Learners' perceptions of mathematical literacy in the Further Education and Training (FET) band in three selected high schools

Abstract

This study investigated perceptions of Mathematical Literacy of learners in three Further Education and Training schools. The study was conducted as a qualitative case study in three high schools in Mdantsane in the East London District in the Eastern Cape Province. A constructivist perspective has been used in the study to explore learners’ perceptions of ML. The data were collected through interviews, focus group interviews and document analysis. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with three participants in each school and focus group interviews were conducted with six learners in each school. Research methodology and research design were selected for this study. The study employed a qualitative case study approach.The findings were followed by recommendations which sought to address the problems discovered in the investigation. One of the findings was the fact that doing Mathematical Literacy improved and boosted learners’ self-confidence in engaging in mathematics. Learners showed a high level of enjoyment of ML because it is about real life situations and about issues they are familiar with. The study revealed that most of the learners were positive about Mathematical Literacy while some learners highlighted some challenges in the teaching and learning of the subject. The study concludes with recommendations for better classroom practice, learner education and further research and conclusions.It is hoped that this study might be beneficial to the learners in the three schools where the study was conducted. It might also benefit other learners and teachers of Mathematical Literacy. in the entire Eastern Cape and the country as a whole.