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Digital transformation tools are increasingly promoted as strategic resources for improving mathematics learning, yet their contribution to conceptual understanding remains uneven across school systems. This systematic literature review examines how dynamic mathematics software, virtual manipulatives, adaptive learning systems, educational games and collaborative digital environments enhance conceptual understanding in secondary school mathematics. Guided by constructivist learning theory, cognitive load theory, socio-cultural theory and technological pedagogical content knowledge, the review synthesises peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025, supported by PRISMA-informed searching, screening and thematic analysis. The final synthesis shows that digital tools support conceptual understanding when they enable multiple representations, dynamic visualisation, feedback-rich exploration, personalised pathways and mathematical discourse. However, these benefits are conditional rather than automatic. Teacher digital-pedagogical competence, assessment alignment, cognitive design quality, learner language, infrastructure and equitable access mediate whether digital transformation becomes meaningful learning or merely tool substitution. The review contributes to business and social science scholarship by positioning the digital transformation of mathematics as an educational, social equity, and human capital development issue. It argues that secondary mathematics systems require coherent investment in teacher capability, curriculum redesign, responsible data use and inclusive infrastructure. The paper concludes that digital transformation should be governed as a pedagogical and systemic reform process, not as a technological intervention alone.

Early mathematical competence provides the foundation for learners' cognitive development, problem-solving, and later academic achievement. Despite South Africa's commitment to mother-tongue-based education, many young learners continue to experience difficulties in mathematics because instruction is frequently mediated through English or inconsistent bilingual practices before learners develop adequate proficiency in the language of learning and teaching. This linguistic mismatch is particularly evident in rural schools, where it constrains conceptual understanding, mathematical communication, and learner participation. This study explored the benefits and challenges of integrating Tshivenda into early mathematics instruction in rural primary schools in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Guided by the interpretivist paradigm, the study adopted a qualitative multiple-case study design. Purposive sampling was used to select 24 participants, comprising 16 teachers, 4 Heads of Department, and 4 school principals, from 4 rural primary schools. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through triangulation, member checking, prolonged engagement, peer debriefing, reflexive journaling, and an audit trail. The findings revealed that integrating Tshivenda strengthened learners' conceptual understanding by connecting mathematical concepts with familiar linguistic and cultural experiences while promoting learner participation, confidence, mathematical discourse, and collaborative problem-solving. However, implementation remained constrained by limited mathematical terminology, inadequate teaching and learning resources, insufficient teacher preparation for multilingual pedagogy, and challenges associated with the transition to English in Grade 4. The study recommends developing standardised mathematical terminology, expanding culturally responsive instructional resources, strengthening continuous teacher professional development, and promoting collaboration among universities, language specialists, curriculum developers, and the Department of Basic Education to advance equitable, multilingual, and culturally responsive mathematics education.

The Foundation Phase is a crucial stage of learning, where learners gain a basic understanding of number sense. The mathematics curriculum for the Foundation Phase includes five content areas, and the content area, numbers, operations, and relationships covers more than half of the curriculum. Pre-service teachers receive training on content to have a thorough conceptual understanding of basic mathematical concepts, as well as pedagogical content knowledge specific to this phase. The purpose of this study was to enhance pre-service teachers’ understanding of number sense and how to teach it. The study employed a constructivist-based framework because such a framework integrates pedagogical content knowledge and mathematical knowledge for teaching. Such a framework supports exploration of how student teachers build their understanding of teaching through experience, reflection and social interaction. The instrument used for data collection was the document analysis, where a sample of 20 scripts was used. Data was collected from a rural university situated in the Eastern Cape, and a case study design was utilized. The researcher chose the method of content analysis to interpret data because this method entails dividing the content into themes, which are then classified into categories and then codes. The findings reveal that pre-service teachers could not define some mathematics concepts correctly. The study thus recommends encouraging student teachers to develop their ability to explain mathematical concepts using proper mathematical language. Additionally, integrating technology into their teaching practice is advised to support more effective instruction of number sense to young learners.

Language plays a crucial role in helping young learners understand mathematical concepts, particularly in the Foundation Phase where learners are still developing both language and numeracy skills. In multilingual contexts such as South Africa, many learners are taught in English while speaking different languages at home, which may create challenges in learning mathematics. This study examined the effect of teaching mathematics using learners’ home language in rural primary schools in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach was adopted, using interviews and classroom observations to collect data. Ten Foundation Phase teachers from five schools were purposively selected to participate in the study. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. Ethical principles, including informed consent and confidentiality, were observed to protect participants. The findings revealed that teaching mathematics in the home language improved learners’ understanding of mathematical concepts, increased classroom participation, and enhanced learners’ confidence. Learners performed better when taught in a language they understood well. The study therefore recommends that schools and the Department of Basic Education support the use of home languages in the teaching of mathematics in the Foundation Phase and provide appropriate resources and teacher training to enhance effective implementation.

In this conceptual paper, we examine student teachers’ beliefs about mathematics teaching within Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes, also referred to as Teacher Education programmes, focusing on the implications for equity and social justice in mathematics education, particularly in the South African context. Drawing on existing literature, we examine how student teachers’ beliefs shape their approach to teaching mathematics and the potential consequences for fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments. We highlight the importance of challenging traditional views of mathematics as a fixed, abstract discipline, advocating for a dynamic, culturally responsive, and contextually relevant understanding of the subject. We argue that ITE programmes should actively address and interrogate student teachers’ beliefs and attitudes towards mathematics, incorporating critical pedagogy and reflective practices to prepare educators who can help to address inequities inherent in the South African educational system. Additionally, we call for future research to explore the long-term impact of ITE on teacher practices, the role of school contexts in shaping teacher beliefs, and the integration of technology to support equity in mathematics education. Ultimately, our paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how student teachers’ beliefs about mathematics can influence their teaching practices and advance the broader goals of equity and social justice in education.

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in educational contexts has led to substantial changes in both teaching and learning approaches. The role of ICT has proven advantageous for both teachers and students. Despite this, there exists a scarcity of research investigating the experiences and perspectives of mathematics teachers at the senior secondary level in Botswana concerning the integration of ICT in mathematics education. This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of 20 purposively selected senior secondary mathematics teachers regarding the integration of ICT in mathematics education. The study was guided by Mishra and Koehler's (2006) TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) framework and employed structured interviews and observations to collect data. The results showed that mathematics teachers are aware of the concept of integrating technology into mathematics education. The results also showed that most teachers are only familiar with basic technological tools such as computers and scientific calculators. Teachers acknowledged the significance of integrating technology into mathematics education for both them and their students. They noted that the integration of ICT in mathematics teaching can assist in lesson planning, delivery, communication, administrative duties, and research, while also having the potential to enhance students' academic performance. However, teachers conceded that there are significant challenges to effectively integrating technology into mathematics education, which include a shortage of resources, a lack of necessary knowledge and skills, and inadequate professional training specific to the subject. The study recommended that the government of Botswana should focus on providing reliable internet connectivity in public schools, maintaining classrooms

This study explores the professional identity perceptions of teachers responsible for instructing number concepts in the foundation phase, focusing on their roles and responsibilities within elementary mathematics education. Using qualitative methods, including interviews and observations, the research examines the multifaceted dimensions of teachers' professional identities, highlighting both positive and negative perspectives. Twelve foundation phase teachers from the Johannesburg East District were purposively selected for in-depth semi-structured interviews and observations. Thematic analysis was employed to uncover and present detailed findings. Results indicated that teachers perceive their professional identity as either positive or negative. Positive identities include viewing themselves as specialists in pedagogical content knowledge and as in loco parentis, displaying enthusiasm, self-motivation, friendliness, competence, and commitment. Negative identities involve seeing themselves primarily as administrators or social workers. The study identified a misalignment between teachers' self-perceptions and their classroom practices in teaching number concepts. Teachers' self-perception as instructors of number concepts significantly influences their teaching approaches in the foundation phase. The study suggests that investing in teacher development programs can help construct and reconstruct a positive professional identity, thereby enhancing the teaching of number concepts in the foundation phase. This research underscores the importance of aligning teachers' self-image with their pedagogical practices to foster effective mathematics education at the elementary level.

 In this article, we discuss teaching strategies that high-performing mathematics teachers use to assist learners in solving challenging 3-dimensional (3D) trigonometry concepts more effectively. High school learners often find 3D trigonometry challenging. For this study, a purposively qualitative research design was chosen. Five mathematics teachers were interviewed, and 381 scripts of the learners were analysed with the mathematical language error, procedural error, conceptual error, and application error (MPCA error) analysis protocol. Results from this study showed that using concrete models to illustrate the dimensions of 3D concepts was helpful for high-performing schoolteachers. The mathematical knowledge and the quality of mathematical instructions used by the teacher to unpack the 3D trigonometry concepts were found to play a pivotal role in the learners’ understanding. The teachers’ in-depth knowledge of error analysis was valuable, while the teachers’ ability to implement blended learning was crucial for learners. When a misconception occurs amongst learners, it should be challenged or contrasted with the correct conception. An understanding of learners’ errors in 3D trigonometry helps teachers minimise learners’ errors.