Mathematics Matters Dominic Khame Mathematics Reforms in Botswana # MathsMatters

1. Mathematics MattersDominic KhameMathematics Reforms in Botswana#MathsMatters

2. Presentation Outline • Introduction • Curriculum Development and Evaluation Mandate • Structure of the Education System • Policy Documents • Philosophy and Rationale of Mathematics Curriculum • Aims of the Mathematics Curriculum • Achievements • Challenges • Textbook Development

3. Introduction • Botswana is a nation state in the southern part of Africa • A population of just over a two million. • The country obtained independence in 1966 from Britain, it is thus a young nation, that has enjoyed sovereignty for only 48 years. • Medium of Instruction in Schools - Setswana and English are official languages in Botswana the latter being the main language used in business. The new policy on education requires that English be used as the medium of instruction from Standard 2.

4. Curriculum Development and Evaluation Mandate The Department of Curriculum Development and Evaluation in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development is mandated • to interpret educational policies and ensure prompt delivery of curriculum and support services. • Design , develop and evaluate national curriculum, • Provide support services for learners from pre-primary to senior secondary level

5. Structure of the Education System • 7 + 3 + 2 i.e. 7 years primary education, 3 years junior secondary education and 2 years senior secondary education.

6. Policy Documents Curriculum Development is guided by the following documents • Revised National Policy on Education(1994) • Vision 2016, which outlines the national vision of the country. The vision has 7 national pillars and one of the pillars is ‘an informed and educated nation’ • National Development Plan which sets the tone for national development • Human Resource Development Strategy • Inclusive Education Policy • Other international documents like the MDGs and EFA

7. Philosophy and Rationale of Mathematics in the Curriculum • Key role in everyday life as a means of communication, • Application in very sphere of life • Facilitates undersstanding and acquisation of modern techniques and technologies that are necessary in managing and accomodating change • Students develop intellectual growth, capacity to think and reason logically and critically • Preparing students for active and constructive participation in the society – analyse and solve real life problems

8. Aims of the Mathematics Curriculum Develop in learners • positive attitudes to mathematics, including confidence, enjoyment and perseverance • an understanding of the role of mathematics in society • appreciation the role of modern technology in mathematics • acquisition of mathematical knowledge and skills for further study • acquisition of appropriate mathematical knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet challenges in the world of work.

9. Achievements Curriculum emphasises • Use of conteporary teaching and learning methods • Utilisation of ICT

10. Challenges • Teachers more concerned in giving procedures and excercises as opposed to constructive activities( eg developing or interrogating a formula) • Curriculum is objective based e,g. students should be able to add 3 digit numbers • Existing system of assessment more concerned with low level (recall)

11. Textbook Development • Activity based (discover on their own)

12. Pula Bagaetsho!