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0 viewsIt is remarkable how the foundation phase learners in Alexandra Township are learning from the same material as the children in private schools, which include a number of Jewish Day schools. This is thanks to the training educators in Alexandra are receiving from ORT SA, a non-profit developmental organisation, and the provision of books inclusive in the ORT Maths Programme.
For the past few years ORT SA, together with Bidvest and the GDE, have implemented a Numeracy Foundation Phase Project. The project is rolled out in 12 Primary Schools in Alexandra. Half the Numeracy Foundation Phase schools use the Singapore programme, which has made a significant difference to both teachers and learners. Research is showing an overall improvement, not only in maths results but in the attitude towards the subject.ORT SA recently met with Jasmong NG, Marshall Cavendish Assistant General Manager, for an update on the Singapore Maths programme.
During the 1980’s the Curriculum Planning and Development Division (CPDD) in Singapore addressed low Maths performance amongst learners. The Model Method was then developed to help improve Math results. Singapore Maths material was first published in 1982. Today the curriculum continues to be reviewed and evaluated every four years and is used in over 40 countries worldwide.
It is always a pleasure to meet with the people from Marshal Cavendish, says Ariellah Rosenberg, Head of Educator Empowerment from ORT SA. The programme has changed the face of mathematics in Alexandra, and we are so encouraged by the learners and teacher’s feedback. Although he has been too busy to visit the game reserves, Jasmon says that he is pleased to travel to South Africa for the first time and meet with ORT SA. During their meeting Jasmond NG presented the latest in IT learning methods that are now being incorporated in the teaching of learners in Singapore.
Educationalist, Jack Garb, brought the Singapore Maths programme to South Africa, as he felt that it would benefit South African teachers and learners. “The Singapore Math is systematic and organised, but, you don’t have to change the material for the environment”, says Garb. Therefore its core methodology and philosophy do not have to be compromised when customising the programme for South Africa’s schooling platform.
Singapore Math is unique as it is designed to allow self-training and teaching. In other words you don’t have to be an expert in Maths to teach or learn the programme. The programme is also not dependant on technology, equipment, or even language. Whether the schools are private, public or rural, it can be implemented in any environment.
Through Singapore Maths, learners are able to think about the environment around them. It also helps them to visualise problems to find solutions. “It gets the kids to think”, says Khairi Abdullah, a Senior Manager at Marshall and Cavendish. Not only does this help them to answer Maths problems, but, it also gives them a platform to solve future problems. Eventually learners will ask “is this the only was to solve the problem?” says Abdullah.
Another unique element of the programme is the material or textbooks that grasp the learner’s attention, through vivid colours and interesting images. Previously teachers had to develop their own material, which made it difficult to pinpoint issues. This also meant that each educator approached the subject differently, which lead to haphazard results. The textbooks are used in Grade 1 classes – a first for South Africa.
Maria Ramodike, Grade 1 teacher at Iphutheng Primary School says that the programme “keeps children more active and allows them to work on their own”. It also allows them to work as a team and share ideas. “The children are now becoming more responsible because they must look after the books, plastics and markers”.
Ariellah Rosenberg, ORT SA Educator Empowerment HOD, is happy with the projects success and is encouraged by the learner’s willingness to learn. “The teachers are more focused, motivated and have gained confidence from the training and support”.
About ORT SA
ORT SA is a non-profit developmental organisation that focuses on lifelong learning. It is a development organisation addressing the skills shortage through educating and supporting individuals and communities in an accountable, value-added way
Photograph: Maria Ramodike, Grade 1 teacher at Iphutheng Primary School in Alexandra