarded as possessing personal qualities that enabled him/her to develop genuine relationships with his/her learners, parents/community, his/her colleagues as well as democratic classrooms. It was indicated that it was critical for the ESL teacher to have knowledge of both the subject matter and human development. The study also indicated that teachers needed certain didactic skills to execute teaching and learning effectively in an ESL classroom. The principal and his/her Senior Management Team play an important supporting role in the effective teaching and learning of ESL. Empirical data were collected in order to identify typical problems experienced by ESL teachers in under-performing schools. Data were collected through interviews with learners, teachers, the subject heads of the languages department (HODs), principals and an Education Department official. The analyses of the data indicated that there was a need for an in-service course in order to improve teaching and learning in under-performing schools. This study then proposes a growth and development programme framework for the improvement of the teaching and learning of ESL in under-performing schools. The growth and development programme framework provides a detailed in-service training programme as well as general recommendations for the improvement of ESL teaching and learning in these schools of the North West province. Suggestions are made on how to implement and monitor the growth and development programme framework.