The influence of South African teachers' qualifications and experience on the mathematics performance of learners

Abstract

The shocking mathematics results of South Africa's Grade 9 learners in TIMSS 2011 were received as a warning that all is not well with the country's educational system. Since good quality teaching is often associated with high performing learners, the influence of the teacher's level of education and years of teaching experience on the mathematics performance of Grade 9 learners is the focus of this study. The data originates from the South African participation in TIMSS 2011. The relative effects of these aspects on learners' performance were investigated by employing regression analysis with effect coding using the IDB Analyzer. The results suggest a positive relation between teacher education level and learner performance. The influence of years of experience on learner performance confirmed theories regarding teacher development stages and can be beneficial for professional development courses specifically aimed at teachers.