The Department of Basic Education has recently released the findings of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019 (TIMSS), shedding light on how South African learners are compared to their peers around the world. Unfortunately, the results paint a bleak picture, showing that South African learners consistently rank among the lowest three countries across various tests.
Even at the Grade 4 level, South African learners are struggling with mathematics and science knowledge. Shockingly, only 37% of learners have acquired basic mathematical knowledge, and an even lower 28% have grasped basic science concepts. This means that a significant percentage of learners are falling behind in these fundamental subjects.
The situation doesn’t improve much by Grade 9 either. While there has been some improvement since 2015, with a slight increase of 17 points for mathematics and 12 points for science, only 41% of mathematics learners and a mere 36% of science learners have acquired basic knowledge.
This alarming state of affairs calls for urgent action. If left unaddressed, it could lead to increased unemployment rates and a rise in crime levels. It is crucial that we act now to reverse this trend before it becomes even more detrimental to our society.
Digging into the core of the problem with Maths, interviewing Maths teachers around the country for the past several years, the My Maths Buddy One Book One Learner project has discovered that the major problem behind bad marks is the understanding of Mathematics as a language.
To confront this issue head-on, the project has launched an ongoing campaign called BRICKS as part of the My Maths Buddy One Book One Learner Project initiative. This program aims to bridge the gap and empower teachers with effective teaching skills in maths to restore understanding of the subject.
Your business/organization can be part of it. No project is too small or too big. Find out more about the BRICKS project HERE
Mathematics education in South Africa faces significant challenges and we invite you to join us in building a better world brick by brick through the My Maths Buddy Project. By investing in our learners’ education today, we are shaping a brighter future for tomorrow. Remember, together we can make a difference!
