UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar"

Browsing by Author "Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar"

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An appraisal study of language usage and use for literacy in second language acquisition: An investigation into English textbooks used in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Kalala, Laurent Beya; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
Since a number of studies on textbooks in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) have shown that textbooks hold a major place in education (De Guzman, 2000; Oakes & Saunders, 2004), this study proposes to investigate the content of an English Language Teaching (ELT)/ English as a Second Language (ESL) textbook used in 6th form secondary school (Grade 12) in the DRC, Go for English 1RE. It aims to identify and evaluate the content of this ELT textbook so as to deduce and derive main insights for the determination or not of its appropriateness and relevance in terms of its contribution to language use and literacy in the ELT/ESL curriculum of the DRC. The study draws its theoretical underpinning from two theories: the Cunningsworth’s textbook analysis theory and McDonough and Shaw evaluation theory. As research design, the study adopts an a descriptive, exploratory and interpretive design which draws on both quantitative and qualitative data collected on the basis of textbook evaluation checklist and semi-structured interviews. In regard to the procedural orientation, the study uses descriptive and content analysis to analyze, interpret and examine both interviews and textbook evaluation likert-scale checklist data. In respect of its data, the study uses ‘mixed methods approach’. Both qualitative and quantitative data come from 259 teacher and student participants on the basis of two different samples. The quantitative data comes from 209 student participants and 25 teacher participants and the qualitative data from 10 student participants and 15 teacher participants. The findings attest to the general content of "Go for English 1RE ELT" textbook in regard to language activities and tasks related to its subject matter, to the quality and nature of language it contains, and finally to the diversity in its subject matter and its cultural aspects, is suitable for language use and literacy skills development. However, even though its content is suitable, the findings also indicate that this ELT textbook is not well adapted to Congolese 6th form secondary school students’ level.
Assessing student in English for academic purposes: The role of alternative assessment tools in writing instruction
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Hamakali, Hafeni Pamwenase Shikalepo; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
This study aims to investigate the assessment of students in the English for Academic Purposes course at the University of Namibia Language Centre. There has been increasing criticism of standardised test and examinations and it has brought into question the value of other indirect approaches to language assessment (Reeves, 2000; Sharifi, & Hassaskhah, 2011; Tsagari, 2004). The study draws its theoretical foundation from the constructivist’s view of education (Canagarajah, 1999; Schunk, 2009; Vygotsky, 1962). The study embraces the interpretivist approach to research which tends to be more qualitative, and is open to diverse ways that people may understand and experience the same non-manipulated objective reality. The participants in this study are students and lecturers of the English for Academic Purposes course at the University of Namibia Language Centre. The study employs a qualitative research design, along with triangulation, where qualitative data was collected through lecturer interviews, lesson observations, multiple intelligence inventory, and student focus groups discussions. The study adapted the thematic approach of data analysis where the data were analysed and presented under themes derived from the research questions of the study. The findings indicate that, there was a limited stock of assessments that suits the classification of alternative assessment, namely: checklists, student-lecturer question techniques, and academic essay. The findings reveal some factors that influence the integration of alternative assessment in academic writing instruction, such as: lecturers and students’ knowledge of assessment, students’ assessment preferences, authenticity, classroom setup, and feedback. The findings also showed that the assessment practices that were used by the lecturers did not seem to fulfil the ideologies advocated in Gardener’s (1984) theory of Multiple Intelligences. However, the study found that the students and lecturers’ attitude which was skewed towards the positive direction may be an indication that there could be hope for success in attempts to integrate alternative assessment in academic writing instruction.
Common barriers to learning in the grade 10 English home language classroom and informed (innovative) ways in dealing with them in high school
(University of the Western Cape, 2015-11) Frank, Mark; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
The purpose of this study was to explore informed ways of teaching when confronted with the kind of common barriers in grade 10 visible both in and out of the classroom. This qualitative study describes the innovative methods that teachers use. The theoretical framework undergirding this study is effective teacher research. The research design involved interviews of twelve Grade 10 learners, focus group and observations of two teachers. In addition, two student teachers in their final year were also observed. The research captured teaching methods that are already known. However, the research in this thesis also added some new dimensions that many teachers might not know or might not be using in their classroom. These teaching methods revealed the extent to which effective teachers will go to make a difference for their learners. The teaching methods harnessed “the ability from the learner to recreate, imagine and empower their understanding of the world they live in” (CAPS). The findings of the study reveal that creative ways of teaching has the ability to bring about the essential improvement of learner achievement. This falls in line with the South African Education comprehensive programme, which is referred to as Action Plan 2014: Towards the Realization of Schooling 2025.
