Learning science through the medium of English: what do Grade 8 learners say?

Abstract

The TIMSS-R (Third International Mathematics and Science Study report) results served to focus attention on the long-standing problem of teaching and learning though the medium of English when it is not the home language of learners or teachers and proficiency levels are too low for learners to engage with the curriculum in a meaningful way. There have been calls by academics for the extension of learners' home languages as the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) beyond the Foundation Phase, to overcome this problem. However, the language attitudes of learners in this research indicate a strong preference for English as the LoLT, despite the difficulties this entails. This indicates the need for extensive advocacy, if the push to extend home language LoLT on pedagogical grounds is to succeed.