scholarly journals Issues and challenges influencing school improvement opportunities for science and mathematics

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 1300-1318
Author(s):  
Maria Tsakeni ◽  
Paul Munje ◽  
Loyiso Jita
Keyword(s):  
School Improvement ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
School Context ◽  
Curriculum Policy ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Interpretive Study ◽  
Systems Leadership ◽  
Concept Building ◽  
And Mathematics

This qualitative interpretive study explores issues and challenges influencing school improvement opportunities for Science and Mathematics in selected South African high schools through a systems leadership lens. Unstructured interviews were conducted with 13 participants comprising a principal, deputy principals, heads of department (HODs) for Science and Mathematics, and Mathematics and Physical Sciences teachers in four schools. The data from the interviews were analysed using the constant comparison techniques, allowing for inductive theme and concept building through abstraction. Findings show that participants, irrespective of school context, were generally eager to enhance the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics. These challenges include the curriculum policy, the role of the district education office, professional development, learner‑related challenges, and resources. It is recommended that the Department of Basic Education work closely with the relevant stakeholders, including teachers, to ensure context-friendly educational policies, thus ameliorating implementation challenges.     Keywords: Issues and challenges, Science and Mathematics, school improvement, systems leadership

scholarly journals Multilingualism as Curriculum Policy in Cameroon Education System

2020 ◽  
pp. 26-35
Author(s):  
Yaro Loveline
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Indigenous Languages ◽  
National Language ◽  
Curriculum Policy ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
The Government

The concern on the effective inclusion of indigenous languages in the school curriculum has been central to educational discussions among scholars and stakeholders. It is true that language as a medium of communication is very vital for sustainable growth in any society. However, the level of implementation of the policy of multilingualism in classrooms in Cameroon poses so many pedagogical challenges. While the Government is collaborating with private agencies such as PROPELCA(Cameroon National Language Association) in introducing the teaching of national languages in primary schools,  and though the Government through the Ministry of Basic Education has also created an inspectorate in charge of the introduction of indigenous languages in Primary schools, there still exist some resistance from stakeholders to introduce the teaching of native languages in the curriculum of schools despite recommendations made in the 1995 education forum and the provision in article 4 section 5 of the 1998 Education Law. The study argues that, since the introduction of multilingualism as curriculum policy in Cameroon, its implementation is still at the pilot stage. Using the Historical analytic approach, data was collected from primary and secondary sources in establishing the level of use of the curriculum policy of multilingualism as a guide to teaching and learning in schools in Cameroon.

scholarly journals Trend Analysis of Students’ Academic Performance in Selected Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Subjects in Ogun State Basic Education Certificate Examination (OG-BECE), Nigeria, from 2011 to 2015: A Projection for Five Years

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-116
Author(s):  
Peter Abayomi Onanuga ◽  
◽  
Adewale O. Saka ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Trend Analysis ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Certificate Examination ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Mathematics

The study investigated the trend of performance of students in selected Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) conducted by Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Nigeria. The study adopted an ex post facto research design to carry out the trend analysis of students’ results in the examination from 2011 to 2015. All the students that enrolled and sat for the BECE examinations constituted the target population while the students that sat for the selected STEM subjects (Mathematics, Basic Science, and Basic Technology) within the years under review constituted the sample for the study. The results of these students were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel with its in-built trend line capabilities. The results showed that students performed well in the selected STEM subjects in the years under review. Furthermore, the study revealed that while performance in other subjects will continue to improve steadily, performance in mathematics will dwindle between 2016 and 2018 and then will begin to steadily improve from 2019 to 2020. It is recommended that the government should continue to support teaching and learning of STEM subjects in all tiers of education.

scholarly journals A CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO NA APRENDIZAGEM: PERCEPÇÕES DE DOCENTES DE CIÊNCIAS E MATEMÁTICA

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Caroline Maffi ◽  
Thaísa Laiara Prediger ◽  
João Bernardes da Rocha Filho ◽  
Maurivan Güntzel Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Motivation To Learn ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
The Subject ◽  
And Mathematics

