PREPARING AFRICAN LANGUAGE STUDENT TEACHERS FOR THE WORKPLACE IN SCHOOLS: A STUDY IN SOUTH AFRICA

"There is considerable agreement that learning to teach African Languages (AL) is optimized when coursework learning is combined with quality practice learning experiences in schools. The importance of role of (AL) in teacher education programmes and in children's learning is of paramount importance. This study focuses on the use of the African Language (AL) as the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) and its impact on the language development of (AL) student teachers and AL learners. The main aim of this study was to explore the views of a group of student teachers on their practice learning experiences in a ‘teaching school’ (TS). Against the background of major theories in Home Language (HL) teaching and learning, this topic is contextualized within the South African education system. Through qualitative analysis of a dozen semi-structured interviews, this study identifies the issues that limit the ability of African Language Education (ALE) programmes to prepare student- teachers for teaching in South Africa. Based on the findings, a questionnaire was designed to determine the extent of the impact of student teachers’ limited on African Language Proficiency (ALP). A comparison of teacher and learner written errors was made. The findings of the questionnaire responses are presented. Recommendations are made on how student teachers can improve their teaching approaches to ensure quality AL teacher input and AL learner performance. Qualitative questionnaires and (focus group) data were collected, involving all the student teachers in the programme. The responses to the questionnaire were analysed descriptively. The study was conducted at an urban campus of a South African university."