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Advancing innovative, effective mathematics and science teaching

12 October 2022 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo iFlair Photography

Attending the Science for the Future (S4F) summit in the Centenary Complex on the Bloemfontein Campus were, from the left: Back: Dr Cobus van Breda (S4F Programme Director), Amaria Reynders (S4F Family Math Manager), Dr Glynnis Daries (Sol Plaatje University), Prof Francis Petersen (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS), Tarin Roberts (Nelson Mandela University), Adolph Tomes (Acting Chief Executive Office, SANRAL). In the front are, from the left: Prof Angela James (University of KwaZulu-Natal), Heidi Harper (General Manager Skills Development, SANRAL), Prof Jogymol Alex (Walter Sisulu University).

Teachers from across the country and representatives of six other universities recently gathered at the University of the Free State (UFS) to celebrate the achievements of the Science-for-the-Future (S4F) Teacher Professional Development programmes as well as the successful collaboration between the UFS and other universities.

The Science-for-the-Future unit in the Faculty of Education hosted a summit in the Centenary Complex on the Bloemfontein Campus on 30 September 2022. The Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Francis Petersen, delivered the keynote address at the summit. Representatives from the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) – the official sponsors of the Science for the Future initiative – were also present, along with 300 teachers and representatives from the Department of Basic Education.

In his welcoming address, Prof Patrick Mafora, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Education, said the initiative exemplifies the UFS’ institutional goals, such as increasing our contribution to local, regional, and global knowledge. It also supports development and social justice through engaged scholarship.

Improving the quality of teaching and learning for Math and Science

Dr Cobus van Breda, Programme Director of S4F and Project Manager of the Universities Collaboration initiative, provided background regarding the programmes and stated that “… we know from research that there are many factors that prevent learners in rural areas from excelling in Mathematics and Science. These include subject content knowledge, lack of teaching resources at school and at home, along with a lack of parental involvement, among others.” He said the project aims to address the challenges related to Mathematics and Science teaching and learning in the country. One of the ways in which this goal can be accomplished, is by empowering teachers and learners with the necessary tools, including resources and knowledge, to create a successful learning space for Mathematics and Science. “Our mission is the advancement of innovative and effective Mathematics and Science teaching and learning,” he indicated.

Representatives from the DBE and other institutions were also given the opportunity to highlight the impact of the initiative in their respective institutions. “Our public schooling system, especially in poor and rural areas, is in crisis – more especially in the Eastern Cape. This is due to a lack of learning support and a lack of sufficient skills. This created a need for innovative, sustainable, and tactical solutions to improve the quality of teaching and learning for Math and Science. The Science for the Future initiative is exactly that,” explained Prof Jogy Alex from the Walter Sisulu University.

Making a difference and changing people’s lives

During his keynote address, Prof Petersen indicated that he preferred the word ‘co-creation’ instead of ‘collaboration’, and he urged the “sponsors not only to contribute funding, but really contribute towards the intellectual project of this programme”. Surely, they have learnings and some ideas that can strengthen and expand the project, he said. Prof Petersen also alluded to the fact that SANRAL contributes towards a Research Chair in Science and Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education, as well as the fact that, at the university, “we don’t exist to create knowledge for the sake of knowledge; we exist to create knowledge so that the knowledge can make an impact”. He referred to the project as an example of how knowledge is converted to practical application.

Mr Adolph Tomes, Acting Business Operations Executive at SANRAL, also commended the initiative and its impact. “Although we as SANRAL are the funders and we get praise for being funders, this is a phenomenal project, and it is making a difference and changing people’s lives.”

News Archive

“Breakthroughs depend on people believing in their own ideas”

2015-07-23

TED is a renowned international non-profit organisation dedicated to disseminating “ideas worth spreading” in the form compelling talks lasting up to 18 minutes.

Lerothodi Molete’s vision is to witness the youth of Bloemfontein emerge at the forefront of technological, scientific, and entrepreneurial innovations in both South Africa and the global arena.

