Mathematics and science education research, policy and practice in South Africa: What are the relationships?

Mathematics Education System in South Africa

“…Furthermore, mathematics is expected to integrate a critical, democratic and mathematical competence such that citizenry participates meaningfully in the growing economy. Consequently, South African citizens would then be able to grasp the mathematical basis implicit in the decisions taken for or against them [9].…”

“…In essence, the developmental challenge for mathematics education is not confined to particular parts of the world, South Africa is included. Venkat et al [9] proposed a significant new role in contributing to the acceleration of eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality and universal primary education. The author further suggests that mathematicians and mathematics educators need to work together, from different levels of the education system, in different aspects of research and practice, from different perspectives, and from different parts of the world.…”

“…The author further suggests that mathematicians and mathematics educators need to work together, from different levels of the education system, in different aspects of research and practice, from different perspectives, and from different parts of the world. This according to [9] would address poverty, injustices, inequity, illiteracy and access to education. In addition, Venkat et al [9] suggest that in order to create employment and to fight poverty, mathematics education can be used to empower people with knowledge and skills that are necessary to reach the targeted economic growth rates.…”

“…This according to [9] would address poverty, injustices, inequity, illiteracy and access to education. In addition, Venkat et al [9] suggest that in order to create employment and to fight poverty, mathematics education can be used to empower people with knowledge and skills that are necessary to reach the targeted economic growth rates. The author further argues mathematics is required to analyze most of the skills areas of the economic sectors that are being targeted to ensure growth is achieved in the country.…”

“…Thus, mathematics is on the one hand regarded as a gateway subject, a requirement for admission to learning a large number of these high-status, high-paying professions. On the other hand, it also functions as a gatekeeper, a sorting mechanism used to keep some people who fail to learn and perform at the requisite levels or are failed by the education system [9]. In this way, the teaching and learning of mathematics stratify the society.…”