Mapolelo, Dumma C.(Taylor & Francis, http://www.informaworld.com, April 15, 2009)
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Abstract:
This study documents students’ views about the nature of mathematics, the
mathematics learning process and factors within the classroom that are perceived to impact upon the learning of mathematics. The participants were senior secondary school students. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to
understand the students’ views about their experiences with mathematics learning
and mathematics classroom environment. Interviews of students and mathematics
lesson observations were analysed to understand how students view their
mathematics classes. A questionnaire was used to solicit students’ views with
regards to teaching approaches in mathematics classes. The results suggest that
students consider learning and understanding mathematics to mean being successful in getting the correct answers. Students reported that in the majority of cases, the teaching of mathematics was lecture-oriented. Mathematics language
was considered a barrier in learning some topics in mathematics. The use of informal language was also evident during mathematics class lessons.