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Kris Stutchbury Post 1

• 20 April 2021, 9:44 AM

Language as an inclusive issue

Thank you for all the helpful contributions to the discussion. Here is a brief summary of the points raised so far: 

  • some schools set up separate language classes and make use of resources such as YouTube videos
  • the use of sign language or other simple non-verbal cues  and gestures can support understanding
  • switching between languages can be very helpful to learners - especially as they approach the time when the language of instruction changes
  • some highlighted the issue of a teacher being posted to a rural area and is not able to speak the local language. These teachers will need a great deal of support.
  • working in pairs and groups so that learners support each other is helpful
  • some raise the important issue of the difference between 'dialect' and 'standard language'. Even if students speak the language of instruction at home, it may be a less formal version of it, making school difficult for them. 

Overall, it is clear that this is a significant inclusivity issue, which maybe isn't getting enough attention. 

I met some student teachers in Tanzania once who told me that they are not allowed to speak Kiswahili at all in the Grade 7 classroom as students have just moved to English. This sort of attitude is particularly unhelpful as the understanding of English at this stage is low, and learning is hindered. This needs to be challenged and techniques for 'language-switching' need to be discussed and developed. Your helpful contributions to this discussion are really important!

David Ngatia Post 2 in reply to 1

• 20 April 2021, 10:20 AM

Thank you Kris  for the good summary on  language as an issue in inclusivity.

vesha Khan Post 3 in reply to 1

• 22 April 2021, 2:14 AM

The issue of language within the classroom is indeed a challenge because students are usually perplexed by the varieties of language, there is a preconceived notion that only formal language should be used. 

Victoria Gongora Post 4 in reply to 1

• 22 April 2021, 10:16 PM

really appreciate this list. 

Sign language might seem obsolete, but I believe that it is very important for all or most of us to learn. 

FLORENCE Kamonjo Post 5 in reply to 1

• 23 April 2021, 11:20 AM

Yes Kris. Further discussion is needed towards language and inclusivity. I will be more alert in this issue going forward and advise accordingly when required to do so.  

Rose Nyambura Post 6 in reply to 1

• 23 April 2021, 7:41 PM

Thank you Kris for this summary on Language as an inclusive issue. 

I have witnessed this amongst my student teachers when they go for practice and most affected are those who have two teaching subjects- one taught in official language (English) and the second being the national language (Kiswahili). For example if teaching History, the student teacher switches and he/she starts teaching the subject in Kiswahili. On enquiring why this is happening, the student teacher says that his students understand better when taught in Kiswahili. The only problem is when writing the examination. English language is used in History testing hence students are disadvantaged and may not achieve good grades, not because they do not have the concepts right but language is a hindrance. 
 

Kim Noel

Kim Noel Post 7 in reply to 1

• 24 April 2021, 2:17 PM

Thank you, good information.

Kathy-Ann Randolph Post 8 in reply to 1

• 6 May 2021, 12:41 AM

Thank you for the summary very helpful. I liked the first point, interesting.

Anesha Bahadur Post 9 in reply to 1

• 8 May 2021, 5:51 PM

Very Interesting, Thank you for sharing.