Transitioning learners from literacy instruction in local languages to English in Zambia: teacher practices and parental responses

In Zambian primary schools, children begin learning to read in one of seven Zambian languages, transitioning to English as the language of instruction by fifth grade. Research on early-exit language transition in this context is limited. This case study aimed to examine this transition in four primary schools in Serenje, Zambia. Study participants included teachers, parents, and Ministry of Education officials. We found that phonics-based approaches were frequently used by grade 3 and 4 teachers to scaffold transition, as well as learner-centred approaches. A recurrent theme was the lack of sufficient teaching and learning materials to support transition. We found a great deal of support for initial literacy instruction in local languages among parents, in contrast with much of the literature on parental preferences, but parents identified the same challenges as teachers regarding the lack of materials to support language transition. We recommend the development of a specific transition curriculum for Grades 3 and 4, in alignment with the National Literacy Framework; corresponding alignment of the pre-service and in-service teacher training systems; and the provision by the government of sufficient materials specifically designed to support transition, including home reading materials.