South Africa has been battling with the poor performance of learners in Mathematics for a long time, with the Eastern Cape province being the worst-performing province. The Department of Education and other educational stakeholders have embarked on a journey of searching for solutions. Some of these include the use of Information communication…

Questioning is a fundamental skill in communication because it elicits a productive and accurate response. However, it poses challenges to English second language learners living in deep rural traditional villages. The paper explored the use of wh-questions in reading comprehension text by Grade 10 English First Additional Language learners at…

Developing structure sense is an important part of learning algebra. We investigated learners' structure sense of algebraic expressions involving brackets. This led us to propose the constructs "surface structure" sense and "systemic structure" sense. Using a random sample of 58 Grade 10 learners scoring above 40% in a test, we…

In South Africa, where multilingualism is prevalent, codeswitching--a practice of alternating between languages--plays a significant role in shaping classroom dynamics and learning outcomes. This study explores the beliefs of both teachers and learners regarding code-switching in Life Sciences classrooms. Utilizing quantitative methods, the…

The increased emphasis on implementing effective integrated STEM education calls for in-depth student understanding of the nature of each separate discipline. This study examined how South African Grade 9 and 10 students who had completed 'Natural Sciences and Technology' as a school subject, perceived technology and its relationship with science…

This article explores the possibilities of a cheap one-dollar microscope, the Foldscope, for enhancing out-of-school science education. Developed by Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski from Stanford University, these origami-type paper microscopes make it possible to provide all students with their own microscopes, due to the low cost. This provides…

South Africa lags behind in terms of competing globally in science and technology. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate teacher factors that influenced learners' motivation to learn science in a secondary school. The study also aimed to determine whether significant differences in motivation regarding teacher influence existed among…

Examples that teachers choose and use are fundamental to what mathematics is taught and learned, and what opportunities for learning are created in mathematics classrooms. This qualitative multiple case study, using Sfard's commognitive theory, draws attention to mathematics teachers' classroom practices during functions lessons which is…

In this article, we report on findings from a study that explored perspectives of Grade 10-12 learners from two rural secondary schools in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa on the nature of mathematics prior to and at the end of a year-long mathematics mentorship programme. We use Ernest's (1994) orientations about the nature of…

A widely used instrument was implemented to ascertain the mathematical modelling competency displayed by a cohort of South African learners in grade 10 and grade 12 of the school mathematics programme in South Africa. The cohort comprised 471 grade 10 and 200 grade 12 learners from schools serving learners from low socio-economic status…

This study examined the relationship between language difficulties and learner's errors in financial mathematics, and it employed a quantitative research approach using a case study design. The population for the study consisted of all grade 10 mathematical literacy (ML) learners from three selected schools in East London District, from which 40…

The field of mathematics education has seen an increase in research focused on the concept of identity, with many researchers focusing on the role of teacher pedagogies in shaping learners' identities and their participation in and engagement with mathematics. In this paper, the actual and narrated practices of two teachers, which incorporate…

The aim of this study was to examine if any pedagogical paradigm shift has taken place in enhancing authentic teaching and learning in secondary schools. It explored the pedagogical practices currently employed in secondary schools. The theory underpinning the study was the 21st century pedagogy for teaching and learning. A qualitative research…

Resilience can be viewed as successful adaptation despite challenging or threatening circumstances (e.g. poverty). This article reports on an investigation of which the primary aim was to establish how additional educational support enhances adolescents' resilience and academic performance. A quantitative approach was followed using two schools.…

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become an increasingly worrying phenomenon among adolescents and young adults. This study sought to address the paucity of data about the prevalence, nature, and functions of NSSI in the South African context. The Inventory of Statements about Self-harm and the Beck Depression Inventory-II were administered to…