A cross-country comparison of mathematics teachers’ beliefs about technology in education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how South African learners compared with their selected international counterparts according to their teachers’ views. The analysis was based on predictor variables that are related to the use of computer activities in teaching and learning. These variables were extracted from the 2011 Trends in Mathematics and Science Study teachers’ datasets and linked to the learners’ data. The results revealed that regardless of the socio-economic status between South Africa and each of the countries, it could be claimed that some similarities can be fostered. Similarity does not imply being totally identical, but rather demonstrates which teachers responses between South Africa and each of the countries might have the same structure after the statistical analysis. The differences in teachers’ beliefs between South Africa and all the countries provided vital information about the scope of possible classroom practice and teachers’ inclination to different teaching approaches.