This study investigates awareness and use of communicative language teaching methodology (CLT) in a foundation programme at an institution of higher learning in the Sultanate of Oman, where rapid expansion and a reliance on expatriate skills has resulted in the employment of predominantly native English teachers, many with inadequate formal teacher training. The qualitative research methodology employed involved a core of five teachers using three data-gathering instruments and ten additional English language teachers who responded to a questionnaire. The study finds that the majority of teachers have inadequate knowledge of the CLT approach and do not use it in the classroom. The findings suggest that an adapted version of CLT which embraces local contextual and sociocultural conditions may be pedagogically viable. The study draws comparisons between the idea of a hypothetical, “adapted” version of CLT and the notions of “particularity, practicality and possibility” as suggested by Kumaravadivelu (2006). / English Studies / M.A. (Specialisation in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, TESOL)

The senior secondary school learners' limited English proficiency motivated the researcher to investigate the extent to which contextual and learner factors contributed to this problem. The ultimate aim was to recommend guidelines for dealing with the problem. The review of literature and empirical methods of research were used to this effect. The literature review revealed that the learners' societal, home/family and school/classroom contexts contributed to learners' development ofESL proficiency. It further showed that the independent learner factors (i.e. learner factors that are not influenced by the context from which the learner comes and/or in which SLA takes place) and dependent learner factors (i.e. learner factors that are completely or partly subject to the influence of the context from which the learner comes or in which SLA takes place) significantly influenced the development ofESL proficiency. With its focus on language learning strategies, the empirical investigation found a significant relationship between the learners' level ofESL proficiency and use of direct strategies (i.e. strategies that involve the mental processing of the target language, albeit in different ways and for different purposes). The investigation found no significant relationship between the learners' level of ESL proficiency and use of indirect strategies (i.e. strategies that underpin the process of language learning). Several contextual and learner factors were found to influence the relationship between the learner's strategy use and the development ofESL proficiency. These findings formed the basis for recommending specific guidelines for dealing with limited ESL proficiency, as well as recommending possible directions for future research. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)

Text in English / There is an abundance of multilingual education (MLE) studies internationally and locally. Studies show that MLE is a global issue. South Africa is a unique country since it has assigned eleven languages official status at the national level. The multilingual nature of this country calls for the implementation of MLE. This study seeks to argue that if mother tongue, the language of wider communication as well as other languages are important, the transition should be geared towards MLE rather than to second language (L2). The question is how the transitioning to MLE is embraced in South Africa. This study is an attempt to examine the transitioning to MLE in South Africa schools with reference to Limpopo Province. The study mainly explored the Language-in-education policy (LiEP) implementation and practices in the selected schools as well as examining schools’ compliance with the pedagogical motivations and theories dealing with transition to multilingual education. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to corroborate the data obtained by using one method to reduce the limitations of another method. In quantitative research, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from principals, parents, teachers and learners. In the qualitative research methodology, observations and document analysis methods of collecting data were employed. Purposive sampling was the major sampling method to ensure that relevant data was collected. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. LiEP and the National Language Policy Framework (NLPF) formed the major analytical framework for this study. Cummins’ theories (1978), bi/multilingual education models as well as the Language management theory form the theoretical framework that guided this study. The theories emphasise the link between mother tongue and the development of L2. The findings of this study show the misunderstandings of the LiEP, the implementation of early transitional bilingual education as well as the lack of confidence in the ability of African languages to provide quality education. The study generally suggests that language policies should be dealt with differently due to the contexts which they address. This study concludes by suggesting a working model that is suitable for the unique linguistic situations of schools. / Linguistics and Modern Languages / D. Litt. et Phil. (Linguistics)

