- Title
- An investigation into the role that knowledge of the nature of mathematics and other factors play in determining motivation for further study of mathematics after std 7 in selected provincial secondary schools
- Creator
- Arguile, David Ian
- ThesisAdvisor
- Marsh, T
- Date
- 1988
- Type
- Thesis
- Type
- Masters
- Type
- MEd
- Identifier
- vital:1352
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001418
- Description
- This study involves an investigation into reasons why pupils continue with mathematics after Std 7. The sample, consisting of Std 8 and Std 10 mathematics pupils at six academic, English-medium high schools in Port Elizabeth, had to complete a short questionnaire during the third term of 1985. It was found that most pupils continue with mathematics because of requirements for certain post-matric courses, to improve their career options and for other reasons classified in this investigation as "extrinsic", i.e. reasons that are not directly related to the nature of mathematics. An attempt is made to determine the extent of the pupils' knowledge of the nature of mathematics. Questions relating to the nature of mathematics are poorly answered by almost all of the pupils, thereby suggesting that this aspect of mathematics is sadly neglected in mathematics courses. The suggestion is made that this lack of knowledge of the nature of mathematics is linked to pupils' decisions to continue with the subject. The conclusion is drawn that unless more attention is given to conveying to pupils something of the nature of mathematics, there will be an increasing proportion of pupils who choose to continue with mathematics for the "wrong" reasons. This, in turn, has possible negative implications for mathematics education in general. Attention is also paid to differences re the above in respect of groupings based on standard, mathematical grade, sex, mathematical achievement and type of schooling. Although no conclusive findings are made other than with regard to specific questions, enough evidence of differences in certain of the groupings is produced to warrant further investigation
- Format
- 111 leaves, pdf
- Publisher
- Rhodes University, Faculty of Education, Education
- Language
- English
- Rights
- Arguile, David Ian
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Collections
RU Department of Education
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