The development of an enabling self-administered questionnaire for enhancing reading teachers' professional pedagogical insights

Word processed copy.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 235-252).There have been many national and provincial studies on children's literacy levels in recent years in South Africa. However, none has determined the teachers' own understandings of the core indicators of an effective reading teacher. During a preliminary feasibility study, the researcher was surprised to discover how many under-qualified teachers there were who had a limited professional understanding of current primary school reading instructions, approaches and practices. To assess more accurately these experienced teachers' perceived professional competencies in teaching reading, the current study reports the development, refinement, validation and implementation of a conveniently self-administered profile of professional competencies designated the "Core Indicators of an Effective Reading Teacher Questionnaire" (CIERTQ)