For the last time this school year subject advisors foundation phase and intermediate phase in Free State came together to work and discuss on how to improve their support on mathematics to teachers. The workshop was organised by the FS DOE with support from VVOB. The workshop took place twice, from 1 until 3 December in Bloemfontein and from 4 to 5 December in Bethlehem.
The workshop was facilitated by Lizel Meyer, from the School of Open Learning of the University of the Free State. Most of the first day was spent on a recap of the section on problem solving skills. Some exemplary problems were introduced and strategies discussed to stimulate teachers in using them in their teaching. Anneleen Becu, internship student, presented a short overview of her research on teachers’ content and pedagogical content knowledge about fractions and decimal numbers.
The use of manipulatives was discussed during the second day. A variety of manipulatives can be used in math lessons, many of which of low or zero cost. An exercise using pattern blocks was done, as input for reflection on what constitute challenges with the use of manipulatives and what role subject advisors can play in encouraging teachers.
The third focus of the workshop was the use of posters. There are a variety of poster types and ways to use them. The main purpose was to provide subject advisors with inspiration and ideas on posters teachers can make or have learners made, such as collective memory posters and question quilts. The workshop was well prepared and facilitated, containing a variety of content knowledge, practical activities, reflection and inspiration for further work.
The learning trajectory on maths will continue in 2015. Capacity development activities such as workshops and coaching sessions will help subject advisors prepare for the annual Free State math summit.
More pictures can be found on the VVOB Flickr Page.
