ETDP-SETA Research Chair in Mathematics Education
Overview and mandate
The ETDP-SETA Research Chair in Mathematics Education is a national initiative, supported by the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP-SETA). It is strategically housed within the Faculty of Education at the University of the Free State (UFS).
The chair’s primary mandate is to strengthen South Africa’s mathematics teaching and learning capacity by bridging the gap between cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and classroom practice. In alignment with Vision 130, the chair is committed to generating evidence-based knowledge that directly informs national educational policy and supports the development of high-quality postgraduate research in a priority area for the country.
Research focus and objectives
The research programme is dedicated to addressing persistent challenges in mathematics education, leveraging modern computational and analytical techniques to drive student success at scale.
The research is concentrated on three primary interlinked themes:
- AI and learning analytics in mathematics
Developing and deploying data-driven dashboards and systems that use artificial intelligence and learning analytics to understand student engagement, predict retention risks, and improve learning outcomes in mathematics across various educational tiers.
- Assessment and curriculum transformation
Creating fair, accessible, and evidence-centred assessment designs that enhance classroom practice. This includes investigating curriculum alignment and transition challenges, particularly focusing on the link between high school mathematics preparation and success in university-level Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
- National research collaboration and policy advocacy
Leading a collaborative research network with partner universities to facilitate comparative studies and drive ethical, data-informed educational change. The goal is to translate rigorous research findings into actionable policy recommendations for teachers, institutions, and national bodies such as ETDP-SETA.
Chairholder and team
The chair is led by a scholar with extensive expertise in both mathematics education and the application of data science to educational challenges.
- Chair: Prof Moeketsi Mosia, PhD
- Title: Associate Professor and ETDP-SETA Research Chair in Mathematics Education (also serves as Vice-Dean: Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Education)
- Department: School of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Technology Education, Faculty of Education
- Term: Established 2023
The chair actively supervises a dedicated cohort of postgraduate students, and also mentors emerging scholars, building a sustainable base of skilled mathematics education researchers for the ETDP sector.
Contact information
For research collaborations, funding opportunities, or postgraduate applications related to the chair’s specific projects, please contact:
Prof Moeketsi Mosia (chairholder)
T: +27 51 401 2686
E: MosiaMS@ufs.ac.za
Location: Admin Block, South Campus