Degrees Held
- B.A Degree. University of the North (Limpopo) (1993).
- Bed Honours in Educational Linguistics: English Language Teaching. University of Johannesburg (RAU) (2010).
- Masters in Educational Linguistics: English Language Teaching. University of Johannesburg (RAU) (2013).
- Ph.D. in Languages, Linguistics & Literature. University of South Africa (2021).
Research Interests
- Currently developing reading and writing assessment material for the Department of Basic Education (a research project funded by Old Mutual South Africa) regarding the benchmarking of African languages (e.g., Xitsonga).
- Conducted qualitative case study for isiZulu reading anthologies in KZN – a research project of the Department of Basic Education in partnership with Wits Consortium.
- Sole authored research article: “Early grade reading trajectory in Xitsonga: A longitudinal study of Grade 1 learners in a rural setting of Limpopo Province.” (Under consideration).
- Sole authored research article: “What are the launching conditions for the early grade reading trajectory in Xitsonga? A study of Grade 1 Xitsonga classrooms in Limpopo Province.” (Under review).
Teaching Interests
- The ability to provide excellent subject knowledge,
- Willingness to help students
- The ability to provide inspirational teaching methods.
- Being humorous
- The ability to provide speedy feedback
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
Journal Articles
- Pillay, A., Khosa, M., Campbell, B., Nyika, N & Sheik, A. (2021). African female university students’ experiences of online education at home within the realities of a pandemic. Journal of Education, 31-47.
- Pillay, A., Khosa, M., Sheik, A., Campbell, B., Mthembu, B & Nyika, N. (2021). How home contexts of South African university students shape their experiences of emergency remote teaching and learning. Student Success, 12(3), pp. 37-47.
- Pillay, A., Campbell, B., Sheik, A., Khosa, M & Nyika, N. (2021). South African Pre-Service Teachers’ Experiences of Online Education at Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Teacher Education, pp. 1-19.
Community Involvement
- 2021. DBE Terms of Reference: Qualitative Case Study. Conducted qualitative case study for isiZulu reading anthologies in KZN – a research project of the Department of Basic Education in partnership with Wits Consortium.
- 2021. Setting Benchmarks for Early Grade Reading. Currently developing reading and writing assessment material for the Department of Basic Education (a research project funded by Old Mutual South Africa) regarding the benchmarking of African languages.
Teaching Expertise
- First and Second Language Acquisition
- Multilingualism
- Literacy development
- Early Grade Reading
- Language in Education Policy
Student Supervision
Honours
Masters
PhD
Honours
- Nokuphiwa Minenhle Thusi (2012/2018). Overcoming anxiety during oral presentations in an English FAL classroom.
- Zanele Mkhize (2018/2019). Understanding academic writing difficulties for the undergraduate students.
- Denzel Ntsika Nkabinde (2020/2021). Poor writing skills in high schools: A study of South African English First Additional Language learners’ in a rural setting.
- Bongiwe Ntuli (2021/in progress). Teaching English First Additional Language Structures and Conventions in the South African Intermediate Phase classrooms (Grades 4-6).
- Kusturie Govender (2021/in progress). Challenges of learning English as a second language at the high school level.
Masters
- Priscilla Phumlile Magwaza (2021/in progress). Assessing Oral Language Skills: A Study of Grade 4 English First Additional Language Teachers in the Pinetown District in KwaZulu Natal.
PhD
- Cleopatra Musa Mzobe (2019/in progress). Teaching English First Additional Language listening comprehension: A study of Grade 4 learners in the Ugu District of KwaZulu Natal.