Clueless kids

The department of basic education last year did random tests on samples of pupils in all SAs schools. While the departments report intentionally avoids details on what specic methodology was used, it draws broad conclusions about many of our schoolchildren. While some strengths were noted, the ndings make it clear that learners in grades 3, 6 and 9 struggle to read or write independently, and their understanding of mathematical concepts is dismal, to say the least

This question on the left, for example, gave a price list and then posed questions. Below is a typical learner response to a question based on the above prompt

Calculate the answers

Mathematics: Pupils cant perform simple calculations involving speed, distance and time They cant deal with converting measures (such as grams to kilograms) Most dont comprehend number concepts such as

counting forwards and backwards They dont grasp geometric spaces and shapes They cant perform calculations based on algebraic expressions and equations that involve exponents and factorisation

The above example is a typical response to illustrate incorrect understanding of how time is represented and the kinds of computations that show weak knowledge of factual information about time Circle the letter of the correct answer

Language: Many pupils cannot read with comprehension Many write words and sentences that are completely incoherent Pupils cant make correct inferences from information in

grammar is very limited They struggle to spell frequently used words Handwriting, particularly in the foundation phases, leaves much to be desired

Their knowledge of

a text

Many of the responses that Grade 9 learners gave in instances where they were asked to provide written outputs based on what they had read in the given passages showed that the learners lacked basic skills in language use. The typical example on the right illustrates some of the outputs from the learners

The learner wrote: Take a wrong tane.

Source: Department of basic education Diagnostic Report: Annual National Assessment 2012 and Sipho Masondo

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