Still not shaping up in maths, science

LET’s start with the good news. Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), a comparative study which has been conducted in South Africa since 1995, has released the results for 2015 and according to the Human Sciences Research Council they indicate a “major improvement.”

But the warm glow begins to fade when we learn that South Africa’s world ranking in maths and science education has now improved from “very low” to “low.”

Statistics can be used to obfuscate unpleasant realities and so can words.

Minister Angie Motshekga’s statement that information from the project can “disentangle posttruth politics and affirm the upward trajectory in the sector” comes close to doing so.

We can allow the government a pat on the back, but after that they need to get down to an urgent analysis of the factors contributing to the parlous state of maths and science education in our country.

The report identifies bullying as a contributory cause.

This is an immense social problem that ravages our children’s emotional lives and calls for effective action – quite apart from how it affects their performance in maths and science.

One detrimental effect of splitting education between two ministries is that a holistic approach gives way to a struggle for resources.

The South African government has been compelled to find more money for university students, many of whom shouldn’t be at university in the first place.

Meanwhile, the need of early childhood stimulation, which is essential for every child’s mental development, is inadequately met.

More children need to be put into pre-schools but if, owing to the lack of resources and appropriate skills, early childhood education centres serve as child minders rather than providers of stimulation, they fail to meet their purpose.

If one looks at the countries at the top of the table – Singapore, Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) and Japan – one can better understand our dilemma.

These countries are driven by a political and popular will to succeed. On her own there is little Motshekga can do to solve the problem.

Only political will on the part of the government with the informed and committed support of the people can do so.