Ngema's research on the knowledge of teaching reading to Zulu teachers
Ngema's research focused on exploring the knowledge and practices of teaching reading among Zulu teachers in South Africa. The study aimed to investigate the specific strategies and methods that were being used by teachers in Zulu-speaking schools to teach reading to their students, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement and development.
Through interviews and observations with Zulu teachers, Ngema found that there was a strong emphasis on phonics instruction and decoding skills in teaching reading. Teachers primarily focused on teaching students the sounds of letters and how to blend them together to form words. However, there was a noticeable lack of attention given to higher-level reading comprehension skills and strategies.
Ngema also highlighted the challenges faced by Zulu teachers in teaching reading effectively, including limited access to resources and inadequate teacher training and support. Many teachers expressed a need for more professional development opportunities and guidance on how to effectively teach reading to their students.
Overall, Ngema's research underscored the importance of providing Zulu teachers with the necessary support and resources to enhance their knowledge and practices in teaching reading. By addressing these gaps, schools can better equip teachers with the skills and strategies needed to effectively teach reading to Zulu-speaking students and improve literacy outcomes in South Africa.