Between October 2015 and June 2016, 50 lead teachers from the foundation and intermediate phase in Lejweleputswa Districts engaged in a 10-day learning trajectory on maths content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge. Subsequently, 18 lead teachers volunteered to take part in a follow-up mentoring project together with their subject advisors.
An introductory briefing took place on 25 August, where teachers and subject advisors acquainted themselves with the observation framework. Specific attention was paid to the connections and consistency between resources, teacher talk, activities and the links with other, prior concepts that learners have encountered. Teachers should be able to ‘move down’ (simplifying an explanation or asking a supporting question) and ‘moving up’ (adding an additional challenge), according to learners’ reactions.
On 26 and 27 September teachers and subject advisors started with the mentoring part. Seven lessons were observed by mentors from Wits University, VVOB and the participating schools. All those involved took part in an afternoon feedback conversation.
The purpose of the mentoring programme is twofold. The first objective is to reinforce concepts and knowledge from the workshops. Secondly, the programme aims at strengthening the skills from lead teachers and subject advisors to engage in meaningful and motivating feedback conversations that focus on improving teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge.
Teachers and subject advisors alike expressed their satisfaction with the programme. A second session will take place on October 24 -25. Those who observed during the first session will teach during the second session and vice versa.
