1. Tutoring scientific subject matter in students’ mother tongue Faculty of Health Sciences Stellenbosch University AJN Louw; M de Villiers; M van Heusden

2. Structure of talk Background Tutor groups Work done Discussion - Students - Tutors - Fringe benefits Recommendations

3. Background Health Sciences Curriculum – Phase I Chemistry for Health Sciences module offer to first year students MB,ChB; BSc Physiotherapy; BSc Dietetics Semester module – in the first semester of the first year

4. Medium of instruction T-option to all undergraduate modules Exception in 2010 Chemistry E-option Accommodate Afrikaans speaking students Chemistry-Tutor project

5. Chemistry-Tutor Mother tongue project (Kasiway) Originally aimed at Afrikaans mother tongue students Broaden aim – also included African mother tongue students Invited students Identified tutors

6. Tutor groups 79 students participated on regular basis 10 tutor groups were formed 7 Afrikaans and 3 African Language groups (isiXhosa and Sotho) Discussions at least once a week

7. Work done Semi-structured focus group interviews with students as well as tutors Individual interviews with tutors and students Individual interview with lecturer Individual questionnaire to all participating students Performance analysis of participating students

8. Discussion (students) Initial fear and anxiety caused initial influx of interest in mother tongue tutor groups Eased off within weeks Students from Afrikaans medium schools or classes

9. Discussion (students) Very enthusiastic and positive Not always about the language – about the extra opportunity Appreciation for faculty creating a platform

10. Discussion (tutors) The role of the tutor was more important as initially thought Initial pressure on tutors were high Very good interaction between lecturer and tutors Positive and cooperative attitude of lecturer

11. Discussion Very good results from participating students Pass rate = 92.4% Distinctions = 29%

12. Discussion (Benefits) Academic group work peer teaching & learning meta-cognition motivation safe space Social friendship social integration belong to not alienated

13. Recommendations Continued project in 2011 Specific tutor selection and training In depth investigation e.g. into: -Role of faculty -Possible change of perceptions at students - Difference (or not) between students from Afrikaans medium schools and students from A/E schools

14. Final Providing space where students can communicate in their mother tongue about scientific subject matter, contributed towards mastering the subject matter enhancing the development of critical generic skills that students need to function optimally at university

15. Acknowledgements Mr John Ruiters (CTL) Me Jean Farmer (CTL) Mr Vusi April (Dept Anatomy FHS)