JumpStart Training of Trainers: Bridging the Gap in Early Mathematics Education
In South Africa, the early stages of mathematics education have faced significant challenges due to a gap in early grade teaching. Historically, Bachelor of Education degrees for Grade 1 to 3 teachers have all but ignored early-grade mathematics pedagogy, leaving many teachers ill-prepared to nurture young learners’ mathematical abilities. Recognizing this, leading universities have collaborated over the past five years to address this issue. One of the results of this is a training program, the Emergent Number Sense Training, which was developed by Kelello and is now being rolled out at 10 universities, following successful pilots at the University of Johannesburg.
At Jumpstart Foundation Trust, we understand the urgent need to extend this training beyond pre-service teachers to the tens of thousands of in-service teachers across the country. Our goal is to equip these educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster a deep understanding of mathematics in young learners, from the age of five to ten years old.
Our First Steps: Training of Trainers
In May 2024, we embarked on an exciting journey to expand our capacity to deliver effective mathematics pedagogy by training our project staff as trainers. This initiative aims to scale the Emergent Numbersense Training, to a broader audience. Our newly trained trainers will be supported by Kelello throughout the year as they roll out their training projects.
Why Emergent Numbersense?
Emergent Numbersense is not just another training program. It is a practical, reality-based approach designed to address the unique challenges faced by South African schools, particularly those that are under-resourced with large class sizes. The training focuses on making mathematics engaging and enjoyable for both teachers and learners, promoting a positive and effective learning environment – and address the stigma we have around mathematics in the country.
Impact and Implementation
This initiative is crucial for transforming the mathematics landscape in South Africa. By equipping teachers with the tools to understand and support a learner’s pathway in mathematics, we are laying the foundation for long-term educational success. The practical aspects of the training, including interactive sessions, real-life classroom activities, and ongoing support, ensure that teachers can effectively implement what they learn.
Our trainers will not only facilitate workshops but will also provide continuous support to teachers, helping them integrate the new methodologies into their classrooms. This hands-on approach is essential for overcoming the barriers that have historically hindered progress in mathematics education.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly excited about the potential of this training to make a lasting impact on mathematics education in South Africa and encourage other NGOs and learning institutions to join us. By focusing on early education and providing teachers with the necessary support and resources, we aim to create a ripple effect that will benefit generations of learners. Mathematics can be a fun and engaging subject, and with the right approach, we can inspire both teachers and students to embrace it wholeheartedly.
As we continue to monitor and support the implementation of the Emergent Number Sense Training, we look forward to sharing more success stories and insights. Together with our partners and dedicated educators, we are committed to transforming mathematics education and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to excel.
If you would like to learn more about the programme or are interested in helping us to get this training to more teachers, please contact contactus@jumpstart.org.za
Author: Callen Hodgskiss