Promoting an ideal english first additional language lesson: a leadership perspective

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/2519-4984.2023.290577

Keywords:

English first additional language, multiculturalism, multilingualism, diversity, linguistic backgrounds

Abstract

Education systems are the outcome of societal forces, and there are telling trends in the 21st century society that include the rise of multicultural societies, a highly mobile population and the rise in information and communication technology. Thus, this study aims to investigate how to promote an ideal English First Additional Language (EFAL) lesson in a high school setting. The researchers used the conversation analysis since this was a qualitative study. Only one Head of Department, Languages, who works with other five EFAL teachers in her department in one high school in a selected district in South Africa, was selected to participate in this study. The findings indicate that an ideal EFAL classroom is one where the EFAL teacher is conscious of the fact that having learners with different cultural and linguistic backgrounds in one classroom may have an influence on the teaching-learning process in an EFAL classroom. This calls for EFAL teachers to allow learners to draw from all the dimensions of their lives to interpret any EFAL task at hand. Besides, it is imperative to measure EFAL teachers’ strengths and weaknesses thus making training and career development possible, so that they know how to promote ideal EFAL lessons. It is in the school’s best interest to ensure ongoing training and career development of each EFAL teacher. Even performance reviews clarify areas where training may be required, but they also explain unique motivators specific to each EFAL teacher. Each EFAL teacher is motivated by different resources, for example, for some, it may be money or payment of fees. Staff development is encouraged as it helps in formulating the learning goals, identifying the steps, involved in attaining the learning aims, establishing a healthy classroom climate, promoting cooperative learning and using technological tools, fostering learner-centred learning and keeping learners in EFAL by giving them encouraging feedback

Author Biographies

Kufakunesu Zano, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

PhD in English, Research Associate

Department of Academic Literacy and Science Communication

Vimbai Mbirimi-Hungwe, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

PhD in Applied Language Studies, Senior Lecturer

Department of Academic Literacy and Science Communication

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Published

2023-07-31

How to Cite

Zano, K., & Mbirimi-Hungwe, V. (2023). Promoting an ideal english first additional language lesson: a leadership perspective. ScienceRise: Pedagogical Education, (4(55), 28–34. https://doi.org/10.15587/2519-4984.2023.290577

Issue

No. 4(55) (2023)

Section

Pedagogical Education

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Copyright (c) 2023 Kufakunesu Zano, Vimbai Mbirimi-Hungwe

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