Notes from Week 1 and Week 2 Slides
Week 1: The Language Teacher and the Teaching Profession
Key Points:
1. Role of a Language Teacher:
o Help learners improve language skills (speaking, reading, listening, and
writing).
o Teach inclusively, respecting linguistic and cultural diversity (e.g., accents,
dialects).
o Understand the curriculum and teach creatively.
2. Status of English:
o English spread globally due to colonialism, trade, and technology.
o It is a dominant language but has many varieties (differences in
pronunciation, words, grammar).
o Challenges in South Africa:
Linked to colonial history (painful for some).
Lack of resources in rural areas.
Not all 11 official languages are treated equally.
3. English in Education:
o Additive Bilingualism: Learning a second language (e.g., English) while
keeping the home language strong.
o Subtractive Bilingualism: Learning a second language replaces the
home language (bad for identity).
o Mother Tongue Instruction: Teaching in a child’s first language improves
learning (UNESCO supports this).
4. Diversity in the Classroom:
o Includes culture, language, gender, learning styles, religion, and economic
background.
o Teachers should use an intercultural approach (respect differences).
5. Literacy vs. Multiliteracies:
o Traditional Literacy: Basic reading/writing skills.
o Multiliteracies: Includes digital, cultural, and multilingual communication.
Week 2: Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS)
Key Points:
1. Home Language (HL) vs. First Additional Language (FAL):
o HL: Higher proficiency, used for complex thinking (CALP).
o FAL: Lower proficiency, focuses on basic communication (BICS).
2. Language Skills:
o Listening & Speaking
o Reading & Viewing
o Writing & Presenting
o Language Structures (grammar, vocabulary)
3. Teaching Approaches:
o Communicative Approach: Real-life language use.
o Process Approach: Steps in writing (plan, draft, edit).
o Text-Based: Learn through texts (stories, articles).
4. Listening Strategies:
o Before Listening: Predict, learn key words.
o While Listening: Take notes, ask questions.
o After Listening: Discuss, summarize, evaluate.
5. Speaking & Writing:
o Speaking Types: Speeches, debates, interviews.
o Writing Process: Plan → Draft → Edit → Present.
o Essay Types: Narrative, descriptive, argumentative.
6. Reading Strategies:
o Before Reading: Skim headings, predict.
o While Reading: Underline key points, infer meanings.
o After Reading: Summarize, compare, critique.
7. Visual Texts (Cartoons, Ads):
o Analyze images, fonts, and persuasive language.
Important Notes:
CAPS guides teaching English (HL & FAL) in Grades 7-9.
Use real-life examples, group work, and multilingual strategies.
