8 Conclusion

The underlying message of this course is that mathematics teaching is at its best when it aims for learners to develop deep understanding of mathematical concepts. This arises from our philosophy of teaching based on constructivism and socio-constructivism.

In a nutshell these are learning theories which describe how human beings learn through creating a mental model of how the world (and mathematics) works and that this is achieved through social interaction. The classroom is a social situation which is itself very complex. Think of all the interactions which occur between teacher and learners and between learners.