The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Student Recruitment Unit recently hosted a Teach the Teacher (TTT) Training Workshop for Mathematics and Physical Sciences teachers at the Faculty of Applied Sciences computer laboratory on the Steve Biko Campus in Durban.
The initiative aimed to empower high school teachers from KwaZulu-Natal with innovative teaching strategies to better support learners and improve academic performance in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
The programme was officially opened by Mr Alex Mdletshe, Manager of the Student Recruitment Unit, who welcomed the guests and outlined the purpose of the workshop.
In his address, Mr Mdletshe explained that the workshop had been running for three consecutive years. He also highlighted a concerning decline in the number of learners taking Mathematics and Physical Sciences at high school level, noting that, for various reasons, some learners were choosing subjects outside the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
“This is a challenge not just for Basic Education, but also for universities and industry,” he said.
He explained that the Teach the Teacher initiative emerged from the University’s recognition of the need to intervene and find solutions to this challenge.
Mathematics teacher Mr Meluleki Shabalala from Nombuso High School, an award-winning educator who achieved a 100% pass rate and second place in the National Teaching Awards, addressed fellow teachers on cultivating a love for Mathematics in the classroom.
Drawing on his experience, Mr Shabalala shared insights into improving learner performance and emphasised the importance of collaboration among teachers from different schools. He explained that sharing knowledge with fellow educators could have a lasting impact because learners would continue to depend on their teachers for guidance long after external interventions had ended.
“We can’t say we are excellent teachers if we haven’t gone through the guidelines set by the DBE,” he said.
He further emphasised that improving Mathematics performance starts with strengthening teachers’ skills and creating a supportive learning environment.
“Be a quality teacher to ensure quality learning,” he said.
Professor Deonarain Brijlall addressed the educators on using the ACE Teaching Cycle to foster effective learning in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. He emphasised the importance of having a conceptual teaching model to guide classroom practice.
Drawing on his area of specialisation, Prof Brijlall provided an in-depth explanation of the Action-Process-Object-Schema (APOS) theory. He explained that the theory is based on the hypothesis that mathematical knowledge develops through an individual’s engagement with mathematical problem situations.
According to the theory, learners construct mental actions, processes and objects, organising them into schemas to understand mathematical concepts and solve problems. Prof Brijlall then facilitated an interactive workshop activity in which educators explored the concept of an “action” as a foundational element of the theory.
Andrew Naude, a representative from Sharp, demonstrated the features of the company’s latest calculators, including the master calculation function, statistical summaries, an infinite table mode and a built-in Pythagorean theorem function. He explained how these features could support teachers in teaching mathematical concepts and make learning more accessible to students.
Mr Naude also directed educators to Sharp’s Maths at Sharp YouTube channel, where they can access past examination papers and other resources to help learners practise and prepare for assessments.
Mr Michael Zulu delivered the closing remarks and vote of thanks, expressing his appreciation to the teachers who attended the workshop and the Student Recruitment Unit for organising the initiative.
Pictured: Some of the teachers who attended the Teach the Teacher (TTT) Training Workshop for Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Nosihle Mthembu