The DR Congo English state examination: some fundamental validity issues
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Katalayi, Godefroid Bantumbandi; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar; NULL; Faculty of Education
The test context is of paramount importance in language testing as it provides an understanding of the kind of tasks to be included in the test, how these tasks are executed by the test takers and how they can be efficiently administered. The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which the context of the DR Congo English state examination (ESE) is valid and to come out with some useful suggestions that are likely to improve its validity. Two basic theories, the modern validity theory and the schema theory, informed this study. Weir's (2005) socio-cognitive framework was used to build the validity argument for the evaluation of the English state examination. A mixed method was used where the research design consisted of the combination of both qualitative and quantitative data during the collection and analysis stages. The content document analysis method was used to examine the content of the different state examination papers so as to identify the main features of the test, and the statistic (descriptive) method was used to quantify observations identified in the state examination papers and to evaluate the context validity of the ESE. Three techniques were used to collect the research data: the questionnaire, the test, and the interview. Three main findings of this study were reported: (1) the conditions under which the ESE tasks are performed and the relevance of these tasks to the test domain and characteristics are still far to contribute to the quality of evaluation of high school finalist students; (2) the extent to which the ESE includes tasks that take into consideration the nature of information in the text as well as the knowledge required for completing the task is globally good; (3) the conditions under which the test takes place are poor and these conditions affect the validity of test scores. The study recommends the test developers to approximate test tasks to those students have been exposed to in classroom situations and those they are likely to encounter in real life. It also recommends all the people involved in the administration of the test to adhere to high ethical standards.
Exploring first-year Students’ Voice and Subjectivity in Academic Writing at a University in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Ambe, Martina Bi; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
Literacy development in South African higher education is increasingly challenged by several issues in dialogue and language of tuition. Despite the widening of access to South African universities, research shows that a large majority of entry-level university students are still failing in their chosen programme of studies. Almost all universities in the democratic South Africa incorporate academic development programs in first-year modules as an awareness raising attempt to scaffold novice students into the vocabulary of their various disciplines. However, these development programs sometimes fail to address the language needs of some of the students who have had more than seven years of schooling in their first languages (IsiXhosa and Afrikaans). My study seeks to explore how additional language IsiXhosa and Afrikaans students understand and construct written knowledge in one literacy development course using English medium of instruction. I further explore lecturers’ and tutors’ perspectives of the demand of sounding a scholarly voice in academic writing by entry-level students in their new roles as scholars in the University of the Western Cape (UWC).Literature indicated gaps when it comes to students’ and lectures’ perceptions on the construction of voice in academic writing in a language that the students are not comfortable in.
Exploring first-year students’ voice and subjectivity in academic writing at a university in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Bi Ambe, Martina; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
Literacy development in South African higher education is increasingly challenged by several issues in dialogue and language of tuition. Despite the widening of access to South African universities, research shows that a large majority of entry-level university students are still failing in their chosen programme of studies. Almost all universities in the democratic South Africa incorporate academic development programs in first-year modules as an awareness raising attempt to scaffold novice students into the vocabulary of their various disciplines. However, these development programs sometimes fail to address the language needs of some of the students who have had more than seven years of schooling in their first languages (IsiXhosa and Afrikaans). My study seeks to explore how additional language IsiXhosa and Afrikaans students understand and construct written knowledge in one literacy development course using English medium of instruction. I further explore lecturers’ and tutors’ perspectives of the demand of sounding a scholarly voice in academic writing by entry-level students in their new roles as scholars in the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Literature indicated gaps when it comes to students’ and lectures’ perceptions on the construction of voice in academic writing in a language that the students are not comfortable in. My choice to use an interpretive frame made my study a qualitative one. I used a case study approach in which qualitative data was collected from one-on-one in-depth interviews with fourteen participants, documents analysis and field notes collected during interview process. A constructivist view of knowledge further guided my study to support the view of knowledge being socially constructed in the process of enquiry. My findings were categorised according to the research questions and themes that emerged from my analysis. The four themes from my presentation guided the findings. The findings of this study indicated that, IsiXhosa and Afrikaans students in the study used their first languages as resource to understand, formal English in essay of assignments. The lecturers’ perspectives of voice showed differences in the students’ perceptions who were mostly overwhelmed with the proactive life of academia and the language they are required to write in. In this context, the lectures’ views of competence mismatched with students’ views who felt their views were stranded in the language of discomfort (English).
Exploring the potential of digital storytelling in the teaching of academic writing at a higher education institution in the Western Cape
(university of western cape, 2020) Mkaza, Linda Olive; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
Writing is an important skill throughout learners’ schooling trajectory because it is through writing that learners need to situate meaning and sense-making across the curriculum. Writing proficiency becomes even more important when learners access tertiary studies. Yet studies suggest that most students struggle with academic writing. Various authors suggest that writing has not been taught appropriately especially in secondary schooling contexts in South Africa and that writing becomes even more daunting for Second Language speakers of English when they reach tertiary education. There is abundant literature on students’ challenges with academic writing and ways to address academic writing challenges but the use of digital storytelling in relation to academic writing development is recent and distinctively underexplored in the literature.
