Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo

Workshop builds mathematical foundations

1 July 2009

MSA's Jacob Matlala, Chriscelia Pienaar and Craig Rowe with Dr Ian Rowe and Faculty of Education associate dean (Development) Associate Professor Len Cairns.

The Faculty of Education has hosted a workshop in South Africa to improve the understanding of mathematics among teachers from secondary schools near the University's South African campus.

The three-day workshop aimed to help participants learn new, simple, hands-on activities they could apply in the classroom to stimulate learning and motivate students to enjoy the study of mathematics.

In total 30 teachers, from disadvantaged schools, took part.

Dr Ian Lowe, who presented the workshop with MSA's Jacob Matlala and Chriscelia Pienaar, said it was clear teachers had never previously seen activities like those presented, and they responded enthusiastically.

"Teacher support and an emphasis on good learning strategies will eventually have the effect of improving teaching methods and, as a consequence, improve student learning," Dr Lowe said.

Teachers were encouraged to engage in follow-up strategies including sharing new methods with others, developing a network with other teachers, and having cluster meetings with teachers from other schools.

Five teachers were also chosen to lead the process into the future. Together with Monash staff members, they will plan and run a follow-up workshop, support the development of a teacher network and encourage participants to use what they have experienced.

They will also plan a similar three-day workshop for a new group of teachers at Monash South Africa in September.

The workshop was made possible through a Strategic Initiatives Grant from the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International).

For more information about the workshop visit the Monash South Africa website.