Comparative Education for Competitive Learners

Abstract

In South Africa e-education and multilingualism is a national development priority in a multilingual society. It is viewed as a national project geared towards attaining and sustaining qualitative education. The acquisition of literacy and multi-literacies is critical for participation in the global world. There is a need to develop cultural competency skills to enhance the ability to practice effective communication in intercultural situations. Collaborative use of digital technology and cultural competency are the best approach to enhance effective and appropriate interaction with people of other cultures. As a social transformation strategy, there is the intention to ensure that educational imbalances of the past are redressed and that equal educational opportunities are provided for all sections of our population. This paper explores the effect of the current education on learners. The study was qualitative in nature within the interpretivism paradigm. Research instruments, namely interviews, classroom observation and document analysis were used to collect data. The study recommended that as the design and the scope of the e-education and multilingualism are multidimensional, they need to be clearly captured in language policies, clearly spelt in the curriculum and teaching modules and be adequately financed for effective implementation for desired outcomes.

Presenters

Mamalatswa Maruma
Director, School of Education, University of Limpopo, Limpopo, South Africa

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Pedagogy and Curriculum

KEYWORDS

CULTURAL COMPETENCY SKILLS, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY, MULTILINGUALISM, E-EDUCATION AND LANGUAGE POLICY