Applicability of Apprenticeship Model on Language Development of 4-5 Year Olds in Masvingo, Zimbabwe

this research examined the applicability of apprenticeship model on language development of 4-5year olds at Gangare cluster, Bikita in Zimbabwe with the aim of identifying principles of apprenticeship model like active participation, scaffolding, and imitation. This study is informed by the theories of Barbara Rogoff and Lev Vygotsky. Both theories share the principle of Social-Constructivism. Social-Cultural theory and apprenticeship model view education as socially constructed. Therefore, the study views societal members as very important for young learners’ language development. Qualitative research paradigm was employed by the researcher during the research. The researcher used a descriptive design. The purposive sampling method was employed to get the sample of twenty (20) pupils and two caregivers who participated in the research. Findings were inferred from the employed observations and interviews. This study established that principles of the apprenticeship model, effectively contribute to children’s language development. The results of this study revealed that limited resources, incorrect staffing, lack of staff development sessions and high enrolment affect children’s language development. The research study proposed that school administrators should monitor school enrolment for the school not to be under or overstaffed and that schools should schedule and organize staff development sessions and workshops for teachers to develop the language of 4-5-year-olds.