Mathematics for everyone

NEW VOLUME COMING SOON...

Editors note - coming soon

topic 1 - How and why should mathematics be accessible to everyone?

Why Should and How Can Mathematics Be for Everyone?

Mr Damas and Mr David commemorate the International Day of  Mathematics by highlighting the importance of Mathematics.  They emphasise the importance of mathematical literacy and why math education should become more accessible. Read more

Mathematics for Everyone: Including You

In this article, Daniel and Carl discuss how everyone has varying degrees of mathematical abilities. The author uses principles of logic and problem-solving to explain how mathematics is for everyone. Read more

Actually, anyone can do Maths

William Marais explains how mathematics is for everyone, and should be seen as an inclusive, community undertaking. Read more

Mathematics is about the journey, not the destination

Join Rachel and Zea as they unravel the Journey of Mathematics, with their personal insights and perspectives. Read more

Mathematics is for everyone!

Through her personal experiences, Ancois Huysamen delves into how the negative perception and unimaginative methods of teaching inculcate a fear and dislike for mathematics among students. She insists that Mathematics, if taught properly, is for everyone to use and even enjoy.  Read more

Mathematics and the notion of inclusivity

Join Joel Lee in exploring how the universal language of mathematics enriches our daily lives and fosters inclusivity for all learners.  Read more

Why Mathematics should be for everyone? 

Mpumelelo Mandyoli highlights the importance of making mathematics accessible to everyone, emphasizing its role in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By promoting inclusivity and innovation, we can ensure that all individuals benefit from the wonders of mathematics. Read more

Attitude and Mathematics: A Path to Success

Mnandisi Siyabonga Sikiti emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude and inclusive teaching methods in mastering mathematics. His journey shows how changing one’s perspective on mathematical challenges can lead to success and practical applications in everyday life. Read more

topic 2 - Breaking down barriers to success in mathematics

Mathematics for All

In this article, Carlisle discusses how mathematics should be accessible to everyone. He describes the different barriers associated with accessing mathematics. Read more

Breaking Down Barriers and Encouraging Inclusion

In this article, Lavela highlights how mathematics plays a role in different aspects of everyday life. He outlines the inclusivity of mathematics and some of the barriers to this inclusivity. Read more

Why Mathematics is to be embraced not feared

Chad Davies discusses how the fear of Mathematics results from a misunderstanding of what Mathematics truly is. We need to unlearn this fear, and change the way we view Mathematics and its relationship to the world around us. Read more

topic 3 - The universality of mathematics

Mathematics: A Universal Gift

In this article, Karlo Grobbelaar delves into the perception of Mathematics as difficult and beyond the abilities of the everyday man. He explores just a few of the ways in which mathematics is not only useful, but integral in daily life. Read more about how Mathematics is the basis of all that surrounds us, and how we intentionally and unintentionally use this subject on a regular basis. Read more

Mathematics as a Universal Tool for Empowerment and Understanding

In this article, Luke highlights how mathematics is applied in everyday life. He goes on to outline his personal experience to stress the importance of mathematics.Read more

­Mathematics is for Everyone

Aimee Harris and Ella Gerber show how Mathematics permeates every aspect of life, debunking the notion of ‘not being good at math’. They feel that by focusing on real-world applications and delaying formal notation until core understanding is achieved, we can cultivate a greater appreciation of Math, affirming its inclusivity for everyone. Read more

Mathematics as a Universal Tool for Empowerment and Understanding

In this article, Luke highlights how mathematics is applied in everyday life. He goes on to outline his personal experience to stress the importance of mathematics. Read more

Is Mathematics Actually for Everybody?

Isabella weaves a brilliant persuasive argument that Mathematics is not only applied by Scientists, Doctors, engineers and etc however it is applied in all facets of life for example: From counting likes in social media to social media algorithm, its applied by artists from mixing paint to sketching a painting. Maths is with us from the cradle  to the grave. The poem captured the application of maths through our lives vividly. Read more

The Becker-Du Plessis “Conjecture”

“Abstract” is exactly right. The fact that the paragraph is a useful summation/generalization of the contents of the article supports the primal point of the article itself. This is very similar to how a meme is a quick generalization of a large urban concept. Mathematics is the study of concepts. We use mathematics without even realizing it. Read more

Taking inspiration for Mathematics in the World Around Us

Neve Buckmaster Border reflects on her journey with mathematics, highlighting that memorable lessons, such as learning about the Fibonacci Sequence, reveal the beauty of mathematics in the natural world. She believes that fostering an inclusive and explorative learning environment can inspire more people to find their place in mathematics. Read more

topic 4 - Mathematics: an integral part of everyday life

Mathematics for Everyone

In this article, Marc and Kian highlight how mathematics plays a vital role in everyday life. They outline how the inclusivity of mathematics and access to math education has led to the development of new areas of study. Read more

Celebrating Pi Day: The Significance of Mathematics in Everyday Life

Tristan Delderfield explains how Pi day promotes the mathematics that we all need in our lives. Read more

Everyday Application – Everyday Mathematical Ability

How Math Weaves Into Our Lives – Delve into the insightful column by Mickayla that unravels the mathematics in our daily routines, showing that mathematics is not just for the academically gifted but for everyone. Read more

 Rediscovering the Magic of Mathematics: Embracing a New Mindset for Education

Nina Smit explores how mathematics is intrinsically woven into the fabric of our physical world, emphasizing the need to rekindle passion and curiosity for the subject in today’s educational system. She argues that overcoming psychological barriers and shifting our mindset are essential for making mathematics accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Read more

