Prof Marien Graham

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy: Mathematical Statistics (2013), University of Pretoria
• Master of Science: Mathematical Statistics (2008, Cum Laude), University of Pretoria
• Bachelor of Science Honours: Mathematical Statistics (2004, Cum Laude), University of Pretoria
• BSc: Financial Mathematics (2003, Cum Laude), University of Pretoria

NRF Rating

Currently teaching

• PDM4803: Teaching and Learning in Mathematics Education
• PDM4804: Theoretical Issues in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics

Fields of academic interests

Professor Graham’s research journey spans numerous sole-authored publications and collaborative endeavours with esteemed international and South African scholars. With a doctorate in Mathematical Statistics obtained from the University of Pretoria, her research sheds light on critical issues within South Africa’s educational landscape, utilising novel and sophisticated statistical techniques to generate a more comprehensive understanding of how learning and assessment opportunities for students at all levels of the formal education system (early learning, primary, secondary and tertiary) and their overall mental health and wellbeing can be improved. As a Full Professor at the University of South Africa, Professor Graham has made substantial contributions to various fields, including education, healthcare and social issues.

Field of Specialisation

Professor Graham specialises in applying advanced statistical methodologies to complex, large-scale data analysis. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied statistics, she has a keen interest in working with large quantitative data sets, particularly in the context of international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) such as TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study). As an NRF-rated researcher, she continues to drive impactful research, utilising large-scale data analysis to inform evidence-based policy and practice in education and beyond. Her expertise in handling complex, high-dimensional data ensures that her contributions remain at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, shaping strategies for improving educational equity and student success.

Books

Textbooks

• Chakraborti, S. & Graham, M. A. (2019). Nonparametric statistical process control. John Wiley & Sons.
• Chakraborti, S., Human, S. W., & Graham, M. A. (2011). Nonparametric (distribution-free) quality control charts. In N Balakrishnan (Ed.), Methods and applications of statistics in engineering, quality control, and physical sciences (pp. 298-329). John Wiley & Sons.

Books and/or chapters in scholarly books

• Graham, M. A. (2024). Bullying as a driver of low mathematics and science achievement in South African schools in a challenged context. In M. Carmo (Ed.), Education Applications & Developments IX: Advances in Education and Educational Trends (pp. 381-392). inScience Press.
• Graham, M. A. (2023). Relationship between school climate and Grade 9 learner achievement in science: Comparing South Africa and Singapore. In M. Carmo (Ed.), Education Applications & Developments VIII: Advances in Education and Educational Trends (pp. 533-543). inScience Press.
• Graham, M. A. (2021). The caring and support identity of student teachers. In R. Ferreira (Ed.), Teacher identity development within a community of practice (pp. 93-113). Nova Scientific Publishers.
• Rambiritch, A., Alston, L., Graham, M. A. (2020). Diagnosing with care: The academic literacy needs of theology students. In A. Weideman, J. Read, T. Du Plessis (Eds.), Assessing academic literacy in a multilingual society: Transition and transformation (pp. 196-217). Multilingual Matters.

Journal articles

Professor Graham has published over 100 journal articles in peer-reviewed accredited journals; please see: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4071-9864

Paper presentations

Over her career, Professor Graham has presented her work at numerous national and international conferences over the years (over 50 conferences in total), with the most recent conference presentations being:

• Graham, MA & Adesanya, LO (2024). “Enhancing conceptual understanding of fractions with new methodological tools (MERLO)”. Future of Education Conference 2023 in Florence, Italy, 20-21 June 2024.
• Graham, MA, (2024). “Safety factors associated with mathematics achievement in primary schools in South Africa” 2024 Education Association of South Africa (EASA) conference, Mount Grace Hotel and Spa, Magaliesburg, 14 – 17 January 2024
• Graham, MA, & Adesanya, LO (2023). “Teacher professional development for the teaching of mathematics: MERLO items design in the South African schools”. Future of Education Conference 2023 in Florence, Italy, 29-30 June 2023.
• Graham, MA (2023). “Bullying as driver of low mathematics achievement: South African no-fee-paying schools in a challenged context”. International Conference on Education and New Developments 2023 (END 2023), Lisbon, Portugal, 24-26 June 2023.
• Graham, MA, Angolo, TTN, & Combrinck, C (2023). “Internal quality assurance systems in Namibian higher education: Stakeholder perceptions and guidelines for enhancing the system”. 9th International Conference on Higher Education Advances 2023 (HEAd’23), Valencia, Spain, 20-22 June 2023.
• Graham, MA (2023). “Securing the path to academic excellence: Exploring safety factors and Grade 5 mathematics achievement in South African schools” 2023 Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA) Annual Conference, Future Africa Campus, Hatfield, Pretoria, 21 – 24 November 2023.
• Graham, MA, Mahomed-Asmail, F, Rutherford, C, Møller, HG, Hussain, S, Watson, V, Nicholson, N, Regan, C, Nell, L (2023). “Exploring the role of globalized learning in fostering person-centered care in audiology education: Reflections from a student-led global initiative” The 9^th Flexible Futures Conference, Hatfield, Pretoria, 23 - 24 August 2023.

Professional positions, fellowships & awards

Professor Graham is currently on the Editorial Advisory Board of Scientific Studies and Research, Series Mathematics and Informatics and has acted in an editorial capacity for Frontiers in Rehabilitation Science, Frontiers in Psychology, Frontiers in Rehabilitation Science and International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in the past. She has acted as a panel member for the National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa. For applications who have applied for NRF ratings or NRF funding. In recognition of her academic excellence, she was awarded the 2023 Research Medal by the Education Association of South Africa.

Projects

Professor Graham has been involved with many projects over the years, with her most recent projects including:

Other

Websites

• ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4071-9864
• Web of Science: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/MFJ-0846-2025
• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?user=EfofKU8AAAAJ&hl=en
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marien-graham-7850a536/