The Mathematics, Science and Technology Education department strives to be a leading department in the provisioning of the teachers of the highest quality, with a strong emphasis on becoming teachers of mathematics and sciences of Senior and FET phase, fit for the diverse contexts of South African schooling system.

Vision, mission, values
The department seeks to be value-driven and technologically infused, in an effort to provide a pathway for local Mathematics and Science teaching talent, to be globally competitive, and to have a lasting influence.

Our philosophy of teaching and learning
Traditionally, classes attended by students at university were called lectures led by a lecturer giving lectures. Students were required to attend lectures where they had to listen to such lecturing (Learning by listening). The lecturer was the centre of attention. As your “lecturers’’, we regard ourselves as facilitators of your learning, rather than a lecturer or expert who wants to teach or lecture you. Lecturers are not the centre of attention - You are! We are convinced that we learn best by doing, trying, stumbling, trying again and conquering in the end. This means that you will be required to learn by doing what the outcomes require, rather than “learn by listening to what I have to say” approach.

Goals of the Department
The goal of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education department is to produce competent mathematics and science teachers for South Africa. You are well aware that mathematics and science teachers are in short supply in this country, so we strive to cover this gap. You will be taught by lecturers who are experts in the fields of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Mathematics, who will share content and pedagogical knowledge and experience with you.

In addition, the department offers opportunities for research and community engagement. In research, the staff and students are exposed to research-related approaches that enable them to conduct inquiries and produce conclusions that enable them to address some of the challenges that impact the learning and teaching experiences in our schools and communities. In particular, The Mathematics Education and Research Centre is established for the advancement of teaching and learning of mathematics through which several community projects such as Department of Transport (DoT) project, Department of Basic Education and WSU Mathematics and Science Project, NMU-WSU-DBE Gamma Tutor Project, UFS- SANRAL- WSU – DBE Key Concepts in Science and Family Maths projects, as well as School-Based Experience. Through these projects, the department prides itself in making the tangible contribution to the communities around WSU. All students are required to complete School-Based Experience (SBE) as part of their teaching curriculum. This affords them the opportunity to become acquainted with the schools, students, teachers, school board members, and community people where they are attached for a total of 20 weeks. During the SBE programme, the majority of our student-teachers market themselves for permanent employment while providing schools with exceptional instruction and learning.