Guidelines for investigating and overcoming challenges of grade 8 learners studying english as a second language in Lejweleputswa, Free State

Abstract

English is an extremely valuable language to learn, as it is mostly spoken worldwide. Learners studying English First Additional Language (FAL) may encounter challenges in the classroom that inhibit their acquisition of English proficiency. This study aims to determine the challenges that Grade 8 English FAL learners face in the classroom and to find possible solutions for these challenges. This study used the social constructivist theory to determine and understand the possible challenges that Grade 8 learners face in secondary school English classrooms. This study employed a mixed-method approach. Interviews were conducted with open-ended questions for Grade 8 English FAL teachers at Nanabolela Secondary High School and Lestsete Secondary High School. Questionnaires were distributed and completed by Grade 8 English FAL learners at the above-mentioned secondary schools. Qualitative data was analysed using the positivist research paradigm, and quantitative data was processed and analysed through MATLAB. Both the qualitative and quantitative data results indicated that Grade 8 English FAL learners struggle with many aspects of learning English, including parts of speech, such as pronouns and tenses, sentence structure, spelling, and reading in English. The results also indicated a need for extra time allocated to teaching English reading to learners, as well as extra time for teaching other elements of English as well. The qualitative data collected via the interviews indicated that there is an extremely crucial need for fully qualified English teachers that have a proper command of the English language. These results suggest that the employment of fully qualified English teachers would benefit the Grade 8 English FAL learners. Additionally, both the qualitative and quantitative results indicated that there should be a time slot allocated daily to learners for a class with an English teacher that focuses solely on reading to develop this crucial skill in Grade 8 English learners.