Exploring Teachers' Meta-Cognitive Skills in Mathematics Classes in Selected Rural Primary Schools in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Undoubtedly the acquisition of mathematical skills for problem solving is critically important in today's sophisticated technological world. There is growing evidence that meta-cognition application is an important component of academic success in general and impacts on mathematical achievement in particular. Teachers' application of meta-cognition therefore directs and reflects their teaching-practice behaviour which influences their learners' learning with understanding in problem-solving. The purpose of the study reported on in this article was to explore teachers' available meta-cognitive skills in class with the intention of supporting learners' development of mathematics in problem-solving in some selected rural primary schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The participants were three teachers purposefully selected from three primary schools. Interviews were conducted with the three teachers and three lessons were observed. The interviews, as an extension of observation...