Discuss and Evaluate best practices through engaging in a literature review in order to report on the
influence of language as an external determinant on the education systems of the countries- South Africa, Kenya & Mozambique
Research has established a strong relationship between language and educational outcomes in various countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Mozambique. In this literature review, we discuss the best practices for addressing language as an external determinant of educational success and evaluate their effectiveness in the three countries.
South Africa's Education System
Historically, the apartheid regime in South Africa resulted in a segregated education system that favored Afrikaans and English-speaking students, thereby disadvantaging non-English speaking students, mainly Black and Colored students. As a result, South Africa has incorporated eleven official languages in its education system to promote linguistic and cultural diversity among students. Despite policies aimed at promoting multilingualism, English remains the dominant language in education because of its historical and economic significance, translating to better job prospects for students who speak it.
Best Practices in South Africa
i. Promote bilingual education in schools through the incorporation of learners' mother tongue in classroom instruction, particularly in the early years of schooling. This approach guides students' academic and cognitive development and improves their engagements with the world of schooling.
ii. Increase language teacher development and training programs to improve the quality of language instruction in schools.
Kenya's Education System
The Kenyan education system boasts a multilingual and multicultural environment. At independence, the government adopted English and Kiswahili to promote unity among the diverse ethnic and linguistic communities in the country. While the government recognizes the importance of mother-tongue instruction, limited emphasis has been given to its promotion. This approach has resulted in sharp contrasts in the quality of education among ethnic communities, with children from ethnic groups with well-developed languages doing better than their less privileged counterparts.
Best Practices in Kenya
i. Develop and implement a well-structured national policy framework that promotes the use of mother-tongue instruction as the language of instruction in early childhood education.
ii. Increase investment in teacher training to improve language instructions in schools and support learners in their efforts to acquire additional languages beyond their mother tongue.
Mozambique's Education System
During the colonial era, Portuguese was the only language used for instruction, resulting in education disparities. The development of Mozambique's multicultural policies dictates the use of local languages in the education system and seeks to promote social cohesion and equitable distribution of educational opportunities. As a result, Mozambique's education policy allows for the implementation of bilingual and multilingual programs, but the majority of the country's schools remain monolingual, with Portuguese as the primary language of instruction.
Best Practices in Mozambique
i. Promote the development of bilingual programs and training in institutions of higher education and subsequent implementation in primary schools.
ii. Train more teachers to become conversationally fluent in a variety of languages and facilitate opportunities for language immersion programs for language teachers and students.
Conclusion
Overall, the literature highlights the importance of language as an external determinant of education systems. The review reveals that incorporating mother-tongue instruction in schools enhances learning outcomes, promotes equity, and ensures that students retain their cultural identities. Practical steps such as increasing investment in teacher training and developing national policies to promote the use of mother tongues in educational systems can significantly improve educational outcomes and benefit students, particularly in multilingual and multicultural environments. Each country has a unique context that requires tailor-made solutions that must be realistic, sustainable, and supported by political will, among other factors.