Title:
CALCULATOR PREVALENCE IN MATHEMATICS CLASSROOMS: CASE OF EKUDIBENG CIRCUIT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Authors:
Netsai Hove and Emmanuel Chinamasa ,Zambia

Abstract:
This study influenced by the Technology adoption theory, explored the prevalence of calculators in Ekudibeng circuit mathematics classrooms in South Africa. Pragmatism guided assessment of technology adoption by allowing application of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis to portray reality. A sequential design of document analysis, a survey, lesson observations, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews was used. Empirical data was collected from a purposive sample of 154 participants, composed of 41 teachers of mathematics and 113 learners from grade 8 to 12 in Ekurhuleni South district secondary schools. A sample of 26 teachers’ schemes and mathematics school syllabuses was analysed. The study found (71%) prevalence for calculator use in both public and private schools mathematics classrooms. A hypothesis test at 5% level of significance confirmed an association between gender and calculator use preference. Although all teachers reported willing to use the calculator, 54 (35%) reported, not possessing a personal calculator. Study found five calculator models in use. The majority used the SHARP model. National examinations disallowed the graphic FX-CG50 because of its perceived complexity. Calculators were used for computation of ( r2) regression coefficient correlation and evaluation for logarithms and trigonometry ratios for transformation functions such f(x) = 2Sin ?. Factors retarding calculator adoption include; lack of financial resources for high density public school learners, limited teacher commitment for calculator use and low teacher technical knowhow of using calculator for instruction.. National examinations not emphasising use of calculators, mathematics text books do not show how calculators can be used for instruction. Study recommends use of a single calculator model as a district policy. Authoring of a teachers’ handbook for the use of calculators for instruction is called for. Mathematics teachers’ staff development workshop on the application of calculators is long overdue.