Mathematics for Everyone: An Excerpt Detailing the Importance of Mathematics

In this article, Italo and Caeden discuss how mathematics should be accessible to everyone. They describe how mathematics can be used in the different aspects of life. Read more

Mathematics: A way of thinking

Patrick de Wet emphasizes that mathematics is an essential tool in everyday life, enhancing problem-solving skills and providing a sense of accomplishment. He shares his personal experience of how practicing mathematics in high school improved his problem-solving abilities and believes that making mathematics more accessible and comprehensible can inspire more people to embrace it. Read more

topic 5 - Exploring creativity in Mathematics

A simple structure

Carlyle Stewart shares his thoughts on the perception of mathematics in society, illustrating how mathematics is both a form of creative thinking and an innate ability for each of us. Read more

topic 6 - Relevance of Mathematics

Mathematics: The Fabric of the Cosmos

Josef Oosthuizen & Emily Sacke Explore the Beauty and Relevance of Mathematics in Our World. From Simplicity to Complexity, Mathematics Shapes Our Lives and Minds. Read more

Major Mathematical Advances in History

In this well-written piece, Hlumelo states some of the milestones of Mathematics namely use of a zero, Geometry, Algebra, Calculus, and Infinity. He gives good content as to why a character or the body of knowledge was added to Mathematics.  Read more

Mathematics for Everyone: Why It Matters

Cole Brady Kisten emphasizes the significance of mathematical literacy in everyday life, advocating for its promotion through various strategies to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals in our data-driven world. Read more

Mathematics, an aid to reason

Lian shares his academic and life experiences linked to mathematics and comments on both the abstract and numerical side of mathematics. Read more

Mathematics is useful

Mathematics helps us think analytically and solve problems in everyday life, enhancing both reasoning and creativity, as illustrated by Jade Daniels. Read more

topic 7 - How can we make math for everyone

Mathematics for everyone: Insights from Socratic teaching

Join authors LRD Engel and CT Theron on a thought-provoking journey inspired by the wisdom of Socrates and Meno that asserts, with the right teacher and environment, mathematics is truly for everyone. Read more

Mathematics: An Inclusive Language of the Universe for Everyone

Through real-world examples and personal experience, Ms Ezeakum argues that, with practice and dedication, anyone can harness the universal language of mathematics. Read more

Reframing Perceptions of Mathematics to Build a Mathematically Literate Society

Kerry and Emily make a persuasive argument that we should learn Mathematics with understanding on how it is applied to our daily lives. They made a compelling augment that most schools present Mathematics as a difficult subject. They further argue that the emphasis of most school curriculum is grades and not pragmatic understanding of Mathematics. Read more

Dual Nature of Mathematics: A Challenging Journey and an Everyday Necessity

Stefke Tolmay sees the benefits that additional help at primary school gave them in their mathematical journey leading them to a deep appreciation of maths in and out of the classroom.Read more

Empowering Minds: Making Mathematics Accessible and Enjoyable for All

Explore the beauty of mathematics with ‘Mathematics for Everyone,’ Montana unveils the joy and accessibility of numbers as a foundational element of life. Read more

Unlocking Mathematical Potential: The Path for All

CJ Wessels explores the accessibility of mathematics, challenging the notion that it’s reserved for the intellectually elite. Through insightful comparisons and motivational reflections, Wessels demonstrates how dedication and perseverance can empower individuals from all backgrounds to excel in mathematics.  Read more

Making Mathematics more Accessible

Athini Mafu argues that the misperception and the negative view of mathematics stem from the way it is taught. He contends that the art of Mathematical reasoning and how various topics within mathematics relate to each other should be introduced at the school level. Read more

Maths is for Everyone. Most People Just Don’t know It Yet

Andrew’s personal story demonstrates how a creative teacher can motivate student learning in maths. Maths can be fun. All we need is someone to show us that maths is not for the few “gifted” ones, maths is for everyone. Read more

Mathematics for everyone

Iain shares his passion for mathematics and his views on how mathematics is universal and empowering. He suggests that a change of the perception of mathematics and of the way we teach and learn mathematics will make everybody come to this realization; mathematics is for everyone. Read more

Editor's Note

WISAARKHU aims to provide a diversity, not necessarily a jointly exhaustive collection, of perspectives on a chosen theme related to the learning and teaching of Mathematics. It is a magazine for inspiring, for creating awareness, for sharing experiences, for communicating, for connecting, and for reflecting.

It is not a research journal. It does not purport to endorse any particular opinion or approach to the learning and teaching of mathematics. Its readership is intended for all from across the globe with an interest in mathematics.

Each perspective expressed in the content of WISAARKHU is that of the author. It does not purport to reflect the opinions of the editor or Stellenbosch University or the affiliations of the authors.

Each theme aligned with one of the quarterly Psychology of Abstract Mathematics discussions. The choice of each discussion theme is inspired by a challenge encountered in the learning and teaching of mathematics;

In this way the theme ‘Competition or Collaboration in Mathematics’ evolved for the first volume of WISAARKHU. There are four topics each speaking to a sub-theme of the overall theme that evolved from the contributions, namely, perspectives within and beyond mathematics, voices of students, impact on the self, influence on learning and teaching of mathematics. Throughout the magazine you will meet students, mathematicians, teachers, psychologists, educationalists, and others interested in mathematics.

No matter your interest in or experience of Mathematics, I hope you will read this magazine acknowledging the intention with which it has been written.

Prof. Ingrid Rewitzky

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF