Information About Wonder - Pretoria tutor

Personal Description:

A continual thirst for knowledge and understanding of languages led me to complete an undergraduate degree in education majoring in isiZulu as the central focal point. The desire to impart my knowledge and love of learning to teaching drove and is still driving me to continue pursue postgraduate studies as I am currently doing my Masters degree in African languages. My experience in teaching across the curriculum; teaching as a student teacher as well as an experienced educator, has widened my understanding of progression in this subject, and the importance of relational understanding to support children is future learning. My 4-5 years’ experience teaching at St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls and 1-2 years as an isiZulu FAL HOD, during my placements I worked collaboratively with colleagues in all areas of the curriculum. This included: to teach grade 5-7 isiZulu FAL.

In my role as an isiZulu Educator at St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls, I proved to be efficient, positive and enthusiastic team member and leader as Head of Department. My value was realized when I helped structure the curriculum and year plan for isiZulu in 2016 as there wasn’t a working structure prior. I was then appointed HOD of isiZulu in 2018. Not only did the quality of isiZulu improve but the school was able to take part in Shared Assessments with other schools in 2017 and participated with depth in important celebrations like Africa Day, Heritage Day and isiZulu evenings which we hosted one night annually.

I am currently employed by SANTS Private Higher Education Institution as I was part of the team that compiled and reviewed the isiZulu study guides for beginners at college level at SANTS Private Higher Education. I have a deep sense and respect for the isiZulu culture and cultures of others and I am a published poet and currently compiling my own isiZulu poetry.

Tutoring Experience:

Name of Employer : Jafta Mahlangu High School
Position Held : Student teacher [isiZulu HL]
Duration : 13 April – 19 June 2015 (3 months)
Year : 2015

Name of Employer : Solomon Freedom Mahlangu High School
Position Held : Student teacher [isiZulu HL]
Year : 2015
Duration : 20 July – 23 September 2015[3 months]

Name of Employer [Current] : St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls St Mary’s DSG
Position Held : HOD [isiZulu FAL] and Mathematics educator
Duration : Permanent
Year : 2016-2021 July

Name of Employer [Current] : UNISA
Position Held : IsiZulu Translator (tutorial material for History and Sociology)
Year : August 2019 to date

Name of Employer [Current] : SANTS Private Higher Education Institution
Position Held : Lecturer
Duration : Permanent
Year : 2021-present

Tutoring Approach:

My teaching philosophy is greatly influenced by the theory of social constructivism. It highlights that individuals are active participants in the creation of their own knowledge. This informs the manner I conduct teaching and learning. I am also very fond of the ‘flipped classroom approach’ whereby students first must generate their own understanding of a topic to provide feedback. This is to understand that learners and students come to the classroom with some pre-existing knowledge, and this should not be ignored.

My ethos for the classroom stimulates pupils/students to express ideas and expose their level of thinking to share it with others as I believe it is extremely important for them to have control over their learning. Therefore, it is important to create an atmosphere that is conducive and encourages learners to participate and be involved in our daily live conversations.