O presente artigo apresenta uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa a respeito das percepções de docentes sobre a contextualização na aprendizagem de Ciências e Matemática. A questão central dessa pesquisa é: quais as percepções de professores da Educação Básica sobre a contextualização na aprendizagem de Ciências e Matemática? Para respondê-la, 17 docentes escreveram depoimentos sobre o tema, os quais foram analisados por meio da Análise Textual Discursiva (ATD). Para tanto, os depoimentos dos docentes foram desconstruídos em unidades de sentido, as quais foram agrupadas em categorias emergentes iniciais. Essas, ao serem reagrupadas por semelhança originaram as duas categorias finais de análise: contextualização como modo de aprender com significado em Ciências e Matemática e contextualização como modo de motivar para aprender. Como principal conclusão, os participantes da pesquisa percebem que a contextualização possibilita a construção de significações e relações entre os saberes – aqueles que os estudantes já possuem com os conhecimentos científicos. Além disso, destacam-se a importância de práticas interdisciplinares e da motivação como geradora de interesse e participação ativa do estudante. Pelas respostas dos docentes, depreende-se, ainda, que a contextualização nos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem é possibilidade de problematizar a sua realidade, o que contribui para a formação de sujeitos críticos e autônomos.Palavras-chave: Contextualização em ciências e matemática. Aprendizagem com significado. Motivação para aprender.ABSTRACTThe present article shows a qualitative research on the teachers’ perceptions about the contextualization in Science and Mathematics learning. The research main question is: Which are the teachers’ perceptions about contextualization during Science and Mathematics learning in basic education? In order to answer that, 17 teachers wrote testimonies on the subject, which were analyzed through Discursive Textual Analysis (DTA). For this, teachers’ statements were deconstructed in units of meaning, which were grouped into initial emergent categories. These, when regrouped by similarity, gave rise to the two final categories of analysis: contextualization as a way of learning with meaning in Science and Mathematics and contextualization as a way of motivating to learn. As a main conclusion, the participants of the research realize that contextualization allows the construction of meanings and relations between the knowledge - those that the students already possess with the scientific knowledge. In addition, the importance of interdisciplinary practices and motivation as a generator of interest and active student participation are highlighted by this research. From the teachers’ responses, it can also be seen that the contextualization in the teaching and learning processes is a possibility to problematize their reality, which contributes to the formation of critical and autonomous thinkers.Keywords: Contextualization in science and mathematics. Meaningful learning. Motivation to learn.

scholarly journals Fluência tecnológico-pedagógica na produção de Recursos Educacionais Abertos (REA) / Technological-pedagogical fluency in the production of Open Educational Resources (OER)

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-205
Author(s):  
Sabrina Bagetti ◽  
Eunice Maria Mussoi ◽  
Elena Maria Mallmann
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
School Context ◽  
Open Educational Resources ◽  
Educational Resources ◽  
Educational Technologies ◽  
Implementation Evaluation ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Santa Maria

