The impact of informal settlement environment on learning strategies for grade seven learners in South Africa

Abstract

The interest of this study was to research and investigate how the impact of informal settlement environment on learning strategies for grade seven learners in South Africa, their application or non-application of the learning strategies when learning affect their school performance in Technology as a learning area. This research is based on literature study related to previous research about learning strategies and home environment of informal settlements. Children are our most precious assets. They need to be secure and well nourished. Children must have opportunities to learn and develop within a family, school and community. They need self - actualisation to realise their potential, to instil positive self-esteem and to be respected and recognised. Social needs such as, to be loved, accepted, cared for and for belongingness, protection and peace of mind, physical needs like shelter, rest, food, water and oxygen (fresh air) are also a pre-requisite to a healthy mind and body. Acquisition of all the needs stated above would enable a child to achieve better results at school. The learning strategies used in the study have been given and defined for this study, focus was on elaboration study of complex learning tasks with special reference given on summarising, paraphrasing and self-questioning. From findings, which were based on observations conducted, it was clear that most learners struggled to apply learning strategies in their learning. Some also had it tough by mere identifying them, some though responded very well after given few examples which indicates that, with proper guidance, children can master using and identifying learning strategies whilst learning. Those who managed to use learning strategies correctly performed well, which indicates that mastering of learning strategies increases the leaners schools achievement.