The role of senior secondary school mathematics teachers in the development of mathematics curriculum in Botswana

Abstract

This study examines the role played by secondary school mathematics teachers in the development of mathematics curriculum. It was conducted using a sample of sixty senior secondary school mathematics teachers. The findings of the study suggest that the majority of senior secondary school teachers’ play only a minor role in the development of the mathematics curriculum, but are active in the implementation and production stages. Subjects of the study reported that full participation in the development of the curriculum would help them to better implement the material because they would feel they ‘own’ it. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and materials to promote effective learning. A stronger mathematics curriculum for senior secondary schools would emerge if teachers were encouraged to participate in the development process. A lack of teacher participation in the development of senior secondary school mathematics curriculum has implications for mathematics teaching, particularly now as Botswana build’s its first university of science and technology. One such implication is the possibility of weaker students finding their way into the university and thus lowering the overall quality of mathematics performance. The paper concludes with suggestions and recommendations in the hope that these will help curriculum development officers to involve more senior secondary school teachers in the development of mathematics curriculum so as to strengthen mathematics education in Botswana.