Wiskunde-onderrig in 'n multikulturele klas

M.Ed.The importance of a multicultural curriculum for communities with a multiracial, ethnic and diverse constititution cannot be overemphasised in a modern approach to education. In the South African context their exists an urgent need for a mathematics curriculum which is able to accommodate the specific cultural background of every individual. The reality of cultural diversity in South Africa emphasises the importance of the implementation of a multicultural approach to the teaching of Mathematics. Mathematics is a social process which constitutes a fundamental part of education. It remains a dynamic and living cultural product, while remaining part and parcel of the social construction of a community. The recognition of this reality creates a viable foundation for a multicultural approach to the teaching of Mathematics. The Mathematics curriculum can be implemented to emphasise a person's own culture and to provide information regarding a community, as well as that which is relevant to its multicultural character. Pupils represent diverse cultural-, class- and linguistic backgrounds. Other aspects which have to be considered in the creation of a multicultural curriculum are the different approaches, points of view and thinking patterns of pupils. In addition to this, there remains a difference between the levels of education of parents as well as the premium they place on literacy. The degree in which multicultural education will realise, however, depends mainly on the teacher's attitude and classroom skills. The primary aim of this study is to conduct a research into the different ways in which a teacher can forge a constructive link with children from diverse ethnic communities, via his/her own perceptions, educational aims and strategies, usage of language in the classroom, as well as classroom skills and techniques. Themes and practical examples which also exhibits multicultural characteristics, are included and can be implemented by the teacher in his/her own classroom techniques. Teachers have a professional responsibility to remove all elements of prejudice from the classroom, as well as to acknowledge and respect the diversity of cultures