TMN3704
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 4 JUNE 2025
,TMN3704
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE 4 JUNE 2025
1.1 The National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12 serves to equip learners,
irrespective of their socio-economic background, race, gender, physical ability or
intellectual ability, with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for self-
fulfilment, and meaningful participation in society as citizens of a free country.
What are your thoughts on this view? In other words, you need to state your
opinion, provide reasoning and present a balanced perspective.
The National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12 is a progressive and inclusive policy
that aims to ensure equitable education for all learners in South Africa. I strongly support
the NCS’s vision of providing learners with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary
for self-fulfilment and meaningful participation in a democratic society.
Inclusivity
The NCS promotes equity by explicitly stating its commitment to learners regardless
of race, gender, socio-economic background, or ability. This supports the
constitutional values of dignity and equality.
Holistic development
Focusing not just on academic knowledge but also on values and citizenship, it
prepares learners to become responsible and critical-thinking members of society.
Relevance to 21st-century demands
The NCS encourages the development of problem-solving and critical thinking,
aligning with global educational trends.
Balanced Perspective
However, the implementation of the NCS faces challenges:
, Overcrowded classrooms and insufficient resources often prevent teachers from
effectively meeting the needs of all learners.
Language barriers, especially for learners taught in a language different from their
home language, can hinder meaningful participation.
Teacher training and support need to be strengthened to ensure educators can
deliver the curriculum as intended.
The intentions of the NCS are commendable, greater support, infrastructure, and
contextual adaptation are essential for its goals to be fully realized in practice.
1.2 Personification Strategy to Connect Mathematical Ideas (Grade 4)
Topic - Place Value 4-digit numbers
Grade- 4
Using personification, you can turn abstract mathematical concepts into engaging,
relatable characters.
Example 1
"Mr. Thousands is the boss of the number family. He makes sure everyone stays in line.
He checks that Miss Hundreds, Tenner Tom, and Ony the One are doing their job
correctly."
This introduces place value roles in a fun, narrative-driven way.
Example 2
"Digit Dan loves dancing into different positions. When he’s in the hundreds place, he’s
worth a lot more than when he’s in the ones place. His value changes depending on
where he stands!"
This helps learners understand the value of digits depending on place.
, Example 3
"Zero the Silent Helper may not speak much, but he holds the place for others when
needed. Without Zero, the numbers would get confused!"
This illustrates the role of zero as a placeholder.
Using personification makes learning fun and concrete, which helps younger learners
internalize abstract concepts.
1.3 Using examples from mathematics, differentiate between relational and
Instrumental understanding and explain how they differ.
Aspect Instrumental Understanding Relational Understanding
Definition Knowing how to do something Knowing how and why something
(procedures or rules) works
Example A learner uses a rule to multiply A learner uses place value
in Math 2-digit numbers but doesn’t knowledge to understand how
understand why it works multiplication works
Learning Rote learning, drills Conceptual understanding,
Style reasoning, connections
Memory High Lower (relies on conceptual
reliance connections)
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 4 JUNE 2025
,TMN3704
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE 4 JUNE 2025
1.1 The National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12 serves to equip learners,
irrespective of their socio-economic background, race, gender, physical ability or
intellectual ability, with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for self-
fulfilment, and meaningful participation in society as citizens of a free country.
What are your thoughts on this view? In other words, you need to state your
opinion, provide reasoning and present a balanced perspective.
The National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12 is a progressive and inclusive policy
that aims to ensure equitable education for all learners in South Africa. I strongly support
the NCS’s vision of providing learners with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary
for self-fulfilment and meaningful participation in a democratic society.
Inclusivity
The NCS promotes equity by explicitly stating its commitment to learners regardless
of race, gender, socio-economic background, or ability. This supports the
constitutional values of dignity and equality.
Holistic development
Focusing not just on academic knowledge but also on values and citizenship, it
prepares learners to become responsible and critical-thinking members of society.
Relevance to 21st-century demands
The NCS encourages the development of problem-solving and critical thinking,
aligning with global educational trends.
Balanced Perspective
However, the implementation of the NCS faces challenges:
, Overcrowded classrooms and insufficient resources often prevent teachers from
effectively meeting the needs of all learners.
Language barriers, especially for learners taught in a language different from their
home language, can hinder meaningful participation.
Teacher training and support need to be strengthened to ensure educators can
deliver the curriculum as intended.
The intentions of the NCS are commendable, greater support, infrastructure, and
contextual adaptation are essential for its goals to be fully realized in practice.
1.2 Personification Strategy to Connect Mathematical Ideas (Grade 4)
Topic - Place Value 4-digit numbers
Grade- 4
Using personification, you can turn abstract mathematical concepts into engaging,
relatable characters.
Example 1
"Mr. Thousands is the boss of the number family. He makes sure everyone stays in line.
He checks that Miss Hundreds, Tenner Tom, and Ony the One are doing their job
correctly."
This introduces place value roles in a fun, narrative-driven way.
Example 2
"Digit Dan loves dancing into different positions. When he’s in the hundreds place, he’s
worth a lot more than when he’s in the ones place. His value changes depending on
where he stands!"
This helps learners understand the value of digits depending on place.
, Example 3
"Zero the Silent Helper may not speak much, but he holds the place for others when
needed. Without Zero, the numbers would get confused!"
This illustrates the role of zero as a placeholder.
Using personification makes learning fun and concrete, which helps younger learners
internalize abstract concepts.
1.3 Using examples from mathematics, differentiate between relational and
Instrumental understanding and explain how they differ.
Aspect Instrumental Understanding Relational Understanding
Definition Knowing how to do something Knowing how and why something
(procedures or rules) works
Example A learner uses a rule to multiply A learner uses place value
in Math 2-digit numbers but doesn’t knowledge to understand how
understand why it works multiplication works
Learning Rote learning, drills Conceptual understanding,
Style reasoning, connections
Memory High Lower (relies on conceptual
reliance connections)
