It-taghlim tal-Malti fl-iskejjel tas-snajja'

Abstract

This study is about the teaching of Maltese as mother tongue in trade schools in Malta. It starts with a short history of the growth of vocational schooling leading to the foundation of trade schools with reference to planning, resourcing and staffing. The literature on syllabus and text-book evaluation is reviewed and attention is given to the exam papers set for these classes. An attempt for a more effective methodology is also discussed in the light of students' needs analysis. Much of the data is collected using a questionnaire distributed among a sample of teachers teaching Maltese in trade schools. Moreover an illuminative systematic observation of two different lessons is included. Finally, possible practical suggestions for the teaching of grammar, literature and essay writing are provided, keeping in mind that the students are native speakers of Maltese.