Twenty-fifth International Conference on Learning

Abstract

Multimodal learning environment is particularly significant for enhancing learners’ communicative competence in English First Additional Language (EFAL) in time of austerity. Teachers have to serve the needs of the learners creatively in these times of social turbulence. This study narrates the story of a teacher who used multimodal texts in the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6) in one of the township primary schools in Tembisa. This township school was purposively selected as the narrator used to teach the EFAL in grade 5. The findings indicate that a teacher with high teacher efficacy can bring transformation in the teaching and learning environment by skilfully facilitating or encouraging the learners to participate in the interaction that would achieve the communication competence. Recommendations were made on how EFAL teachers can use the classroom learning centres, scaffolding, scripting, posters, and diaries to enhance learners’ communicative competence in the target language.