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Problematising current forms of legitimised participation in the examination papers for Mathematical Literacy

North, Marc; Christiansen, Iben M.

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Authors

MARC NORTH Marc.North@nottingham.ac.uk
Assistant Professor

Iben M. Christiansen



Abstract

In this article we argue that in South Africa the current format of legitimised participation and practice in the examination papers for Mathematical Literacy restricts successful apprenticeship in the discipline of scientific mathematics and limits empowered preparation for real-world functioning. The currency of the subject, then, is brought into question. We further argue that the positioning of the subject as a compulsory alternative to Mathematics and the differential distribution of these two subjects to differing groups of learners facilitates the (re)production and sustainment of educational disadvantage. We draw on Dowling’s theoretical constructs of differing domains of mathematical practice and positions and focus analysis on a collection of nationally set exemplar Grade 12 examination papers to identify legitimised forms of participation in the subject. We conclude by arguing for a reconceptualised structure of knowledge and participation in Mathematical Literacy and make preliminary recommendations in this regard.

Citation

North, M., & Christiansen, I. M. (2015). Problematising current forms of legitimised participation in the examination papers for Mathematical Literacy. Pythagoras, 36(1), Article 285

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jun 29, 2015
Deposit Date Aug 12, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Pythagoras
Print ISSN 1012-2346
Electronic ISSN 1012-2346
Publisher AOSIS
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 36
Issue 1
Article Number 285
Keywords Mathematical Literacy; South Africa; Domains of mathematical practice
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/753614
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/pythagoras.v36i1.285

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