This study explored language practices of trilingual undergraduate students of mathematics as they made sense of an algebraic task. Specifically, the study set out to explore whether, how and why trilingual undergraduate students used language(s) to make sense of mathematics. In this study a trilingual speaker is viewed as an individual proficient in three languages and whose proficiency in the languages is not necessarily equal. The speaker uses the three languages either separately or by switching between any two in ways that are determined by his/her communication needs. Exploring language practices helped me to understand how students position themselves as they engage with a mathematics task using mathematical Discourses (capital D) in relation to their trilingual language facility. This facility involves the use of either the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) (English) or the switching between two or three of the languages they know. These languages were home languages, including Kiswahili of the students. In tertiary institutions, English is the LoLT while the home languages are neither taught nor used in the classroom. The study used a qualitative inquiry process, specifically a case study approach. It was conducted at a public university in Kenya with a focus on first-year engineering students with mathematics in their programme. Data were collected using a students‟ questionnaire, and clinical and reflective interviews. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the baseline data, which was used for the selection of 15 interview participants. The clinical interviews provided information on language use as the students engaged with the task, explaining each step of the process, while the aim of the reflective interviews was to identify, ascertain and confirm various actions and different languages and language practices that were not apparent during the clinical interview. The interviews were transcribed and 11 paired transcripts were selected for analysis. The data were analysed using the methods of Discourse analysis (Gee, 2005). This analysis explored how students used language in tandem with non-language “stuff” in a single language or when switching between any two languages and how and why each was used. The focus was on the activities and identities they enacted through their interpretation of the given task and in part of the solution process. The findings revealed that when students engaged with mathematics, they drew on the LoLT only, or switched between the LoLT and their home languages or between the LoLT, home languages and Kiswahili. Those who switched did so when they were faced with interpretation challenges, when there was need to emphasise a point and due to habitual practices of switching. They commonly switched silently and communicated verbally in the LoLT. The purpose for code switching was to gain understanding of the task. On the other hand, a trilingual student is likely to remain in the LoLT because content has been taught and tasks presented in the LoLT. The key contribution of this study is its focus on the trilingual language context of undergraduate students of mathematics, an area that has not been researched up to now. Furthermore, this study has added to scholarly work in this discipline by establishing that code switching is not the preserve of students who are learning the LoLT; rather, it is a reality for trilingual students who are competent in the LoLT when they engage with mathematics. / Mathematics Education / D. Phil. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (Mathematics Education))

Cette thèse porte sur l'apprentissage des temps verbaux du passé composé, de l'imparfait et du plus-que-parfait en français langue étrangère (L2) par des étudiants de première langue (L1) japonaise à l'université au Japon. Dans ce contexte, nous avons expérimenté une approche d'inspiration vygotskienne pour l'enseignement de ces temps, appelée « approche par concepts », où les concepts en jeu (temps physique, aspect, phase du procès) sont présentés initialement pour favoriser un emploi plus conscient, et rendre les apprenants capables d'utiliser les temps selon à la fois leur intention communicative et la norme. On rend compte de deux versions mises en œuvre en 2012 sur 21 semaines et en 2013 sur 12 semaines. Mais l'analyse des résultats nous a conduit à réorienter notre problématique pour prendre en compte le rôle de la L1 dans la conceptualisation. Cela nécessitait de décrire le processus d'énonciation tel qu'il se déroule en temps réel, en L1 et en L2. On a ainsi proposé une nouvelle hypothèse, selon laquelle les concepts médiatisés en L1 sont investis au moment de l'énonciation par l'apprenant pour constituer le niveau conceptuel du verbe au centre de la scène de l'énoncé en L2. En outre, cet investissement correspondrait au développement vers les structures conceptuelles de la L2. Suivant la méthode microgénétique, une trentaine d'extraits issus de verbalisations et de tâches de résolution de problèmes en binômes et individuelles (en pensée à voix haute) sont analysés. Les résultats montrent que pour justifier le choix du temps verbal en L2, les apprenants s'engagent dans une activité métalinguistique spécifique sur des formes de la L1 impliquées dans les renditions verbales. L'interprétation proposée est que c'est un moyen pour eux de focaliser leur attention sur des concepts du japonais jugés adéquats pour constituer le niveau conceptuel du verbe de l'énoncé en français. À la fin de la thèse, des pistes sont proposées pour élaborer une approche par concepts pour les niveaux initiaux dans ce contexte, en tenant compte de cette stratégie d'apprentissage mais aussi en la cadrant. / This thesis deals with the learning of the compound past (passé composé), imperfect (imparfait) and pluperfect (plus-que-parfait) in French as a foreign language (L2) by Japanese first language (L1) students at a university in Japan. In this context, a vygotskyan approach, known as “concept-based approach”, was experimented with for the teaching of these tenses. The concepts that are involved (time, aspect, tense phase) were initially introduced to promote a more conscious use, and enable learners to employ the tenses according to the intended communicative goal as well as L2 norms. Two implementations with second year students in 2012 and 2013, carried out over 21 weeks and 12 weeks respectively, are reported on. An analysis of the outcomes of these implementations in turn led to a shift in focus of the research problem to also account for the role of the L1 in the process of conceptualization. As a result, this required describing the process of oral enunciation, as it unfolds in real time, in the L1 and L2. A new hypothesis is then proposed that, at the moment of speaking, L1 mediated concepts are used by learners to constitute the conceptual level of the verb at the center of the L2 utterance. Furthermore, we suggest that the use of L1 corresponds to the development towards L2 conceptual structures. About thirty extracts from verbalizations, and peer and individual (think aloud) problem-solving tasks were analyzed, using a microgenetic method. The results show that learners engage in a specific metalinguistic activity on L1 forms involved in verbal construals. An interpretation is then proposed that by doing so, it enables learners to focus on the concepts of the Japanese language they consider adequate to form the conceptual level of the verb predicated in the utterance in French. Finally, suggestions are made to improve a concept-based approach for initial levels in this context, by taking into account this learning strategy and providing a frame for it.

