They passed, but can't read

OrbitalDawn

OrbitalDawn

Ulysses Everett McGill
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Many matric students cannot write in paragraphs, do not understand matric exam questions and are unfamiliar with the key terminology used in their subjects.

In short, many pupils can barely read and write in English.

This was the main finding of the Third National Diagnostic Report into the 2013 matric exams.

Senior markers analysed 100 exam papers from each subject before compiling the report, which is aimed at helping teachers prepare this year's matrics for their final exams. The report also found:

- Pupils fared better responding to questions that required short answers. They battled with questions that required longer, more complex answers, and did not use paragraphs in their answers;
- Pupils struggled to argue points and substantiate their ideas;
- Questions related to the curriculum taught near the end of year were particularly poorly answered, suggesting that teachers had not completed the curriculum; and
- Pupils did not understand terms that are standard in most questions such as "quote", "explain" and "analyse".
In the mathematics exam, poor literacy led to "responses that were far removed from the required answer".

Many pupils were also unable to read graphs and maps.

Markers also concluded that many history pupils did not have access to textbooks.

The report made a number of recommendations to teachers, including teaching "assessment vocabulary" so that pupils could understand words like "identify" or "quote" and answer questions appropriately.

Teachers were urged to teach content in greater detail, and to refer to the provided examination guidelines, which set out what content pupils will be tested on in the final exams.

The report further recommended that regular tests be held in class throughout the year.

National and Professional Teachers of South Africa chairman Basil Manuel said the union was not surprised at the low level of literacy in English.

"We must remember that more than 70% of matric pupils are writing in a second language.

"It has long been known that many teachers switch from English to the vernacular to make themselves better understood.

"Teachers in rural areas need opportunities to improve their English skills."

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga is quoted in the report as saying: "Though the class of 2013 has recorded the highest pass rate in six years, the quality of passes in key subjects such as mathematics, physical sciences and accounting are still below desirable levels."
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More whites complaining, I suppose. :)
 
One can only sympathise with the 'second language' argument to a point. The vast majority of tertiary textbooks are in English only. The same goes for nearly all documentation in the Private Sector.
 
The language of business is english.
The way I see it ... learn in any language you want ... just don't cry when you can't get a job because you cannot communicate effectively in a business environment

I notice more and more in the corporate environment how people who can communicate(speak, write and read english well) are the ones getting the jobs and the promotions
 
not surprised. If you need 30% to pass, then what do they expect?
 
It's a tough cookie to crack in the more rural areas. When you're constantly surrounded and forced to communicate in English then I'd imagine you'd pick it up fairly quickly, as proven by a few friends at varsity and work are foreign.

My 1 friend from Israel once told me when he got here he failed to get into Monash because he failed the English test you get when you apply. By the end of our 1st year he was already just as proficient in it as I was and it's my first language.
 
I think I heard on the news that only 30% can get into tertiary institutions?
 
So to the forumites with kids, what are you guys doing to better things at home? are you spending time with your children and teaching them important things and be better than the 30%? or are you just letting the school lead them on into a world of "idiocracy"?
 
No worries about not studying any further, affirmative action in SA got that covered. We will soon see a period of time where companies will have no choice but to appoint the person who has no qualification over the qualified white person.

.... what am I talking about?..... it is already happening.....
 
CamiKaze said:
So to the forumites with kids, what are you guys doing to better things at home? are you spending time with your children and teaching them important things and be better than the 30%? or are you just letting the school lead them on into a world of "idiocracy"?
Click to expand...

I remember a thread some time ago addressing this and there general tone was...

"It is the teachers' responsibility,i don't have the time.I work hard."
 
House said:
No worries about not studying any further, affirmative action in SA got that covered. We will soon see a period of time where companies will have no choice but to appoint the person who has no qualification over the qualified white person.

.... what am I talking about?..... it is already happening.....
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And right there where you assume the white person is automatically qualified,your argument fall flat.
 
JustAsk said:
I remember a thread some time ago addressing this and there general tone was...

"It is the teachers' responsibility,i don't have the time.I work hard."
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It's the teacher's responsibility to teach the syllabus.

The rest is up to the parents
 
JustAsk said:
I remember a thread some time ago addressing this and there general tone was...

"It is the teachers' responsibility,i don't have the time.I work hard."
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BS, people have become too lazy for their own children? Now I understand being tired when coming home from work but man...I don't have children but I will knock the guy that says "You'll understand when you get some". Stupid excuse I tell 'ya.
 
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