MKWAWA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dr. Monica Asagwile Mwakifuna is a Lecturer of Mathematics Education at the University of Dar es Salaam – Mkwawa University College of Education (UDSM-MUCE), Tanzania. She holds a PhD in Mathematics Education and a Graduate Certificate in Research from the University of Tasmania, Australia, a Master of Education in Science Education (First Class Honours), and a Bachelor of Education in Science (First Class Honours) from the University of Dar es Salaam, as well as a Diploma in Science Education from Klerruu Teachers’ College.

Dr. Mwakifuna’s teaching portfolio spans undergraduate and postgraduate courses in mathematics education, educational measurement, assessment, evaluation, and research methodology. She has extensive classroom teaching experience, having begun her career as a Mathematics and Physics teacher before moving into higher education, where she has progressed from Tutorial Assistant (2014) to Assistant Lecturer (2017), and Lecturer (2025).

Her research interests focus on:

• Mathematics education

• Teacher education and professional development

• Curriculum design and implementation

• Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK)

• Teachers’ beliefs and practices in mathematics

Dr. Mwakifuna is the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships, including the University of Tasmania Research Scholarship (2019–2024) and the Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship (2014–2016). She was also recognised as the Best Female Student in Mathematics (2011/2012) and awarded the Prof. Bhalalusesa’s Prize for top female graduate in Education (2012).

She is an active member of the University of Dar es Salaam Academic Staff Association (UDASA) and participates in workshops on research methodology and grant writing. Beyond her academic roles, she is committed to mentoring the next generation of mathematics educators and contributing to educational development in Tanzania and across Africa.