 RESUMO: A preocupação temática geradora desta pesquisa está centrada na integração das tecnologias educacionais em rede no Ensino Superior, com foco na produção, adaptação e compartilhamento de Recursos Educacionais Abertos (REA). Investigou-se as implicações da fluência tecnológico-pedagógica na produção de videoaulas no formato REA. O grupo de envolvidos foram os docentes e estudantes do curso de Licenciatura em Letras Espanhol matriculados no componente curricular Políticas Públicas Educacionais e Gestão da Educação Básica, do primeiro semestre de 2017, na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Metodologicamente realizaram-se observação participante, registro e análise dos procedimentos que envolvem videoaulas no formato REA. Para tanto, a concepção teórico-metodológica da pesquisa-ação orientou o estudo no estabelecimento de etapas cíclicas de planejamento, implementação, avaliação e replanejamento das ações pedagógicas. Os resultados apontam que videoaulas no formato REA são ferramentas de integração das tecnologias no contexto escolar. Por isso, elas potencializam o desenvolvimento da fluência tecnológico-pedagógica emancipatória na formação de professores. Conclusivamente, no ensino-aprendizagem mediado por REA, a finalidade de potencializar (co)autoria, dentre outros elementos formadores, constitui movimento de mobilização do conhecimento escolar.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: recursos educacionais abertos; fluência tecnológico-pedagógica; tecnologia educacional.ABSTRACT:  The thematic concern generating this research is centered in the promotion of the integration of the educational technologies in network in Higher Education, focusing on the production and adaptation of Open Educational Resources (OER). In this sense, we propose to investigate the implications of technological-pedagogical fluency in the production of videoaulas in the OER format. The group involved were the teachers and students of the degree in Letras/Spanish, enrolled in the Discipline of Public Educational Policies and Management of Basic Education, in the first term of 2017, at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). Methodologically, we conducted participant observation, registering, and analyses of the procedures that involve the production of video classes in the REA format. For this, we were guided by the theoretical-methodological conceptions of action research, establishing cyclical stages of planning, implementation, evaluation and replanning in our pedagogical actions. The results indicate that the use of OER as tools for integrating technologies in the school context, potentiate the development of emancipatory technological-pedagogical fluency in initial teacher training. Conclusively in the REA-mediated teaching and learning, the purpose of promoting authorship and co-authorship, among other formative elements, consisted of a movement also to mobilize knowledge in school.KEYWORDS: open educational resources; technological-pedagogical fluency; technology integration.

scholarly journals High school learners views on benefits derived from attending career talks: Need for sound career guidance

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zamandlovu S. Makola ◽  
Pumeza Saliwe ◽  
Itumeleng Dube ◽  
Ramodungoane Tabane ◽  
Awelani V. Mudau
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Career Guidance ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
School Context ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
School Level ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
High School Level ◽  
And Mathematics

Tertiary institutions in South Africa are experiencing alarming undergraduate drop-out rates. This has partly been attributed to students’ inadequate preparation, and failure to gather information on, and planning for, their careers. The need for sound career guidance at the high school level is key, making the role of Life Orientation (LO) increasingly prominent. The aim of this study was to determine what benefits high school learners derive from attending career talks. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted with Grade 10 learners studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at a township high school in Mamelodi, Tshwane. Data were collected using a qualitative questionnaire and analysed thematically. The findings demonstrated the importance of role models sharing information on their careers and work experiences. Another finding pertained to the importance of information on diverse careers, for the development of learners’ career self-efficacy as students of STEM in a township high school context. The findings highlight the importance of LO teachers organising career workshops. The study will benefit the Department of Basic Education, businesses, and employers as key stakeholders, by helping to enhance the career development of future employees and entrepreneurs.

scholarly journals Integrating numerical cognition research and mathematics education to strengthen the teaching and learning of early number

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Hawes ◽  
Rebecca Merkley ◽  
Daniel Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Numerical Cognition ◽  
School Context ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Number Line ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Number Line Estimation ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
And Mathematics

This study reports on the design, implementation, and effects of a 16-week (25-hour) mathematics Professional Development (PD) model for K-3 educators (N=45) and their students (N=180). A central goal of the PD was to better integrate numerical cognition research and mathematics education. The results of the first iteration (Year 1), indicated that compared to a control group, both teachers and students benefitted from the intervention. Teachers demonstrated gains in self-perceived and actual numerical cognition knowledge, while students demonstrated gains in number line estimation, arithmetic, and numeration. In Year 2, teachers in the intervention group demonstrated greater improvements than the control group on a measure of self-perceived numerical cognition knowledge, but no gains in actual numerical cognition knowledge. At the student level, there was some evidence of gains in numeration. Given the mixed findings, questions remain as to why the model may be effective in one school context but not another.

scholarly journals Transdisciplinary relationship between mathematics and accounting

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Msizi V. Mkhize
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Mathematical Content ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Accounting Courses ◽  
Bachelor Of Education ◽  
Education Degree ◽  
Curriculum Specialists ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Undergraduate Teacher Education