Exploring the potential of digital storytelling in the teaching of academic writing at a higher education institution in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Mkaza, Linda Olive; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
Writing is an important skill throughout learners’ schooling trajectory because it is through writing that learners need to situate meaning and sense-making across the curriculum. Writing proficiency becomes even more important when learners access tertiary studies. Yet studies suggest that most students struggle with academic writing. Various authors suggest that writing has not been taught appropriately especially in secondary schooling contexts in South Africa and that writing becomes even more daunting for Second Language speakers of English when they reach tertiary education. There is abundant literature on students’ challenges with academic writing and ways to address academic writing challenges but the use of digital storytelling in relation to academic writing development is recent and distinctively underexplored in the literature. In this study, I seek to explore the potential that digital storytelling has in the teaching of undergraduate academic writing skills. I will focus on first year students' academic writing skills, how they are taught currently and how technology in the form of digital storytelling can help first year students improve their academic writing skills. The theoretical framework for the study is largely based on the New Literacies Studies which is championed by members of the New London Group such as Street and Street (1984) Lea and Street (2006) among others. The theoretical framework will draw on the notion of literacy as social practice rather than a set of reading and writing skills which explains why educators need to find new ways of teaching academic writing skills. I use semiotics and multimodality as a foundational concept for using digital storytelling in academic writing. That is because semiotics and multimodality further support the idea that literacy goes beyond words but that audio and visual elements are also part of learning and can help engage students in their academic work. The main aim of this proposed research is to explore both students and lecturer practices of digital literacies in the teaching and learning of academic writing at The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). I propose the following research objectives: (i.) elucidate current academic writing scaffolding in academic modules; (ii.) draw on the use of digital storytelling in a first-year undergraduate course; (iii.) shed light on lecturers and students’ perceptions of the ways digital storytelling impacts on first-year academic writing; (iv.) highlight the implications of infusing multimodality into academic writing in this context; and (v.) explore the ways first-year students’ take on new writing practices and how these new practices are facilitated by the ii lecturer. I plan to use a qualitative research method to achieve my set objectives. I have opted to conduct action research, as both participant and researcher. The qualitative research method allows me to use the following research tools: document analysis; questionnaires and interviews. I analyse 15 student essays in order to elucidate current academic writing scaffolding in academic modules. These essays are divided into three categories: high performance; average performance; and low performance. Then questionnaires are distributed to students through a Google Forms link. Of the 40 student participants; 32 students filled in the questionnaires. The interviews were conducted with three lecturers across two departments at CPUT. These interviews, together with questionnaires that the students filled in served to address the following objectives: draw on the use of digital storytelling in a first-year undergraduate course; shed light on lecturers and students’ perceptions of the ways digital storytelling impacts on first-year academic writing; highlight the implications of infusing multimodality into academic writing in this context; and explore the ways first-year students’ take on new writing practices and how these new practices are facilitated by the lecturer. All the ethical considerations were adhered to for my research. I categorized my findings according to the research questions that I posed in the study. There were three research questions which serve as the three main themes of my data analysis. However, during the process of analyzing the data, a fourth theme emerged. The first finding indicates that academic writing scaffolding in academic writing modules is adequate for students who have essays in the high-performance category. However, it is inadequate especially for students who wrote essays in the low performance categories as they could not meet the demands of academic writing. The second finding indicates that students are able to use digital storytelling to help them with various aspects of academic writing. They are able to improve language and grammar; the structure of their writing, that is, the introduction, body and conclusion. The third finding illustrates that lecturers also feel that there are academic writing benefits to when using digital storytelling. Even though that may be, the use of technology for the medium of digital storytelling proved to be somewhat difficult. That is mostly because students did not have access to various technology such as internet connection or even equipment to complete the digital stories unproblematically. Then the fourth finding emerged during lecturer interviews, that is, fees must fall protests and the impact it had on the traditional university structure across. Fees must fall protests led to disruptions in academia because one key aspect they highlight is the need for decolonisation of the curriculum The use of digital storytelling then not only addressed the student academic writing challenges that are highlighted by this study, but also speak to decolonisation of the curriculum because it is an innovative way for students to engage with the demands of academic writing. The conclusion of my thesis is that as useful as digital storytelling is in academic writing; those who wish to use it as a teaching tool need to be well versed with technology as it can have challenges if not used adequately. The most pertinent of the factors revealed is that there is a need for innovative ways to teach the 21st century student.
