Maths and science programme may change perceptions
A Positive Behaviour and Support Programme will be launched in March, to assist learners with maths and science.
It will be conducted every Saturday, at Lesabe Primary School, in Wattville.
The programme is facilitated by the Yusuf Ibrahim Mathematics Foundation.
According to Mandla Madlopha, chairman of the foundation, it will focus learners from Grades Eight to 10, who hope to improve on their maths and science.
“It is important to reduce students’ behaviour problems through the introduction of Positive Behaviour and Support Programme (PBIS),” he said.
“This may be changed by introducing after-school and Saturday tutoring programmes designed to create collaborative and active learning, in order to enhance student learning.”
He added that learners can do well in maths and science if the following factors are understood:
- Teachers’ teaching methodology.
- Students’ learning difficulties which may be learned, which include helplessness, learners expectation that one’s action will ultimately lead to failure.
- Defensive attribution; where a learner loses interest and complains about a subject or the teacher.
“Such factors will be identified through the introduction of Mathematics Diagnostic Assessment Systems (MDAS); this will help us to identify students’ strengths, weaknesses and learning characteristics,” said Madlopha.
The programme will aim to change these challenges by applying the following methods:
- Building a high-quality teaching staff benchmark and collaborating with experts;
- Using effective science-based teaching approaches, by supporting students;
- Creating team work between parents, teachers and students in working towards achieving a common goal;
- Working with and exposing students to tertiary institutions, like Medunsa, Wits and UP.
Madlopha is inviting businesses and mathematics academics to join the programme.
For more information, contact him on 011 422 6652 or 081 4591965.
