CRISIS IN MATHEMATICS TEACHING IN BLACK SCHOOLS IN THE REPUBLIC-OF-SOUTH-AFRICA

While pupils from all racial groups may encounter problems regarding the teaching and learning of mathematics, such problems occur to a much greater extent among black pupils than among pupils-from other racial groups, Explanations which are offered for this phenomenon include the historical backlog which black pupils experience in terms of economic, educational and social circumstances. The problem of under-achievement in mathematics by black pupils is one of the most serious this country is facing today, in its struggle towards a just and equal South Africa. This matter deserves an urgent place on any future agenda regarding the state of. education in a postapartheid South Africa. In this article, some factors which inhibit black pupils' learning of mathematics are discussed. Areas for research are proposed and strategies aimed at remediation, emphasizing a problem centred approach, are put forward. Not even the most strenuous and best intended efforts of affirmative action will be able to compensate for or equate authentic and immediate efforts to uplift blacks in this critical field.