Vision
Advance innovative and effective Mathematics and Science teaching and learning, beneficial to student educators, practicing educators, learners, their parents and the education community.
Aims
Demystify Maths and Science in the lower grades and lay a basis for improved results;
Improve teacher content knowledge;
Support and motivate Science and Maths teachers in practical ways.
The need
It is well documented that Maths and Science education in South Africa leaves much to be desired. Research has shown that success in Mathematics and Science teaching and learning is correlated with the teachers’ content knowledge, the teaching skills they acquired before and during their training, as well as the scope of their experience. Not only do teachers need to understand content, they must explain the subject matter in new ways, reorganise it, and present it using relevant metaphors and exercises, examples and demonstrations so that it can be grasped by learners.
How this project responds
Science for the Future manages an interactive learning space on the campus of the UFS which offers training to student teachers and teachers already in the profession. More than 30 000 participants from schools in several provinces - predominantly in rural areas - are exposed to learning experiences and workshops using materials provided by the UFS. Training sessions use every day materials found around the home to develop activities and lesson plans that explain concepts. Parents are involved in their children’s education by being included in workshops. Learners are actively involved in a process of creating meaning and knowledge, as opposed to passively receiving information. The hands-on methodologies cater for children with different learning styles. The project model is currently being rolled out to six partner universities, who will implement the project in their areas. The project has also received support to expand its learning area on the UFS campus to a science park, which will increase the number of beneficiaries and optimise training:.
Why support this project?
The project helps to address a serious challenge in education in South Africa and has a long record of success.
Budget
Materials and workshops: Amounts from R150 000 make a demonstrable impact. Interventions can be rolled out to remote areas if funding allows.