Thèse par articles / Dans un contexte où les données probantes sont prisées en éducation, cette thèse en didactique du français rappelle la pertinence, pour la recherche et la pratique, de s’intéresser en premier lieu à ce que l’enseignante fait en classe de français. Quelles sont les stratégies pédagogiques utilisées par les enseignantes en classe de français au secondaire québécois qui participent au développement de la compétence scripturale des élèves? Pour répondre à cette question, trois objectifs de recherche spécifiques sont poursuivis dans cette thèse. Chaque objectif fait l’objet d’un article scientifique, qui s’intègre dans un devis séquentiel de méthodes mixtes (Creswell, Plano Clark, Gutmann et Hanson, 2003). Le premier article vise à identifier les stratégies pédagogiques utilisées en classe de français au secondaire québécois liées à l’écriture de meilleurs textes par les élèves. Il repose sur une analyse secondaire (Dale, 1993) de données collectées à grande échelle au secondaire québécois par le groupe DIEPE (1995) (analyses factorielles exploratoires et régressions multiples à deux niveaux). Le deuxième article vise à identifier les stratégies pédagogiques utilisées en classe de français au secondaire québécois qui, selon le savoir d’expérience (Tardif et Lessard, 1999) des enseignantes, participent particulièrement au développement de la compétence scripturale des élèves. Il repose sur un atelier délibératif (Dogba, Dossa et Dagenais, 2017), lors duquel six enseignantes d’expérience choisissent ensemble des stratégies pédagogiques développant particulièrement la compétence scripturale de leurs élèves. Le troisième article vise à décrire comment peuvent être utilisées en classe de français au secondaire québécois les stratégies pédagogiques retenues consensuellement à l’issue de l’atelier délibératif. Il repose sur l’analyse d’observations directes non participantes menées dans la classe d’une enseignante de français du secondaire québécois au moyen d’un synopsis (Blaser, 2007, 2009; Lord, 2012, 2014; Schneuwly et Dolz, 2009) et d’une grille d’analyse complémentaire qui repose sur les gestes didactiques fondamentaux de l’enseignante (Aeby Daghé et Dolz, 2008; Schneuwly, 2000, 2009; Schneuwly et Dolz, 2009). La mise en relation des résultats des trois articles nous conduit à discuter de leur complémentarité et de celle des méthodes employées ainsi qu’à souligner leurs implications pour la recherche et la pratique. Trois constats se dégagent. 1) Faire écrire les élèves permet aux enseignantes de français du secondaire québécois d’enseigner l’écriture, puisque cela leur permet d’utiliser plusieurs stratégies pédagogiques dans le but de développer la compétence scripturale de leurs élèves. 2) Pour développer la compétence scripturale des élèves, plusieurs stratégies pédagogiques peuvent être utilisées en classe, toutes de façons à la fois singulières et plurielles. Ces stratégies pédagogiques reposeraient toutes sur la mise à disposition de textes, que l’enseignante peut fournir aux élèves ou qu’elle peut leur faire écrire, et sur la mise en évidence des dimensions des objets de savoir à enseigner dans ces textes, bref sur des formes spécifiques des gestes didactiques fondamentaux présentifier et pointer (Schneuwly, 2000, 2009). 3) L’enseignante joue un rôle central pour développer la compétence scripturale des élèves en classe de français au secondaire québécois, par l’étayage et la diversification des stratégies pédagogiques. / In the context of evidence-based education, this thesis in French didactics stresses the relevance, for research and practice, of being primarily interested in what teachers do in French class. What are the pedagogical strategies used in class by French teachers within Quebec secondary schools that participate in developing students’ scriptural competence? To answer this question, three specific research objectives are pursued in this thesis. Each objective is the subject of a scientific article, which are all part of a sequential mixed methods research design (Creswell, Plano Clark, Gutmann and Hanson, 2003). The first article aims to identify the pedagogical strategies used in French class that relate to the writing of better texts by students in Quebec secondary schools. It is based on a secondary analysis (Dale, 1993) of large-scale data that were collected in Quebec secondary schools by the DIEPE group (1995) (exploratory factor analysis and two-level multiple regressions). The second article aims to identify the pedagogical strategies used in French class within Quebec secondary schools that specifically participate in developing students’ scriptural competence according to the teacher’s experience knowledge (Tardif and Lessard, 1999). It is based on a deliberative workshop (Dogba, Dossa and Dagenais, 2017), during which six experienced teachers together choose pedagogical strategies that specifically develop the scriptural competence of their students. The third article aims to describe how the pedagogical strategies elected at the end of the deliberative workshop can be used in French class within Quebec secondary schools. It is based on the analysis of direct nonparticipant observations that were conducted in the class of a French secondary school teacher in Quebec using a synopsis (Blaser, 2007, 2009; Lord, 2012, 2014; Schneuwly and Dolz, 2009) and a complementary analysis grid based on the teacher's fundamental didactic gestures (Aeby Daghé and Dolz, 2008; Schneuwly, 2000, 2009; Schneuwly and Dolz, 2009). The results of the three articles are then discussed to explore the complementarity of their results and methods, as well as to highlight their implications for research and practice. Three observations emerge. 1) Having students write allows French secondary school teachers in Quebec to teach writing, as it enables them to use several pedagogical strategies to develop their students’ scriptural competence. 2) To develop students’ scriptural competence, several teaching strategies can be used in class, in ways that are all simultaneously singular and plural. These pedagogical strategies may be based on the provision of texts that the teacher can show to students or that she can have them produce, and on highlighting the knowledge objects’ dimensions that ought to be taught in these texts, in short on specific forms of the fundamental didactic gestures of presentifying and pointing (Schneuwly, 2000, 2009). 3) The teacher plays a central role in developing the scriptural competence of students in French class within Quebec secondary schools, by scaffolding and diversifying pedagogical strategies.

This study explored the impact of the importation of expatriate English teachers on the morale of the Malaysian English teachers and attempted to identify the perceptions of Malaysian English teachers, expatriate native English-speaking teachers (NESTs), and expatriate nonnative English-speaking teachers (nonNESTs) regarding the practices that are prevalent in Malaysia in areas such as hiring, remuneration, and benefits. An initial questionnaire was completed by the participants to ensure that they fit the target demographic profiled. Then, a semi-structured interview was conducted as a follow-up to the participants' open-ended responses in the second part of the questionnaire. Completed questionnaires were gathered from ten participants, and two semi-structured interviews were conducted with an expatriate NEST and a Malaysian nonNEST respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses to the seven-point Likert-scale statements. In addition, this study took a qualitative approach in analyzing the core themes of the responses in the semi-structured interview and the questionnaire. Examining individual survey items and interviews revealed that there is a large discrepancy in wages between NESTs and nonNESTs in Malaysia, and this contributes to the unhappiness and low morale of Malaysian English teachers. In addition, the presence of expatriate NESTs causes Malaysian nonNESTs to have low self-esteem as they compare themselves to their native counterparts. This study also revealed that participants felt that the importation of expatriate NESTs had no significant impact on improving the language proficiency of students. Owing to the perceived failure to deliver desired results, the majority of the participants agreed that hiring qualified and experienced English teachers (not on the basis of one's race or first language) is paramount in improving the language proficiency of Malaysian students. The analysis of the data collected resulted in recommendations for a more in-depth study of the impact of the importation of expatriate NESTs/nonNESTs to the morale of Malaysian nonNESTs and the improvement of the language proficiency of Malaysian students. Also, the contributing factors for the decline of the English proficiency of Malaysian students should be thoroughly evaluated so as to affect change.

