The Mathematics Teaching and Learning Framework for South Africa: Teaching Mathematics for Understanding (TMU), which will be officially implemented during 2019, introduces a balanced and multi-dimensional approach for the teaching of Mathematics in South African schools. The Framework will be implemented in the context of a learning-centred classroom where learners and teachers engage actively, discussing and experimenting with mathematical ideas.

The Mathematics Indaba that took place from 12 to 14 December 2016; under the theme: “Meaningful and effective Mathematics teaching and learning: In search of the South African pedagogical identity”, recommended the appointment of a Ministerial Mathematics Task Team (MMTT) to develop the National Framework on the teaching and learning of Mathematics.

The TMU approach is currently being field-tested in the Foundation Phase in 41 schools in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo Provinces as a collaboration between the DBE, the NECT, researchers and two conceptual advisors from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The two JICA Mathematics experts have been instrumental in the development of the Framework, acting as conceptual advisors in developing the Unit Plan of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Grades 1 to 3 Mathematics.

The framework introduces new approaches that are learner and teacher friendly whilst promoting number sense and play-based learning in classrooms. Feedback received from teachers will be used to strengthen materials and trainings for the subsequent terms. Term 2 training is scheduled for the end of March 2019.