Exploring the potential of digital storytelling in the teaching of academic writing at a higher education institution in the Western Cape
(University of The Western Cape, 2019) Mkaza, Linda Olive; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
Writing is an important skill throughout learners’ schooling trajectory because it is through writing that learners need to situate meaning and sense-making across the curriculum. Writing proficiency becomes even more important when learners access tertiary studies. Yet studies suggest that most students struggle with academic writing. Various authors suggest that writing has not been taught appropriately especially in secondary schooling contexts in South Africa and that writing becomes even more daunting for Second Language speakers of English when they reach tertiary education. There is abundant literature on students’ challenges with academic writing and ways to address academic writing challenges but the use of digital storytelling in relation to academic writing development is recent and distinctively underexplored in the literature.
Exploring the potential of digital storytelling in the teaching of academic writing at a higher education institution in the Western Cape
(university of western cape, 2020) Makaza, Linda Olive; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
Writing is an important skill throughout learners’ schooling trajectory because it is through writing that learners need to situate meaning and sense-making across the curriculum. Writing proficiency becomes even more important when learners access tertiary studies. Yet studies suggest that most students struggle with academic writing. Various authors suggest that writing has not been taught appropriately especially in secondary schooling contexts in South Africa and that writing becomes even more daunting for Second Language speakers of English when they reach tertiary education. There is abundant literature on students’ challenges with academic writing and ways to address academic writing challenges but the use of digital storytelling in relation to academic writing development is recent and distinctively underexplored in the literature.
Fundamental validity issues of an english as a foreign language test: a process-oriented approach to examining the reading construct as measured by the DR Congo English state examination
(2014) Katalayi, Godefroid Bantumbandi; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
The study aims to investigate the fundamental validity issues that can affect the DR Congo English state examination, a national exit test administered to high school final year students for certification. The study aspires to generate an understanding of the potential issues that affect the construct validity of a test within the epistemological stance that supports a strong relationship between test construct and test context. The study draws its theoretical underpinning from three theories: the validity theory that provides a theoretical ground necessary for understanding the quality of tests needed for assessing students’ reading abilities; the construction-integration theory that provides an understanding of how texts used in reading assessments are processed and understood by the examinees; and the strategic competence theory that explains how examinees deploy strategies to complete test tasks, and the extent to which these strategies tap into the reading construct. Furthermore, the study proposes a reading model that signposts the social context of testing; therefore, conceptualizing reading as both a cognitive and a social process. As research design, the study adopts an exploratory design using both qualitative and quantitative data. Besides, the study uses protocol analysis and content analysis methodologies. While the former provides an understanding of the cognitive processes that mediate the reading construct and test performance so as to explore the different strategies examinees use to answer the English state examination (henceforth termed ESE) test questions, the latter examines the content of the different ESE papers so as to identify the different textual and item features that potentially impact on examinees’ performance on the ESE tasks. As instruments, the study uses a concurrent strategies questionnaire administered to 496 student-participants, a contextual questionnaire administered to 26 student-participants, a contextual questionnaire administered to 27 teacher-participants, and eight tests administered to 496 student-participants. The findings indicate that, the ESE appears to be less appropriate to the ESE context as the majority of ESE test items target careful reading than expeditious reading; on the one hand, and reading at global level than to reading at local level; on the other hand. The findings also indicate that the ESE tasks hardly take account of the text structure and the underlined cognitive demands appropriate to the text types. Besides, the ESE fails to include other critical aspects of the reading construct. Finally, the findings also indicate that the ESE constructors may not be capable to construct an ESE with five functioning distractors as expected. Moreover, the inclusion of the implicit option 6 overlaps with the conceptual meaning of this option. The entire process of the present study has generated some insights that can advance our understanding of the construct validity of reading tests. These insights are: (a) the concept of validity is an evolving and context-dependent concept, (b) reading construct cannot be examined outside the actual context of reading activity, (c) elimination of distractors can sometimes be a construct-relevant strategy, (d) construct underrepresentation is a context-dependent concept, and (e) a reading test cannot be valid in all contexts. The suggested proposal for the improvement of the ESE requires the Congolese government through its Department of Education to (a) always conduct validation studies to justify the use of the ESE, (b) always consider the actual context of reading activity while developing the ESE, (c) revisit the meanings and interpretations of the ESE scores, (d) ensure the appropriateness of tasks to be included in the ESE, (e) ensure the construct representativeness of the ESE tasks, (f) revisit the number of questions to be included in the ESE, (g) avoid bias in the ESE texts in order to ensure fairness, (h) diversify the genres of ESE texts, (i) ensure the coherence of ESE texts through the use of transitions and cohesive devices, (j) ensure that the order of test questions is in alignment with the order of text information, (k) revisit the structure and length of the texts to be included in the ESE, (l) revisit the number of alternatives to be included in the ESE, and (m) reconsider the use of the implicit alternative 6.
