Teaching Reading in Rukwangali: How Children Learn to Read---A Case Study

Abstract

This paper looks at how children learn to read. It draws on the cognitive constructivist view and the schemata theory which inform the teaching of reading. This is a qualitative case study carried out in an interpretive paradigm as it seeks to understand the meaning people attach to human actions. Participants were selected purposefully and in terms of convenience.The data was collected from four grade three teachers at three schools in Rundu, Kavango Region of Namibia. Qualitative research methods were employed and data was triangulated to enhance validity.The study reveals that teachers use multiple methods that include phonics and syllabification to help struggling learners to decode difficult and long words; look-and-say method for whole word recognition; and thematic approach to expand learner’s vocabulary and enhance their understanding. The study also found that lack of reading books written in Rukwangali and large classrooms constrain the teachers from teaching in a more learner-centred way.