Front from left: Prof Judit Moschkovich (USA), Núria Planas (Spain), Prof Paola Valero (Denmark), Anjum Halai (Pakistan), Prof Mamokgethi Setati (Unisa), Martha Villavicencio (Peru), Prof Maria Do Carmo Domite (Brazil) & Prof Jill Adler (Wits, SA) Back from left: Dr Mercy Kazima (Malawi), Prof Phil Clarkson (Australia), Bernard Hodgson (Canada) Prof Richard Barwell (Canada) & Prof Sinfree Makoni (Zimbabwe/USA) |
Prof Setati, Executive Dean of CSET, hosted the first meeting of the International Programme Committee of Study 21, commissioned by the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction, from 16 to 20 February 2009.
The study is entitled "(Re)-sourcing mathematics teaching and learning in multilingual contexts". Across the developed and developing world, the teaching and learning of mathematics increasingly occurs in contexts of linguistic and cultural diversity, whether through national or international migration, increased access to schooling or simply a greater recognition of linguistic diversity.
During their visit, they reflected on strategies that educators in multilingual classrooms can use to teach mathematics effectively to learners who are still in the process of learning English. The main aim of this study is to investigate how we understand and can intervene in these situations so as to enhance the learning, teaching and understanding of mathematics. The study is co-chaired by Prof Mamokgethi Setati of Unisa and Prof Maria Do Carmo Domite of the University of Sao Paolo, Brazil.
According to Prof Setati, “the world is becoming more multilingual and therefore this study is very important not only for South Africa but also for mathematics education internationally. Given our experience in South Africa and the pioneering work we have done in this area of study, we are better positioned to take leadership in the work of the study." |
