A case study of input and classroom interaction in a multilingual chemistry class at the Port Elizabeth Technikon

Abstract

This study examines input and interactional modifications in a multilingual chemistry class at the Port Elizabeth Technikon. The investigation constituted observing lectures presented in chemistry and analysing the data so obtained within a framework developed from a study of current theories on the relationship between language and cognition and the role of input. It was further informed by data gathered from interviews with the lecturer, questionnaires administered to the students and separate focus group discussions with first language and second language speakers of English. The conclusion is that the lecturer's interactional and input modifications make the subject content accessible to both first language and second language learners. I have made suggestions for future research in this area in the belief that the data gathered in this case study offers some useful pointers for the retraining of teachers of multilingual classes in a tertiary context.