More than fifty mathematics and physical science teachers from Western Cape high schools gathered at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) this week for the annual Maths and Science Teachers' Forum (MSTF).
The MSTF is an initiative of the Faculty of Science to bridge the gap between teachers and first year lecturers in the fields of the fundamental sciences.
Mariétta van den Worm, Directory: Faculty Management, says the primary objectives of the MSTF are to bridge the curriculum knowledge gap between teachers and lecturers; to build meaningful and impactful relationships that can aid in the recruitment, selection, admission, and preparedness of prospective first year science students; and fostering collaborations for curriculum engagements, upskilling, and social impact.
“The idea is for the faculty to host teachers for insightful events where they can engage with the lecturers and together address possible challenges that first year students encounter in the curriculum," she explains.
This is the second such event this year hosted in partnership with SU's Division Student Recruitment. According to Christelle Feyt, Senior Director: Student Recruitment, the partnership with the Faculty of Science is in line with the integrated recruitment strategy approved by Rectorate at the end of 2023.
“The Integrated Student Recruitment Strategy rests on five pillars, of which collaborative partnerships with faculties and external stakeholders, such as teachers, feature prominently. The strategy also makes provision for the establishment of communities of practice for student recruitment and widening participation," she adds.
The first community of practice for undergraduate student recruitment was established in June: “All faculty staff involved with recruitment and the Division Student Recruitment were brought together to enable colleagues across faculties to share best practices in student recruitment, institutional knowledge and resources, and to promote open communication, flexibility and agility in meeting the expectations and needs of prospective students and their influencer groups, such as parents and teachers," she concludes.
During this week's event, teachers were welcomed by Prof. Bertie Fielding, Dean of the Faculty of Science, while first year students shared stories about how they were inspired by their primary and secondary teachers to study mathematics and physical sciences. First year lecturers such as Dr Philip Southey demonstrated some of the many career opportunities in the natural sciences that are not in the fields of engineering or medicine, while Dr Riana Roux showed graphs of the many fields of study where mathematics is a requirement.
“In other words," she emphasized, “if learners choose to rather pursue Mathematics Literacy, it will drastically reduce future study options."
After the event, several teachers expressed their appreciation for the initiative. More than one asked for similar engagements in the future. While they appreciated the “contagious enthusiasm" of the first-year lecturers and students, they also emphasised that teachers' concerns should be acknowledged more, and that it may be beneficial in future to include curriculum experts from the Western Cape Department of Education.
Images: Henk Oets?
