Investigating opportunities to learn imperfect market structures in a Grade 12 class

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Date
2020-01
Authors
Manzi, Wellington Itai
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
The concept of imperfect market structures enables learners to develop mathematical and graphing skills needed to be critical thinkers and to be able to solve problems faced in their daily lives. It also provides opportunities for learners to acquire economic knowledge which enables them to make informed economic decisions on economic events and issues they will experience as they enter the world of business and work. In spite of the importance of imperfect market structures in cultivating these skills and knowledge, learner academic achievement in economics, particularly where mathematical and graphing skills are concerned, has been regrettably poor in most countries around the globe. Hence, this qualitative study investigated the opportunities to learn mathematical and graphical skills in imperfect market structures in three selected Grade 12 economics classes. The study intended to investigate what it is that teachers do in the name of teaching and learning of mathematical and graphing skills and the reasoning behind their actions. Opportunities to Learn (OTL) is the conceptual framework which was used to determine what teachers do in the classroom that enables learners to make meaning of imperfect market structures. Using the case study approach, the study was operationalised by three economics teachers in the Galashewe township. The researcher conducted interviews with each of the three teachers before they conducted their classes which the researcher observed. Thereafter, interviews were conducted again to reflect on what transpired during the lessons and document analysis was done to gain an insight into what kinds of activities learners were given in trying to create opportunities to learn mathematical and graphing skills in imperfect market structures.
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Keywords
Dissertation (M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies))--University of the Free State, 2020, Imperfect market structures, Economic events, Academic achievement, Opportunities to learn (OTL)
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