Lexington Books Literacy and Democracy in South African Primary Schools

Literacy and Democracy in South African Primary Schools presents findings based on two research projects conducted in South African primary schools during the same time frame. Working from the South African Foundation Phase curriculum that was introduced in 2009, the first project focused on the introduction of leadership qualities and the election of classroom representatives in 3rd grade classes in four elementary schools. The other introduced process-based writing to teachers and researched the process and products of children's stories. The book describes research experiences from the field, provides a brief overview of the history of the South African education system, and looks ahead to the future transformation of global educational systems. Review This book is a book of great timeliness. South Africa's political and educational circumstances are discussed more and more both within and outside the country. The two authors, Abraham and Barksdale, offer a most sincere and thoughtful view of primary education in South Africa, but also reflections on new curriculum constructions and research methodology. I highly recommend it for everyone interested in issues on education from a societal perspective.--Kerstin von Brömssen, University West, Sweden This book offers a thoughtful and clearly written engagement by two scholars from the US and Sweden who combine to make sense of and contribute some answers to the complexities and challenges facing schooling in South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape.--Mastin Prinsloo, University of Cape Town About the Author Getahun Yacob Abraham is senior lecturer in the Department of Educational Studies at Karlstad University. Mary Alice Barksdale is associate professor and program area leader for the master’s in elementary education at Virginia Tech.