Contribution of Ineffective Teaching and Learning of Mathematics to Regional Disparities in Socio Economic Development in Africa
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Date
2003
Authors
Rukangu, S. M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Causes of diversified curriculum changes in US.A, Europe and Russia have basically been technological compared
to other regions. Yet, mathematics has consistently remained a central and important subject in all school curriculum
levels. Its immense relationship with other subject areas has created not only pressure on students 'performance
in various examinations but also acts as "frustrating belts" for their future careers. Various policy changes, threatening
demands for specific entries into the different career training institutions emphasize on mathematical grades .
. Direct employment requirements and teaching styles for teachers have often used mathematics for selection purposes.
Yet, real mathematical knowledge for socioeconomic development is least solicited from individuals.
Priorities for alleviating poor results in mathematics have been identified in various African countries such as
Kenya, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Nevertheless, the improvement, if any, is minimal while socio-economic development
continues to drop. Poor socioeconomic development can be linked to poor learning in mathematics. Currently
the subject s learning procedures produce few individuals with good grades in mathematics and majority with poor
grades. It is important to note that good grades per se are not sufficient to enhance socioeconomic development in
Africa. There are other mathematical issues that are closely related to such development, which the teaching and
learning of mathematics must address. This paper addresses such issues including problem solving and equity for
mathematical education. Others are issues relating to poverty, politics and forming a wider learning environment
for mathematics education in schools. Unless such issues, and the equity in mathematics in particular are fully
addressed, the students' endless poor performance will continue to form a strong base for poor socioeconomic
performance in Africa. This is the essence of this paper at this forum
Description
Paper presented at the Disparities in developing countries types, challenges and the way forward fourth international conference proceedings of the association of third world studies, inc. Kenya Chapter, held at Kenyatta University Nairobi, Kenya, September 17th to 19th, 2003