Assignment 4
2024
Language Teaching and Learning in
Education
, QUESTION 1: LANGUAGE POLICIES
1.1 Speech on Language in Education Policy (LiEP)
Good [morning/afternoon/evening] everyone,
I’m here today to talk about something very important to our children’s education: the
Language in Education Policy, or LiEP. This policy is like a roadmap guiding how we
choose the language in which our children learn.
Background:
The LiEP is designed to help our students thrive by ensuring they learn in a
language that they understand and can use effectively. It considers the rich linguistic
diversity of South Africa and aims to balance between using our official languages
and respecting the languages our children speak at home.
Challenges:
Language Proficiency: Imagine trying to solve math problems in a language you’re
still learning. That’s a real challenge for our kids if the language of instruction isn’t
their strongest.
Resource Availability: Sometimes, we don’t have enough textbooks or trained
teachers for every language, which can create hurdles.
Parental Expectations: Every family has different ideas about what language their
child should learn in, and aligning these can be tricky.
Practicalities:
Teacher Training: It’s crucial that our teachers are well-prepared to handle diverse
linguistic needs. Ongoing training helps them support our children better.
Support Materials: Providing resources in multiple languages helps bridge gaps and
supports our kids in learning effectively.
Community Involvement: Engaging with you, the parents, ensures that we’re all on
the same page about the best ways to support our children’s learning.
In short, while the LiEP sets out a solid framework, it’s our collective effort in
overcoming these challenges that will make a real difference in our children’s
educational journey.