Malawian primary mathematics teachers views on teaching and learning

In this paper, Malawian primary teachers’ views on teaching and learning mathematics are explored by studying their written answers to specific questions. The findings indicate that the most prominent view of teaching is related to a process of imparting knowledge, whereas the most prominent view of learning is related to acquisition of knowledge. The teachers describe their work of teaching in terms of being an instructor, demonstrator, facilitator and motivator, and this work represents different phases following the pattern of presenting, observing and evaluating. The most pressing challenges of teaching are large classes, lack of resources and the mathematical content being difficult for learners.