The importance of China as world power has led to a growing interest in and demand for learning Mandarin as a Foreign Language (MFL) worldwide. This study focuses on a comparative study of the provision of MFL in higher education in China and in South Africa. A conceptual framework was provided by examining theories of language policy planning and second language or foreign language acquisition as well as an overview of MFL provision in Chinese and South African higher education. MFL policy in China is characterised as a diffusion policy driven by economic globalisation, „soft power‟ and culture, and supported by legislation, funding and implementation. In South Africa, no specific policy underlies MFL, although motivation for MFL provision is given through strategic economic relations between South Africa and China. Against this background, a mixed-method inquiry conducted in two phases examined MFL at three purposefully selected universities in China and at the four university providers in South Africa. Phase One investigated lecturer perceptions of MFL tuition using a researcher-designed questionnaire; Phase Two explored student experiences of MFL using semi-structured interviews with purposefully selected MFL students in both countries. Findings indicated similarities in lecturer profile and differences in lecturers' perceptions regarding institutional support for MFL, particularly in institutions offering degrees in MFL, the MFL classroom environment and the curriculum. Student participants identified differences in studying MFL abroad in China and at home in South Africa in terms of class scheduling, peer and tutor support, student enrolments and design of educational programmes. All language skills were acquired more rapidly in the immersion learning context in China than in the first language dominant South African context, especially communication skills. Similarities were demonstrated in the emotional dimension of learning a new language, the main needs of MFL students, the opportunity to use or speak Mandarin, motivation to study Mandarin, and the challenges characteristic of Mandarin as a language. Recommendations for improvement of practice were given in terms of immersion context creation, opportunity to learn support, Confucius Institute facilities and exchange programmes for study abroad, lecturer and tutor improvement, and the establishment of an incentive to learn mechanism in South Africa. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Comparative Education)

Writing proficiency in the English language is one of the critical workplace competencies required in the police workplace. The aim of this study was to investigate and determine the perceptions and experiences of South African police constables’ workplace English writing needs in selected police clusters in the Gauteng province, South Africa and recommend suitable strategies to address those needs. Therefore this thesis reports on workplace English writing needs from a professional perspective to determine how they impact on the workplace English writing competencies of police constables and also as a basis for the development of a language-integrated learning curriculum in SAPS police training academies. Data was collected through a questionnaire and interviews with selected sample of the respondents. This data was collected on: their perceptions of their workplace English writing competencies, the areas within English writing which they consider to be a challenge, their perceptions about the extent to which the SAPS training programme addresses police officers’ workplace English writing needs and their suggestions regarding the type of SAPS training programme which can enhance their workplace English writing competencies. This study was prompted by concerns from various research studies and media which reported that police officers have inadequate English writing competencies. Among other things, the study found that the absence of an English writing course in the Basic Police Development Learning Programme contributes significantly to the inadequate workplace English writing competency of police constables in South Africa. The lack of awareness of the importance of other writing sub-skills such as punctuation, word classification and correct capitalisation, contributes to police constables incompetence. This research underscores the importance of police constables’ workplace English writing research on a large scale. Such research can be used for improved pedagogy in police training academies in South Africa. Finally, the findings from this study can also be used as a basis for the development of language-integrated learning curricula in the South African police training academies and also to foster awareness about different factors impacting on the workplace English writing competencies of police constables in South Africa. / English Studies / D. Litt et Phil. (English)

Writing proficiency in the English language is one of the critical workplace competencies required in the police workplace. The aim of this study was to investigate and determine the perceptions and experiences of South African police constables’ workplace English writing needs in selected police clusters in the Gauteng province, South Africa and recommend suitable strategies to address those needs. Therefore this thesis reports on workplace English writing needs from a professional perspective to determine how they impact on the workplace English writing competencies of police constables and also as a basis for the development of a language-integrated learning curriculum in SAPS police training academies. Data was collected through a questionnaire and interviews with selected sample of the respondents. This data was collected on: their perceptions of their workplace English writing competencies, the areas within English writing which they consider to be a challenge, their perceptions about the extent to which the SAPS training programme addresses police officers’ workplace English writing needs and their suggestions regarding the type of SAPS training programme which can enhance their workplace English writing competencies. This study was prompted by concerns from various research studies and media which reported that police officers have inadequate English writing competencies. Among other things, the study found that the absence of an English writing course in the Basic Police Development Learning Programme contributes significantly to the inadequate workplace English writing competency of police constables in South Africa. The lack of awareness of the importance of other writing sub-skills such as punctuation, word classification and correct capitalisation, contributes to police constables incompetence. This research underscores the importance of police constables’ workplace English writing research on a large scale. Such research can be used for improved pedagogy in police training academies in South Africa. Finally, the findings from this study can also be used as a basis for the development of language-integrated learning curricula in the South African police training academies and also to foster awareness about different factors impacting on the workplace English writing competencies of police constables in South Africa. / English Studies / D. Litt et Phil. (English)