How scientific terms are taught and learnt in the intermediate phase
By: Zola Wababa
Series: PRAESA occasional papers -- no. 34; PRAESA occasional papers -- no. 34.
Publisher: PRAESA
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Cape Town, South Africa
Language: eng
Number of pages: 86
ISBN-13: 9780799224658
Subjects: Bilingual Education; Language and education; English language; Study and teaching; Xhosa speakers; Natural history; Science
Description: "The study from Western Cape primary classrooms reports on how language is used in teaching and learning of natural science in the intermediate phase (Grades 4-6). The focus is on the way in which isiXhosa, learners' home language, is used alongside English (the resource language and medium of teaching and learning) in mediating cognitively challenging subject content, particularly natural science concepts and terminology. To this end, classroom observations and interviews with teachers were done, and teaching and learning materials such as textbooks and learners' work were explored. The study concludes that the lack of materials in sisXhosa, coupled with unplanned code switching to English and the extensive use of English borrowings, affect learners' ability to understand cognitively challenging material"--P. 4 of cover.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-82).

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