Improving Pre-Service Teacher Development Practices in English as a Second Language: A case of Secondary School Teacher Preparation at Great Zimbabwe University in Zimbabwe.
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Ngwaru, Cathrine; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
Ordinarily, Teacher Development at the level of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) comes in two major phases spread over four years - the theoretical and the practical based phases. The theoretical phase comes in the form of courses based on pedagogical content and professional knowledge in the initial years at the university while the practical based phase comes in the form of school-based Teaching Practice (TP) for real and direct teaching experiences. The initial theoretical phase is often based on the liberal arts-like education to develop the whole teacher for adaptable life-long service. This is translated by a number of subject that can vary according the dictates of the focus of a particular national curriculum. TP on the other hand, provides student-teachers the opportunity to apply not only the knowledge acquired in the initial phase but also the schoolbased curriculum they are immersed in plus other contextual experiences they might have. If well-structured and blended, the two phases may ensure a smooth transition from a novice student teacher to an expert professional teacher for long-life practice.
An investigation of academic writing at the University of Namibia : engendering an experiential, meaningful and critical pedagogy for English for academic purposes
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Mukoroli, Joseph Namutungika; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
The study aims to investigate academic writing at the University of Namibia and intends to explore whether a critical, meaningful and experiential pedagogy in EAP that enhances voice and agency in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) can be engendered in the Namibian EAP classroom. Moreover, it aims to investigate the experiences and perceptions of first year EAP students regarding the current EAP pedagogy at the University of Namibia. The study aspires to generate an understanding of the components students find difficult when they engage in academic essay writing. It provides a holistic and profound understanding of what critical, meaningful and experiential pedagogy is and wish to propose the process-genre writing approach as tool to a critical, meaningful and experiential pedagogy to teaching academic writing. The study draws it theoretical underpinning from critical pedagogy as postulated by Freire (1973) and Canagarajah (1999). This research supports the premise that the English language classroom is a cultural space where various agendas are negotiated and contested and explores the complexity of language pedagogy in the English classroom (Canagarajah, 1999). Moreover, this study is based on the premise that pedagogies are not received in their own terms but are rather appropriated on different levels in terms of the needs, interests and values of the local communities (Canagarajah, 1999, p.121-2). As research design, the study adopts an exploratory design using both qualitative and quantitative data. Besides, the study uses SPSS analysis and written error analysis methodologies. While the former provides an understanding of EAP students' perceptions and experiences regarding the current EAP pedagogy at the University of Namibia, the latter examines the components that EAP students find difficult when they engage in academic essay writing. As instruments, the study uses a semi-structured questionnaire and academic essay administered to 200 EAP first year student- participants. The findings indicate that the current EAP pedagogy at the University of Namibia does not promote experiential, meaningful and critical learning nor does it enhance voice and agency in the EAP classroom, thus a critical, meaningful and experiential EAP pedagogy that enhances voice and agency can be engendered in the Namibian EAP classroom. The findings also indicate that EAP students find the use of APA referencing skills and the use of discourse markers the most difficult when they engage in academic essay writing. Furthermore, the literature that I reviewed for this study critically exposed how practices in EAP and institutional policies stifle voice and agency in the EAP classroom. The entire process of this study has generated some insights that can advance our understanding of a critical, meaningful and experiential pedagogy in EAP and academic writing. These insights are: (1) A need to enhance EAP educator’s critical awareness, (2) We must minimize students' text-appropriation, (3)A need to re-conceptualize and decriminalize the concept of plagiarism in EAP, (4) A new approach to teaching APA referencing in EAP academic writing, (5) A need to renegotiate voice and agency in academic writing, (6) Writing is a process not an event, (7) We need to move towards an appropriate critical, meaningful and experiential pedagogy in EAP. The study proposes the process-genre academic writing approach as pedagogy towards a critical, meaningful and experiential EAP pedagogy in teaching academic writing. All in all, the study upholds the premise that a critical, meaningful and experiential EAP pedagogy that enhances voice and agency can be engendered in the Namibian EAP classroom.