Accounting and mathematics are closely related. There is little mathematics content that a profound relationship exists between mathematics and accounting. There is, however, a limited understanding of the nature of this relationship and the extent to which mathematics influences the teaching and learning of accounting. Accounting scholars perform a variety of calculations in accounting courses, making mathematics integral to the successful study of accounting. This investigative study is hinged on transdisciplinary relationship between mathematics and accounting in an undergraduate teacher education degree. The purpose of this article was to identify the mathematics topics required for the study of accounting in a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree curriculum. A detailed analysis of the BEd Accounting course content for Accounting I, II and III regarding mathematical topics students encounter in their accounting modules was undertaken. A content analysis in the form documents was employed. Accounting course packs were analysed for mathematics required in a BEd curriculum. The analysis of accounting course packs revealed a range of mathematical content required for accounting. This finding confirmed the mathematical content needed for accounting, as identified under literature review. This article concludes with the implications for basic education, higher education, textbook writers, curriculum specialists and international policymakers.

Sustaining the Implementation of Dual-Language Programme (DLP) in Malaysian Secondary Schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-97
Author(s):  
Ashairi Suliman ◽  
Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Nor ◽  
Melor Md Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Dual Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Mathematics Students ◽  
Programme Implementation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
And Mathematics

Objective - The implementation of Dual-Language Programmes (DLP) in the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics is an initiative under the ‘Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language’ (MBMMBI) policy. Though it has some similarities with the previous policy known as ‘English for the Teaching of Science and Mathematics’ (PPSMI), its execution is idiosyncratic in its own way. Since its inception in 2016, the programme has entered its third cycle involving students in primary and secondary schools in Malaysia. The curiosity to scrutinise the programme implementation has led to this study. The study aims to investigate the execution of this programme and to assess its sustainability. Methodology/Technique – Gleaning through the students’ language capabilities, attitudes, teachers’ support and acceptance of the programme, the study uses a questionnaire with open-ended questions and focus group discussions to unravel the aforementioned issues. 1,530 students from secondary schools across Malaysia were selected as the respondents of this study. Findings - The results reveal findings that may represent a measure on the direction of this programme. Looking from the student perspective, the challenges confronted in addition to those put forward may further serve as an indicator for the sustainability of the program. Novelty – This study infers how the programme can be further enhanced in terms of its implementation in its fourth year since inception. The findings of this study may assist policy makers in shaping the direction of the programme. Type of Paper: Empirical. Keywords: Dual-Language Programme (DLP); Sustainability; Science and Mathematics; Students; Policy and Programme Implementation. JEL Classification: A20, A23 A29.

Students graduate of the degree course in Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the exercise of teaching profession: findings and implications for basic education

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
A. C. R. Trevisan ◽  
E. P. Trevisan
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Teaching Career ◽  
Professional Performance ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
And Mathematics

In the article we seek to address questions regarding the interest of graduates of a degree course in Natural Sciences and Mathematics in relation to the teaching career in basic education. The course enables its graduates to work in the subjects Science and Mathematics in the final years of elementary school and Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in high school. Our intention is to identify and reflect on the perceptions of these graduates about teaching, highlighting with this inherent aspects to the exercise of this profession in basic education. From the application of questionnaires to graduates of this course, we produced data regarding their performance in basic education, which enabled us to reflect on the national scenario in relation to the exercise of this profession. We could observe that the majority of the students participating in the research are not working in basic education and that the current scenario of devaluation of the teaching career exerts a significant influence in the decision making process of choosing or not the teacher profession for professional performance after graduation.

scholarly journals Problematizing teaching and learning mathematics as “given” in STEM education

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeping Li ◽  
Alan H. Schoenfeld
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Education ◽  
Stem Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Teaching And Learning Mathematics ◽  
Learning Mathematics ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Scientific Engineering

AbstractMathematics is fundamental for many professions, especially science, technology, and engineering. Yet, mathematics is often perceived as difficult and many students leave disciplines in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a result, closing doors to scientific, engineering, and technological careers. In this editorial, we argue that how mathematics is traditionally viewed as “given” or “fixed” for students’ expected acquisition alienates many students and needs to be problematized. We propose an alternative approach to changes in mathematics education and show how the alternative also applies to STEM education.

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