With reference to the previous Annual National Assessments (ANA) results, it was found that the majority of learners are struggling with listening, reading and writing skills. As a result, Basic Education in partnership with the British Council introduced a programme called Learn English Audio Project (LEAP). The project seeks to support teachers in multi-grade schools to perform their task effectively.
Hundreds of teachers from across the Eastern Cape were trained to use the MP3 Life Player designed for enhancing the effective teaching of First English Additional Language, as part of a pilot.
The device works as a radio, but at the same time, teachers can upload audio content which would enhance teaching and learning in multi-grade settings. The teacher can also use the Life Player to mediate the curriculum content to a selected grade in multi-grade classes while he/she is busy with another grade in the same class. It is through this device that the teachers in multi-grades classes can cope with the workload in their typical environment.
The workshop targeted 50 multi-grade schools around Mount Frere and Butterworth. 50 teachers and 4 subject advisors in each district participated in the Learn English Audio Project (LEAP) from 19 to 23 May 2014. In two weeks’ time the project would have been rolled out in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
Now with the introduction of the MP3 Life Players in class, learner’s skills such as listening, reading and writing will improve for the better.
It is envisaged that the project will contribute towards the improvement of ANA results, particularly in schools that are piloting the LEAP. The content that is being used is derived from the workbooks, which are currently used as fundamental learning materials within the schooling system.
Mr Goodman Mehlomakulu from MJokhana School in Mt Frere said that the project will help teachers to improve teaching techniques. He believes that the implementation of the device will reduce the workload that teachers face in multi-grades school on a day-to-day basis.
“I am sure that the device will boost learners’ listening and reading skills. I extend my gratitude to the DBE and the British Council for choosing our district as one of the beneficiaries. We trust that our learners will perform optimally in the upcoming ANA tests this year,” said Mr Mehlomakulu.
Mr Jerry Zitha from the DBE said that the device will help teachers to better mediate curriculum content on English First Additional Language in their multi-grade schools.
“We welcome the joint venture between Basic Education and the British Council, which will improve the literacy levels of our learners in schools.”
