Journeys of Knowledge and Cultural Exchange Voices from the DAAD Programme in Africa
Editors note - coming soon
topic 1 - Challenges and Opportunities of Studying Abroad
My educational exchange experience, a journey of transformation
Elizabeth Mrema shares her experience as a DAAD scholarship holder. She outlines the numerous academic, cultural, and life experiences of this transformational journey and encourages future scholars to pursue the dream. Read more
My Journey with the DAAD Scholarship to Pursue a Ph.D. Abroad: Preparations, Challenges and Triumphs
While the journey towards pursuing PhD studies in a different country may present several challenges, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of encouragement. The obstacles faced, though significant, pale in comparison to the benefits that await upon successful completion of the studies. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged not to be disheartened by the challenges they encounter along the way, but to persevere with determination towards their academic goals. Read more
topic 2 - Why do math?
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
topic 2 - Educational Exchange and International Collaboration
Chronicles of my DAAD journey
In this article we follow the journey of Vimi Lockmun Bissessur, a DAAD alumni, whose participation in the Training in Internal Quality Assurance (TrainIQA) programme unlocked exciting opportunities for her future. Read more
DAAD Contributions to International Excellence in Research
Drawing from her personal experience, Fortune Agbele highlights the many benefits of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for its scholars and the wider research community. Read more
A Catalyst for Cross-Cultural Academic Growth and Collaboration
Brilliant article written by Prof Emmanuel Ojo detailing the benefit of the DAAD ( Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst). DAAD has benefited him and the Wits University community with knowledge, cultural exchange, networking, research funding, and he also credit his promotion to become an associate professor to DAAD project. It has created a platform for research collaboration of the Global South and North. The article is a compelling read, interesting and enlightens. Read more
Journey of Supervising International African Students: Insights and Reflections from a PhD Supervisor
The recipients of the DAAD scholarship in Africa encounter various social, cultural, financial, and academic challenges before they can fully focus on their PhD studies. There is a call to all supervisors to adopt a comprehensive approach and foster a supportive environment that helps these students achieve their intended goals. Read more
topic 3 - The benefits of training
A Summer of Learning and Unlearning – and how it all came full circle
Join Dr Grace Soma as she shares her transformative journey from a summer school in Germany to pioneering healthcare training in South Sudan, highlighting the power of intercultural competence and collaboration. 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
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
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
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