An investigation of L2 expressive writing in a tertiary institution in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Pfeiffer, Verbra Frances; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
This study investigates the use of expressive writing in the L2 classroom as the mainstay approach to help students improve their writing skills. This study focuses on literacy pedagogy as it is manifested in the understanding and experiences by tertiary L2 students engaging in the practice of expressive writing on a longitudinal basis. This qualitative case study design, guided by interpretive epistemology, was used to collect students’ views, perceptions, and suggestions on their experiences in writing. This study has been prompted by the fact that tertiary L2 students have a huge problem expressing themselves on paper. This study consists of two groups of students, one being the noticeable group and the other being the distinguished group. The aim of this study was to identify the kinds of strategies that could assist L2 students with English Language writing tasks. Academic writing requires a conscious effort and much practice in composing, developing, and analysing ideas. At a tertiary institution in the Western Cape, L2 students have the daunting task of not only dealing with new subjects at the university, but they also have to deal with writing in English which is a challenging endeavour for most them. This presents them with social and cognitive challenges related to second language acquisition. Since L2 students do not often consider the social contexts in which L2 academic writing takes place, models of L1 writing instruction and research on composing processes are often found wanting changes in their L2 writing pedagogy. In light of this, my study investigated the language proficiency and competence as the cornerstone of the ability to write in the L2 in a fundamental way. I not only used an open-ended procedure in my classroom that promoted interaction in the classroom but also paved the way for contact between literature of daily living/evolutionary nature and experience. Strategy development and language skill development should be taken into account when working with L2 students. I used a descriptive design when dealing with the qualitative methodology and a verbal and written protocol analysis method to analyse my data. I conducted interviews with the 14 participating L2 students. My research questions were designed to investigate what instructional approaches motivated and engaged my participants to persist in successive writing performance. The findings suggest that the students benefited from the use of various activities to promote creative writing, tentative understanding, provisional interpretation and enjoyment of texts related to daily living. I believe that the exam score supports these indications. Based on the low fail rate, I believe that literature of an evolutionary nature has motivated, challenged and encouraged students to gain confidence in their writing. When I ponder on the holistic view of my findings, this study endorses the use of expressive writing in the educational practice of expressive writing. Expressive writing as an educational practice can lay the ground work for students to become better writers, thinkers and citizens.
An investigation of language learning agency in English for academic purposes: the case of the Malawi University of Science and Technology
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Mkandawire, Kondwani Kelvin; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
There is general recognition regarding the importance of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses in assisting students acquire academic discourses appropriate to specific disciplines of study. However, undergraduate students in multilingual contexts, where English is a second or foreign language face challenges in managing the transition from secondary school into the university, where they are expected to appropriate as well as acclimate to new discourses of communication deemed to be essential for their survival in the academic world. Although studies show the importance of agency in language learning success, institutional demands have sometimes led to the adoption of teaching and assessment practices that ignore the learners’ English language learning history, background, experiences and needs, which impact on their sense of agency and voice in the EAP classroom and eventually their learning success. The study investigates whether the EAP course at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) can engender agency and voice among first year undergraduate students transitioning into the University from community day secondary schools (CDSSs). It aspires to generate an understanding of the strong link that exists between institutional orientation to EAP, course design and pedagogical practice on the one hand and learner agency, voice and multiple meaning making in the EAP classroom on the other. Anchored theoretically in critical pedagogy (Freire, 1970), ecological affordances (van Anchored theoretically in critical pedagogy (Freire, 1970), ecological affordances (van Lier, 2000, 2004) and positioning (Davies & Harré, 1999), the study argues for EAP pedagogy that provides affordances, empowers and positions transitioning students for critical learning by deliberately making multiple meaning making, agency and voice the mainstays of course design and instruction. The investigation uses a qualitative case study methodology centred on understanding affordances for agency and voice in EAP learning, manifestations of and the factors influencing voice and agency from the perspectives of first-year undergraduate students transitioning from community day secondary schools (CDSSs) and EAP course lecturers. Collection of data involved semester-long observation of 44 EAP lecture sessions of roughly 2 hours each duration, as well as interviews with participant students and course lecturers, and analysis of documents. The findings indicate that design and pedagogical practice in the current EAP course at MUST fail to adequately engender agency and voice among students and to promote learner empowerment or encourage multiple meaning making in and outside the classroom. The entire study has generated some insights for advancement of critical EAP learning that can engender voice and agency, including the need for EAP to deliberately build in and promote learner empowerment, multiple meaning making and negotiation in order to move towards pedagogy that is appropriate for critical learning, voice and agency, the need for EAP to move away from closure-focused teaching, learning and assessment, the need for enhancement of EAP course lecturers’ critical awareness of the world views and inherent assumptions surrounding various approaches to EAP pedagogy, the need for enrichment of EAP learning environments with semiotic resources for learner engagement for agency, voice and multiple meaning making, the need for learning spaces that are enabling for students to identify and utilize affordances for EAP learning beyond the classroom, and the need for exploration of PowerPoint and related technologies for EAP instruction beyond current use as tools for transmission of content to students.
An investigation of language learning agency in English for academic purposes: The case of the Malawi University of Science and Technology
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Mkandawire, Kondwani Kelvin; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
There is general recognition regarding the importance of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses in assisting students acquire academic discourses appropriate to specific disciplines of study. However, undergraduate students in multilingual contexts, where English is a second or foreign language face challenges in managing the transition from secondary school into the university, where they are expected to appropriate as well as acclimate to new discourses of communication deemed to be essential for their survival in the academic world. Although studies show the importance of agency in language learning success, institutional demands have sometimes led to the adoption of teaching and assessment practices that ignore the learners’ English language learning history, background, experiences and needs, which impact on their sense of agency and voice in the EAP classroom and eventually their learning success.
Learning English for academic purposes in higher education in Rwanda : a case study of a College of Business and Economics
(University of the Western Cape, 2015-03) Ndimurugero, Speciose Ngirabakunzi; Desai, Zubeida; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
Findings also indicate other drawbacks such as some teachers' transmission of errors due to their low proficiency in the English language, their lack of common and well-designed EAP curricula, their lack of cooperation with non-language teachers, their delayed starting of classes and allowing a kind of laissez-faire and laissez-aller approach in classrooms, their lack of promotion of students' learning autonomy and problem-solving skills, their lack of language support to students, to cite but a few. Findings also indicate that teachers over-used pre-established materials that they had been recommended to use, using a teaching methodology known as PPP (Present Practise Produce) according to which teachers present an item or a skill and students are required to practise it before they become conversant with it. Furthermore, findings indicate a severe shortage of teaching and learning facilities. Findings concerning the language of instruction (English) indicate that it challenged students with an educational background in French. However, the students' French background and the widespread use of Kinyarwanda were also seen as an impediment to the implementation of EAP courses, but findings show that the shift from English to Kinyarwanda would help students understand the difficult concepts used in their academic subjects and safeguard Rwandan culture. Findings with regard to students' needs and expectations indicate that no opportunities were created for classroom interaction to enable students to think critically and comprehend the world and the word. Furthermore, teachers would fail to adjust the teaching and learning materials to suit students' needs. These materials were neither discipline-nor culture-related. To address the above-mentioned shortcomings, findings indicate that teaching and learning materials which incorporate discipline-related terminologies, Rwandan cultural artifacts, and world Englishes bear meaningful input and can raise students' motivation. They also indicate that students communicate better in Kinyarwanda and that the use of code switching helps students acquire both Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language proficiency (CALP). Concerning the above findings, therefore, recommendations are made to help the CBE and other institutions of higher learning in Rwanda and tertiary education settings in non-native English-speaking countries around the world to use EAP courses as a solution to students' language- related problems. Such recommendations are, to cite a few, teachers' shift from a banking to a problem-solving model of education, their switch to modes of communication other than the language of instruction to facilitate the teaching and learning process, teacher and student autonomy, accommodating students' voice in the teaching and learning process, the revision of criteria relied on to select language teachers, and in-service training for novice teachers. Other recommendations are CBE's partnership with other institutions of higher learning nationwide and worldwide, provision of learning and teaching materials, the government's mass consultation before the promulgation and implementation of any language policy, and the consideration of student errors as part of the learning process.
Literacy programmes in Mozambique: adults� motivations, needs and expectations � the case of Boane and Pemba
(2013) Buque, Domingos Carlos; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
This study aims to determine the functionality of two adult literacy programmes (ALFA-REGULAR and ALFA-R�DIO) provided by the Mozambican government, in Boane and Pemba. The prevailing popular conviction is that acquisition of literacy by individuals leads to positive and unproblematic social outcomes � the autonomous view of literacy (Street, 1984). This study forms a critique of this view, arguing, based on empirical evidence, that literacy is ideologically and culturally embedded in social practices and as such varies according to the social context. This is the ideological view of literacy (Street, 1984). This research employs an interdisciplinary approach constructed from the key notions of New Literacy Studies, Multiliteracies and Critical Literacy. The empirical research uses a qualitative research methodology based on a critical literacy ethnography informed by data gathered through interviews (with facilitators, learners, technicians and local leaders), classroom observations and document analysis. The empirical research seeks to determine the concept of literacy underpinning the literacy programmes in Boane and Pemba, addresses the profile of the programme facilitators and learners, examines the extent to which the literacy programmes respond to learners� needs, motivations, expectations and access to technology, and explores the extent to which the literacy programmes address issues of development and citizenship.
The promotion of reading among high school learners through text selection, evaluation and innovative methodologies
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Paleker, Parveen; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
This study facilitated and evaluated the pedagogical approaches to the literacy pandemic that has afflicted South African learners, particularly high school learners in grade 8 and 10 in the English Home language classrooms. One of the key aims of the study was to find alternate and innovative pedagogical methods to increase the literacy levels in South African schools with the underlying focus being on promoting reading among High School learners. The objective of the study was to provide recommendations based on the findings of the research data, that could assist the educators and the school management on how to facilitate, guide and support high school learners in term of promoting reading through text selection, text evaluation and innovative teaching methodologies. Based on the proposed research questions, aims and objectives, this study was conducted using a qualitative approach to obtain data. It was proposed that the knowledge of the factors which demotivate learners from reading could be used to help educators to promote reading among high school learners. It was also proposed that this information would provide valuable insight that could be used to address the low literacy level at the school. The qualitative research approach method allowed me to conduct interviews; classroom observations; pose open-ended questions and allow for further discussion and investigation based on responses from participants. The study was situated within an interpretive, qualitative research paradigm using a case study design. The research was conducted in the Western Cape at a government high school named Cravenby Senior Secondary School (CSS). The motive behind choosing a government funded school is based on my belief that schools such as these need support given that one finds that the majority of South African learners are in the government schools. The research participants we derived from the focus group sampling method which consisted of 12 learners per group thus having 24 learners altogether from grade 8 and grade 10. Four educators also participated in the study; three of the four educators taught the grade 8 learners and two of the four educators taught the grade 10 learners. The research instruments included, for the learners, a demographic information sheet, interviews, questionnaires and classroom observations. The participant educators had to complete an information sheet, questionnaire, and participate in an individual interview as well as classroom observation. Content analysis was used to analyse and qualitative data by virtue of a three-stage open coding process for the content analysis. This was organized according to the main and sub-questions. The responses from the research participants was presented in the form of a summary in linear notes and summary tables. Key themes and issues were highlighted as themes and sub-themes in alignment with the theoretical framework. The findings of the study illustrated learners do in fact read too little and that their academic achievements are largely motivated by the amount of time they spend on reading. The study also proves that learners will read and engage with texts which they are able to relate to. The findings revealed that they the selection of texts which should be read and studied in high schools needs to be reevaluated and aligned to the needs and interests of learners and their daily realities. Based on these findings and those that are discussed in chapter four recommendations were made in how based on how to assist high school educators in their various roles to teach; guide; support; facilitate and evaluate literacy and promote reading among high school learners.
The promotion of reading among high school learners through text selection, evaluation and innovative methodologies
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Paleker, Parveen; Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar
This study facilitated and evaluated the pedagogical approaches to the literacy pandemic that has afflicted South African learners, particularly high school learners in grade 8 and 10 in the English Home language classrooms. One of the key aims of the study was to find alternate and innovative pedagogical methods to increase the literacy levels in South African schools with the underlying focus being on promoting reading among High School learners. The objective of the study was to provide recommendations based on the findings of the research data, that could assist the educators and the school management on how to facilitate, guide and support high school learners in term of promoting reading through text selection, text evaluation and innovative teaching methodologies. Based on the proposed research questions, aims and objectives, this study was conducted using a qualitative approach to obtain data. It was proposed that the knowledge of the factors which demotivate learners from reading could be used to help educators to promote reading among high school learners. It was also proposed that this information would provide valuable insight that could be used to address the low literacy level at the school. The qualitative research approach method allowed me to conduct interviews; classroom observations; pose open-ended questions and allow for further discussion and investigation based on responses from participants. The study was situated within an interpretive, qualitative research paradigm using a case study design. The research was conducted in the Western Cape at a government high school named Cravenby Senior Secondary School (CSS). The motive behind choosing a government funded school is based on my belief that schools such as these need support given that one finds that the majority of South African learners are in the government schools. The research participants we derived from the focus group sampling method which consisted of 12 learners per group thus having 24 learners altogether from grade 8 and grade 10. Four educators also participated in the study; three of the four educators taught the grade 8 learners and two of the four educators taught the grade 10 learners. The research instruments included, for the learners, a demographic information sheet, interviews, questionnaires and classroom observations. The participant educators had to complete an information sheet, questionnaire, and participate in an individual interview as well as classroom observation. Content analysis was used to analyse and qualitative data by virtue of a three-stage open coding process for the content analysis. This was organized according to the main and sub-questions. The responses from the research participants were presented in the form of a summary in linear notes and summary tables. Key themes and issues were highlighted as themes and sub-themes in alignment with the theoretical framework. The findings of the study illustrated learners do in fact read too little and that their academic achievements are largely motivated by the amount of time they spend on reading. The study also proves that learners will read and engage with texts which they are able to relate to. The findings revealed that they the selection of texts which should be read and studied in high schools needs to be reevaluated and aligned to the needs and interests of learners and their daily realities. Based on these findings and those that are discussed in chapter four recommendations were made on how to assist high school educators in their various roles to teach; guide; support; facilitate and evaluate literacy and promote reading among high school learners.

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