The Student Recruitment unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted an informative Teach the Teacher Workshop at the Faculty of Applied Sciences Computer Laboratory, Steve Biko campus in Durban.
This workshop aimed to enable teachers with the skills to teach subjects in innovative and creative ways and to inspire learners through their teaching practices to confidently take up science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects in high school.
Following a warm welcome, Dr Nishi Ramrathan, DUT’s Student Recruitment Officer, gave a brief purpose of the workshop.
The workshop sessions began with an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a teaching tool by Mr Ebrahim Asmal, Senior Lecturer: Information Technology at DUT. In addition, he demonstrated how to utilise AI and how effective it can be as a teaching tool. He also assigned them some assignments that required them to use the AI tools. Asmal further explored the benefits and limitations of using AI in teaching.
“Educators let us take full advantage of AI to improve the teaching practices and our learners. To achieve that we need to be passionate and be willing to go extra mile for our kids to become the best that they can be,’’ said Asmal.
Professor Deonarain Brijlall from the DUT Department of Mathematics delivered a presentation on titled: Mathematics-“Solving problems in Euclidean Geometry”, which explored the teaching in South African content. He focused on what to teach versus how to teachers teach, teachers service and experience.
“As teachers it is very important to be updated with the content and be familiar with the teaching strategies. Complement those learners who are doing well and not only focus on negative side,’’ said Prof Brijlall.
Prof Brijlall also encouraged teachers to study further and provided guidelines in mathematics research.
His colleague, Professor Megandran Govender also from the Department of Mathematics captivated the audience with amazing physics experiments during his Physical Science: Beyond the Textbook presentation. He also underlined to educators the significance of teaching some of the university-level lessons in schools.
“Explore the existing teaching practices in physics to improve, empower and being innovative to inspire young ones. And make physics learning fashionable,’’ said Govender.
One of the physics teachers at Nkosibomvu Secondary School in Tongaat, Simangele Buthelezi praised the session and said that the most fascinating aspect was Artificial Intelligence.
“I have found this workshop very informative, particularly the Artificial Intelligence Presentation. It was very educative, now I know that I can work remotely with my learners using AI to create notes, PowerPoints and worksheets. I am grateful to be part of this workshop as I have been exposed to possibilities beyond my daily practices,’’ said Buthelezi.
According to Rekha Dhaneelal from Merebenk Secondary school who also shared the same sentiment, the workshop was dynamic as it gave new life to the way they teach.
“All the presenters were amazing. The AI presentation was extremely informative. Maths and physics were also enlightening. The way they taught us how to apply types of learning and understating to our learners was thought provoking,’’ said Dhaneelal.
Dr Ramrathan closed off the workshop by extending her gratitude to the presenters, her team, guests and everyone who attended the workshop.
Pictured: DUT Student Recruitment unit and teachers at the Teach the Teacher Workshop.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Vukani Langa
