iii ABSTRACT The study focused on two competent, qualified, experienced secondary Mathematics teachers working in contrasting South African school contexts (fee-paying and no fee schools). The study investigated: on how teachers chose and used examples and how they explained their choices and usage; and what considerations were in play when these teachers chose and used examples. These teachers were purposely selected because we can learn more from their experiences as Mathematics teachers especially when they teach quadratic functions. Quadratic functions were used as unit of analysis to illuminate their choice and use of examples.