Position
Lecturer/ Researcher
Department
Centre for Teaching and Learning
Address
Centre for Teaching and Learning
Office
UFS-Sasol Library 368
Miranda Gouws is a Lecturer and the EALN 1508 subject coordinator in the Unit for Language Development (ULD) in the CTL. Miranda has taught English as a Second Language for 10 years at the University of the Free State and in a school setting. She received her Master of Arts degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of South Africa. Her study investigated the effectiveness of DVDs in enhancing student vocabulary development in second-language learning contexts. The study sought to understand students’ perceptions of DVD subtitles and their level of vocabulary knowledge. It also examined the extent to which watching a DVD with or without intralingual subtitles could improve students’ vocabulary recognition and recall.
She is currently busy with her PhD in the same field, with special focus on curriculum design, entitled Academic literacy development support to Natural and Agricultural students: An impact evaluation. Her expertise lies in teaching English as a second language to first-year university students using content-based instruction methodology and has presented at international conferences in her field. She has a passion for her work and believes in helping learners become successful and develop excellent academic language skills in English.
Miranda is also involved in teaching a language course for the Business School and she regularly presents workshops and training for staff and student development. Her work in the ULD includes coordinating the English Literacy course for Natural and Agricultural Sciences (EALN1508). Areas of special interest include researching and developing second-language vocabulary acquisition, language learning and teaching, ESL teacher training, and developing course and learning materials.
Publications (Short List)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Language learning and teaching
English for Academic Purposes
Vocabulary Learning
Academic Literacy for Natural and Agricultural Sciences (EALN 1508)
Business Communication (PDCB 2611, PDCB 2621)