An exploration into teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for teaching quadratic function in grade 10
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Authors
Banjo, Balqis Olawumi
Issue Date
2019-05
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Teaching of quadratic function , Pedagogical content knowledge , Mathematics teachers’ content knowledge , Quadratic function , School mathematics curriculum , Instructional strategies , Connecting mathematics , Learners’ common error , Learners’ prior knowledge , Mathematics teacher
Alternative Title
Abstract
The study’s purpose was to explore the components of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for teaching quadratic function in Grade 10 mathematics classrooms in Mogalakwena district, Limpopo. The study was mainly guided by Shulman’s PCK and it was categorised as content knowledge, knowledge of the curriculum, knowledge of learners and knowledge of teaching strategies. The researcher employed a qualitative case study research design to explore the teaching of three purposefully selected Grade 10 mathematics teachers regarding their knowledge of quadratic function, strategies employed to teach quadratic function and knowledge of Grade 10 mathematics learners in quadratic function. In this study the researcher argued that PCK strands are interwoven, and in order to teach mathematical concepts, such as quadratic function, effectively teachers should employ components of PCK to complement one another. Data were gathered by lesson observation and interviews. Findings revealed that concepts of quadratic function are inefficiently addressed in Grade 10 due to teachers’ lack or inadequacy in some aspects of PCK. Therefore, there is need to develop mathematics teachers’ PCK in the Mogalakwena district to enhance their teaching of Grade 10 quadratic function.