The Vhembe schools project team: seated Mr A Mudau, Prof MW Lumadi, Dr J Nyoni. Standing from left: Prof MM van Wyk, Dr MJ Taole, Dr VA Nkonyane, Mrs K Naidu, Mr BA Segoe, Dr MJ Sethusha and Mr M Phoshoko. Absent from the photo: Prof KP Dzvimbo, Mrs R Paulsen, Dr FD Mahlo, Prof LDM Lebeloane and Mr NF Patel
According to Umalusi reports (2009-2012), many secondary schools in the Limpopo province in general and in particular, the Vhembe district performed dismally in the gateway subjects (Maths & Science). This is a matter of grave concern to teachers and policy makers involved with the Limpopo Department of Education and the National Department of Basic Education. It is imperative to understand the factors that cause such dismal failure in order to reduce the number of school dropouts without matriculation certificates. Such learners may end up unemployed for the rest of their lives.
Prof MW Lumadi and his team from various departments in the College of Education have initiated a MIT research project focussing on developing strategies to increase learner performance in Maths and Science (M & S). The first phase of the project where needs analysis was conducted has already been completed. Emanating from the needs analysis, the team is currently writing a research report and several articles with clear recommendations for implementation in the second phase.
The objectives of this MIT project are:
- To explore factors contributing to the low pass rate of Grade 12 students in M & S in the Vhembe district,
- To investigate the challenges faced by M & S teachers in the district,
- To determine the current status of training M & S teachers in the district and how it may impact on the quality of teaching and learning and
- To formulate strategies that will increase learner performance in M & S in secondary schools.
The project is envisaged to be a longitudinal one with outcomes also benefiting schools and learners. The researchers plan to use their expert knowledge in curriculum design and development, planning, implementation and classroom management to capacitate teachers and learners throughout this project. Workshops will be conducted on lesson presentations on problematic topics. Such a pragmatic approach has the potential to enable professional development of teachers based in these schools and to improve their instructional repertoire that can lead to improved learner achievement in the long term.
Maths experts from Limpopo Department of Education – Vhembe District
Science experts from Limpopo Department of Education – Vhembe District
May I thank UNISA and the Project Team for such an effort. Many Universities are rolling out programmes but not targeting the less gifted in rural schools. Some of the learners in such schools lack the exposure and have little confidence when approaching questions in maths and science. Hence the selected teachers will help boost the moral and knowledge level of these learners before they write their end of year exams. Best programme so far.