By Newsbreak Producer Mattehw Veeran - Education expert Professor Sonja van Putten* has urged South African parents and learners to approach the choice between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy (Maths Lit) with compassion and foresight rather than fear. While pure Maths remains a critical gateway for STEM and commerce fields, Prof. van Putten warns that forcing struggling children to take it can cause severe anxiety and overlook the immense practical value of Maths Lit. She's now advocating for a balanced decision-making process focused on the child's psychological well-being and actual career goals... 

*Prof. Sonja van Putten is from the Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria. 

By Newsbreak Producer Mattehw Veeran -&nbsp;Education expert Professor Sonja van Putten* has urged South African parents and learners to approach the choice between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy (Maths Lit) with compassion and foresight rather than fear. While pure Maths remains a critical gateway for STEM and commerce fields, Prof. van Putten warns that forcing struggling children to take it can cause severe anxiety and overlook the immense practical value of Maths Lit. She's now advocating for a balanced decision-making process focused on the child's psychological well-being and actual career goals...&nbsp;
*Prof. Sonja van Putten is from the Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria.&nbsp;

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