Molete and Bonginkosi Leeuw are the organisers of TEDxUFS. Their duty is centered on inspiring people to believe in, and express, their ideas. These University of the Free State students have taken it upon themselves to inspire the youth to “push the boundaries of society.”

The second TEDxUFS event to be hosted by the university presents a unique opportunity for students, staff members, and the general public to mingle with influential speakers from across various disciplines.

Details of the event:

Date: Saturday 1 August 2015

Time: 08:00- 18:00

Venue: Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus

The keynote speakers include: Mmusi Maimane (Federal Leader: Democratic Alliance), Gareth Cliff (Radio personality: Cliff Central), Pieter Geldenhuys (Futurist), Brian Kally (Director: Arrow Logistics), Jonathan Jansen (Vice-Chancellor and Rector: UFS), Ricardo Peach (Director: Vrystaat Arts Festival, Pamela Nomvete (Former actor and writer), Gil Oved (Founder: Creative Counsel), Pepe Marais (CEO: Joe Public), Angelo Mockie (Senior Officer: Student Affairs and musician), Philippa Tumubweinee (Senior Lecturer in Architecture: UFS), and Melody Mentz (Psychology Senior Professor: UFS).

The reason behind the #AskWhy theme

"Why is a small word but it’s a quick, broad, sharp and abrupt one,” explains Leeuw. “It is the chosen word of the non-conformist, the defiant, and the visionary. It is a confrontational word. It challenges what is thought to be impossible.”

The ability to interrogate reality is what society and economies are built on. The absence of the fear to question encourages the capacity to progress.

Motivating young people to follow their dreams is the reason why the TEDxUFS team is persistent in their endeavours. Molete believes that, in order to change anything, people need to ask why.

Background of the innovation powerhouse called TED(x)

TED is a renowned international non-profit organisation dedicated to disseminating “ideas worth spreading” in the form compelling talks lasting up to 18 minutes.

In 1984, it was introduced as a conference exploring Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Three decades later, TED covers a wide variety of topics of global significance, reflecting the contemporary era in more than 100 languages.

TEDx events are under the TED umbrella. These events are organised independently, and create a platform for deliberating on local matters. The programme assists communities, organisations, and individuals to stimulate critical dialogue.

On 25 July 2014, the UFS hosted its inaugural TEDxUFS conference at the Odeion theatre on the Bloemfontein Campus, where eleven speakers addressed an audience of 150 people on interdisciplinary topics ranging from economics to entrepreneurship, technology, art, design, and theology.

This year, 200 seats will be available for innovative revolutionary individuals in search of inspiration.

Tickets are available at 0619284253 / 079 381 4126. Prices: R80 (Student/scholars) and R350 (Public/staff)

LINKS:

Lerothodi Molete- http://whoswho.co.za/lerothodi-molete-742022

Bonginkosi Leeuw- https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/10499

TEDxUFS- http://kovsielife.ufs.ac.za/templates/archive.aspx?news=276

Mmusi Maimane- http://whoswho.co.za/mmusi-maimane-44612

Garett Cliff- http://www.garethcliff.com/

Pieter Geldenhuys- http://pietergeldenhuys.com/

Brian Kally- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/brian-kally/4b/888/959

Jonathan Jansen- http://www.ufs.ac.za/adhoc-pages/rectorate/prof-(jd)-jonathan-jansen

Ricardo Peach- http://ricardopeach.com/

Pamela Nomvete- http://whoswho.co.za/pamela-nomvete-4789

Gil Ovid- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/gil-oved/3/910/892

Pepe Marais- http://joepublic.co.za/people

Angelo Mockie- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-mockie/27/56/302

PhilippaTumubweinee- http://natagri.ufs.ac.za/templates/staffmember.aspx?DCode=101&pid=zyNJm7KI%2b1k%3d

Melody Mentz- https://za.linkedin.com/in/melodymentz

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