Analysing the use of Way Ahead in the teaching of English at Year 3 Level

Abstract

This study endeavoured to explore the teaching and learning of English as a second language through the Way Ahead 2 series at Year 3 level. It attempted to examine how the identified books aid the acquisition and development of the four literacy skills in English. Twenty hours of observation were conducted in two Year 3 classes in different state schools for the purpose of this investigation. The observation sessions enabled the analysis of the implementation techniques that the participating teachers used when it came to incorporating the Way Ahead books during their English lessons. Children’s attitudes towards the mentioned books could also be observed. This data could then be validated through the administration of questionnaires to the 41 pupils that were observed. The children completed the questionnaire at the end of the scholastic year so as to ensure that they had sufficient time to formulate their own opinion about the Way Ahead books. Additionally, they could base their feedback on their entire book rather than on a few, selected chapters. Further insight was later acquired through an in-depth interview with each of the teachers observed. Whilst quite a few features of the Way Ahead series have been regarded as suitable or attractive, the study still indicates that the mentioned series might not be meeting the expectations of teachers and pupils very well, thus raising questions about its capacity to facilitate the teaching and learning of English. One must not however, overlook the issue of whether teachers are capable of yielding the maximum potential from the Way Ahead series through their implementation techniques.