, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
QUESTION 1
1. Read the following statement and then answer the question that follows. Every teacher must
meet specific standards when teaching a first additional language.
1.1. Discuss the standards set by Aitchison, Dixon, Pretorius, Reed and Verbeek (2018) for
graduate teachers using your own words to show an understanding of the requirements.
Graduate teachers are required to meet specific standards when teaching a first additional language.
These standards are designed to ensure that teachers possess the necessary skills to effectively impart
language knowledge to learners. One of the key expectations is that teachers must have a strong and
comprehensive understanding of language and literacy. This includes an ability to teach reading and
writing in an integrated manner, encompassing speaking, listening, viewing, and critical thinking.
Teachers should understand how to use language in various contexts, acknowledging its social and
cultural dimensions. They must be able to interpret and derive meaning from various types of texts,
including written, visual, and oral materials, and recognize how these texts influence learners'
perceptions and whose interests they serve.
Additionally, graduate teachers must be capable of organizing and delivering systematic instruction
in language and literacy. This instruction should be structured according to the curriculum’s
requirements and should focus on equipping learners with essential language skills. Furthermore,
teachers are expected to have expertise in teaching English as a First Additional Language. This
entails a thorough understanding of the specific skills, knowledge, and processes involved in
teaching English to non-native speakers. Teachers must be fluent in English and capable of speaking
clearly and correctly to facilitate learners' acquisition of the language. In particular, teachers need to
be aware that their own language proficiency significantly impacts the learners' ability to grasp
English, as faulty input can hinder learners' progress. Clear and correct verbal communication is
essential, as it serves as the foundation for learners' academic success.
1.2. Identify one speaking component and discuss why it is more important than others
when teaching your learners.
When teaching learners, especially those in the Foundation Phase, speaking clearly and correctly is
one of the most important components of effective communication. This aspect is particularly crucial
for several reasons.
In the Foundation Phase (Grades 1 to 3), listening plays a central role in the learning process, as
learners are still developing their reading and writing skills. The clarity and correctness of the
teacher's verbal communication directly influence how well learners can absorb and understand new
information. For young learners, who rely heavily on listening to acquire knowledge, teachers must
ensure that their speech is clear and easily understandable.
The teacher's proficiency in language also impacts the learners' own language acquisition. If teachers
speak unclearly or incorrectly, learners may pick up these errors, which can hinder their ability to
learn the language properly. When teachers speak clearly and accurately, they provide a strong
linguistic model, which is especially important for learners acquiring a second or third language.
This ensures that learners are exposed to proper language usage, which is essential for their
development.
QUESTION 1
1. Read the following statement and then answer the question that follows. Every teacher must
meet specific standards when teaching a first additional language.
1.1. Discuss the standards set by Aitchison, Dixon, Pretorius, Reed and Verbeek (2018) for
graduate teachers using your own words to show an understanding of the requirements.
Graduate teachers are required to meet specific standards when teaching a first additional language.
These standards are designed to ensure that teachers possess the necessary skills to effectively impart
language knowledge to learners. One of the key expectations is that teachers must have a strong and
comprehensive understanding of language and literacy. This includes an ability to teach reading and
writing in an integrated manner, encompassing speaking, listening, viewing, and critical thinking.
Teachers should understand how to use language in various contexts, acknowledging its social and
cultural dimensions. They must be able to interpret and derive meaning from various types of texts,
including written, visual, and oral materials, and recognize how these texts influence learners'
perceptions and whose interests they serve.
Additionally, graduate teachers must be capable of organizing and delivering systematic instruction
in language and literacy. This instruction should be structured according to the curriculum’s
requirements and should focus on equipping learners with essential language skills. Furthermore,
teachers are expected to have expertise in teaching English as a First Additional Language. This
entails a thorough understanding of the specific skills, knowledge, and processes involved in
teaching English to non-native speakers. Teachers must be fluent in English and capable of speaking
clearly and correctly to facilitate learners' acquisition of the language. In particular, teachers need to
be aware that their own language proficiency significantly impacts the learners' ability to grasp
English, as faulty input can hinder learners' progress. Clear and correct verbal communication is
essential, as it serves as the foundation for learners' academic success.
1.2. Identify one speaking component and discuss why it is more important than others
when teaching your learners.
When teaching learners, especially those in the Foundation Phase, speaking clearly and correctly is
one of the most important components of effective communication. This aspect is particularly crucial
for several reasons.
In the Foundation Phase (Grades 1 to 3), listening plays a central role in the learning process, as
learners are still developing their reading and writing skills. The clarity and correctness of the
teacher's verbal communication directly influence how well learners can absorb and understand new
information. For young learners, who rely heavily on listening to acquire knowledge, teachers must
ensure that their speech is clear and easily understandable.
The teacher's proficiency in language also impacts the learners' own language acquisition. If teachers
speak unclearly or incorrectly, learners may pick up these errors, which can hinder their ability to
learn the language properly. When teachers speak clearly and accurately, they provide a strong
linguistic model, which is especially important for learners acquiring a second or third language.
This ensures that learners are exposed to proper language usage, which is essential for their
development.
