English Across the
Curriculum: Introduction
Orientation session held at the Protea Hotel
OR Tambo
Date: 26 to 29 May 2014
Strategy for teaching English
Across the Curriculum
What is EAC?
• A customised version of Language Across the
Curriculum.
• One of the DBE intervention strategies to strengthen the
teaching and learning of languages.
• A base for mediating the impact of the withdrawal of the
Language Compensation policy.
Background
• Language Compensation - 1998
• 5% for all learners taught in a language that
is not their HL
• Condition: DBE to strengthen use of
English as LoLT
• Concession to run out in 2014 - UMALUSI
EAC strategy
• Introduced to mitigate the impact of the withdrawal
of the concession – responsibility of every teacher.
• Core to EAC: Every teacher is an English teacher!!
• Why EAC?
o
o
o
o
Most content subjects taught in English (LoLT)
Strengthen LoLT
English the language of assessment
harmony between LoLT and language of assessment
equals enhanced performance
• NB: Though EAC, language skills applicable in all languages.
EAC strategy
Aims
• To support language development in each learner, in all
domains of language use, in each learning activity in school;
• To enhance knowledge acquisition through awareness of
language use;
• To create a link through the learning processes;
• To enhance awareness of the relatedness of aspects;
• To develop critical reading, writing and learning; and
• To give learners feedback about their progress.
Simplified: one needs to understand the language before one
can decode the science in the knowledge presented
EAC strategy
Focuses on:
• Skills of language, viz. Reading, Writing,
Listening and Speaking; and
• all non-verbal means of representation and
expression that we use when communicating.
It enhances:
• knowledge acquisition
• interrogation of knowledge
• expression and presentation of knowledge –
in writing or spoken form
• critical thinking, reading and writing
EAC strategy
• Implications for the content subject teacher (Mr Nematangari)
o Remain rooted in the science of the subject – NOT taking over from
the English teacher.
o Engages learners in LoLT - the language in which the child is being
assessed.
o While developing the LoLT, does not necessarily assess it as English
teacher would
• Implications for the English (language teacher)
o Subject expert
o Facilitate LoLT development
• Anticipated gains for the teaching corpse:
o Joint planning
o Expanded learning horizon
o A more visible learning thread.
Activity 1
1. Discuss the language issues in your subject and how
they impact learner attainment.
2. Discuss words/concepts used in your subject which
may mean something else in ordinary English
language use?
3. Discuss how the EAC strategy would enhance the
spirit of co-operation among members of staff.
4. Discuss how an enhanced team teaching approach
will enhance learner attainment.
5. Feedback and discussion.
9
In response
1. Most reports conducted inside and outside DBE cite
LoLT as a barrier to learning.
• EAC addresses Linguistic Knowledge which should
enhance conceptual and procedural knowledge
acquisition.
Mathematics is not limited to performing
computations in isolation; it is dependent on the
English language. Academic standards in
mathematics require students to apply
computational skills in a variety of real- life problemsolving situations, read and solve word problems,
communicate their mathematical thinking, and
collaborate with their peers to complete a task.
In response
2. Does the word ‘positive’ mean the same –
the deaf learner scenario cited at the 10th
International Languages Conference.
3. Joint planning; expanded learning fields;
practical approach to teaching and learning.
4. The golden thread.
Manual for teaching English
Across the Curriculum
What is the manual for teaching
EAC?
• Practical application of the strategy.
• Working document on how language is
addressed in subjects.
• A source from which the activities of the
commissions can be modelled or
improved.
• Second edition of the manual to result
from the activities of the commissions
Thank you.
Website: www.education.gov.za
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