SAARMSTE NORTH WEST CHAPTER 2019 SEMINAR
The Department and the North-West University held the South African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) seminar from 01- 02 October 2019 at International School of South Africa, in Mahikeng.
The seminar aims at improving the performance of learners in Mathematics, Science and technology since the department of basic education analysis the performance of Maths and Science as unfortunate in South Africa, as compared to other countries.
It therefore contribute to the delay in the South African economic growth.
Dr Tholo explained that the seminar is very relevant and shares the influence of science and technology where it will assist underperforming GET schools as identified by the North West Department of Education. It will also build the capacity and close the existing gap in technology and science. Dr Tholo further highlighted the development of technology by saying the plan for 2024 is that classrooms should be paperless since learners are expected to be using technological devices.
Ms Agnes Motsosi explained that the seminar is aimed at improving the performance and
pass rate on this field . She further emphasized in her presentation that though Maths and Science subjects are perceived to be hard/difficult subjects, they are major subjects that can reduce poverty and are core building blocks of ICT.
Dr Andrew Mutsvangwa from the North-West University presented two topics to senior phase Technology Educators. His presentation focused on simple Electric Circuits and Logic Gates and their respective practical applications. Educators were also given an opportunity to conduct some practical activities related to the presented topics. The activities were primarily aimed at enhancing Technology Educators pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and in turn promote learners success in the subject.
In Conclusion the Deputy Director General for Curriculum Management and Delivery, Mr Prince Masilo congratulated and provided a word of encouragement to all the participants who made an effort to attend the seminar. Mr Masilo also challenged the individuals to start thinking about E-Assessments in future to make it possible for learners to be able to write examination and receive results electronically, using technological devices. He said this strategy will reduce the fact of having problems with printing question papers in schools during examination period.
He further said the next seminar should be a thorough debate on why the performance of Maths and Science in the North West Province in particular ,is low. Lastly, the DDG calls for the participants to make it possible for the North West Province to be “SMART”, in delivering Maths, Science and Technology Education(MSTE).
Amongst other delegates who attended the event were Principals, Teachers, University Lecturers in the faculty of Education, including Publishers namely: Oxford, Shuter & Shooter, The Answers, Person, Heineman, Macmillan Education and Vivlia.
