An investigation into the mediation of the representation of gender roles in God of women : a critical discourse analysis of pedagogic practices in selected Namibian schools

Abstract

This is a qualitative study designed to investigate the role of pedagogical practices in the mediation of stereotypical gender representations in the drama God of Women by Sifiso Nyathi (1998). This drama is one of the literature setworks for Grade 9 English Second Language learners in Namibian Secondary schools. Fairclough's (2012) Critical Discourse Analysis was used as a research design, as well as the conceptual and analytical framework. The analysis of this drama by teachers during the teaching and learning process, pedagogic practices they employ, learners' engagement in classroom activities, and the nature of comments that teachers write on students' assignment, based on God of Women, formed part of the unit of analysis. The study explored teachers' pedagogical practices during English Literature teaching to gain insight into whether and how teachers shape learners' engagement with literature to promote critical thinking. Focus on the mediation process ('teacher talks around the text') concerned a close analysis of teachers' engagement with the text during lessons. Semi-structured interviews, classroom observation and documentary evidence were used to generate data. The research site and study participants were purposively sampled.