Members of the UDSM-funded project organized a presentation on the ‘Efficacy of University Mathematics Curriculum in the Training of Secondary School Mathematics Teachers in order to disseminate their research findings. The presentation took place this week at DUCE grounds and officiated by the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. David Kacholi on behalf of the Deputy Principal (Academic, Research and Consultancy). The event was also honoured by Alejandro González-Martín, a professor in Mathematics Education from the University of Montreal, Canada.

In his presentation, Prof. González-Martín highlighted inadequacy of the University Mathematical training provided in some professions. He said, in many cases, Mathematics training for secondary school teachers should develop pedagogical content knowledge that suit school Mathematics.

In the same manner, Dr. Florence Kyaruzi (PI) presented his research findings regarding the alignment of the Ordinary Basic Mathematics (OBM) in comparison with University Advanced Mathematics (UAM). The results indicated that out of 339 OBM competencies, only 18% of them explicitly addressed in the UAM courses. He also clarified that out of 48 UAM modules from several courses, only 27% were rated by teachers as useful or somewhat useful. Most teachers who were involved in the study agreed that teachers need specific Mathematics training which is different from other professions.

The participants appreciated the presentation, especially the idea of having more OBM content explicitly addressed in UAM courses. They also recommended that data obtained from this project may be disseminated to the policymakers, the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, University managements, and other actors involved in teacher training.