Dr T Makgakga

Expertise

• Language of teaching and learning of mathematics
• Learners’ errors and misconceptions in mathematics
• Senior and Further Education and Training Phase teacher professional development
• Teaching and learning of equations and functions

Qualifications

• HDE (University of Limpopo)
• BEd Honours in Mathematics Education (University of Limpopo)
• MEd (Mathematics Education ) (University of Johannesburg)
• Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Mathematics and Science Education (North-West University)

Fields of academic interests

Research Interests:

• Mathematics teaching and learning of algebra and functions;
• Errors and misconceptions in mathematics;
• Mathematics teacher professional development;
• Mathematical pedagogical and content knowledge for teaching;
• Language issues in teaching and learning mathematics in rural schools

Field of Specialisation

• Mathematics Education

Journal articles

• Makgakga, S. (2011). Instructional approaches used in teaching Grade 11 quadratic equation in a context of South African Schools of Limpopo Province, Amesa, University of Witwatersrand.
• Makgakga, S. (2012). Teaching and learning of algebraic functions. Amesa, Cape Town.
• Makgakga, S. (2013). Teaching exponential function using transformation approach. Amesa, Limpopo Province.
• Makgakga, S., & Sepeng, P. (2013). Teaching and learning the mathematical exponential and logarithmic functions: A transformation approach. A special Issue of Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 4(13), 165-172.
• Makgakga, S. (2014). Error discourse analysis in solving quadratic equations by completing a square. Amesa, Kimberly.
• Makgakga, S. & Sepeng, P. (2014). Teacher-outsourcing as a strategy to improve Grade 12 academic performance. Institute for Science and Technology education (ISTE), Kruger National Park.
• Makgakga, S. (2015). Rural school leaners’ perceptions of environmental variables influencing academic performance in Mathematics in Limpopo, South Africa. Amesa, University of Limpopo.
• Makgakga, S. & Ngoepe, M.G. (2015). Learners’ conceptions in understanding Grade 4   fractions. South African Society for Education (Unisa), North West Province.
• Makgakga, S. (2016). Learners’ performance and difficulties in solving quadratic equations by factorisation: A case study of six secondary schools in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Amesa, Nelspruit.
• Makgakga, S., & Makwakwa, E. (2016). Exploring learners’ difficulties in solving Grade 12 calculus: A case study of one secondary school in Polokwane district. ISTE, Kruger National Park.
• Machaba, F., & Makgakga, S. (2016). Grade 9 learners’ understanding of the concept of equal sign: A Case-study of one of the schools in Soshanguve. ISTE Conference, Kruger National Park.
• Makgakga, S. (2017). Grade 8 learners’ conceptions in solving the magnitude of unknown angles. EASA conference, Bloemfontein.
• Makgakga, S., & Phala, T. (2017). Student teachers’ experiences when teaching algebraic equations using connections: A case of two Grade 8 mathematics teachers in Lephalale District. ICTPED Conference, Bela-Bela.
• Makgakga, S., Mathipa, E., & Gouwe, M. A. (2017). Errors committed by Grade 11 learners in Solving Quadratic Equations by using the Completing a Square method: A South African Case Study of five secondary schools. ICTPED Conference, Bela-Bela.
• Makgakga, S. (2017). The effectiveness of mentorship in improving the pre-service mathematics teachers’ teaching practices in ODL context. A case in Lephalale District of Limpopo Province. ICTPED Conference, Bela-Bela.

Professional positions, fellowships & awards

• Member of Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA)
• Member of Institute for Science and Technology Education (ISTE)
• Member of Education Association of South Africa (EASA)
• Member of Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science,  and Technology Education (SAARMSTE)
• Member of The International Society for Teacher Education (ISFTE)

Projects

Community Engagement and Research Projects:

• Meaningful Teaching and learning of mathematical concepts: Focus on grade 8 geometry in the Mt Ayliff district.
• Mathematics Teaching and Learning Intervention Programme (MTLIP).
• Partnership for teaching practice (Tubatse Project)

Other

Key Issues and responsibilities:

• Preparing lecture materials
• Seminars and tutorials
• Marking students assignments and providing feedback
• Take feedback from students to improve teaching methodologies and content
• Changing and adapting course materials following research
• Providing guidance and advice to students in terms of their modules and careers.

Examinations:

• Setting question papers for undergraduate students and also co-examining other examination papers for B Ed (Hons) students.
• Marking examination scripts of my modules