Material evaluation of communicative competence in a Setswana beginner language learning course

Abstract

This study investigated the possible facilitation of communicative competence development in adult beginner learners of Setswana in a set of self-access course materials. The overarching aim was to evaluate this set of self-access course materials to determine whether, and how, it facilitated the successful development of everyday communicative competence. Following a material evaluation procedure, a mixed method of data evaluation was used, including qualitative and quantitative data. New criteria were created to evaluate the set of self-access course materials. Results suggest that successful communicative competence development in Setswana is only possible if the self-access set of course materials is tailored to emphasise communication within varying social and cultural contexts. This can be accomplished by focusing on both form and function, while equipping learners with the necessary strategies to combat any external factors that might inhibit their language development.