7 May 2008
Windhoek — MORE than 240 mathematics teachers and lecturers attended the third National Mathematics Congress in Swakopmund at the beginning of the school holidays.
The main aim of the congress is to create a platform where they could meet, share information, discuss common concerns and learn about teaching and learning mathematics from others.
Attendants included teachers from lower primary to senior secondary level, as well as representatives from Unam, the Polytechnic, teachers' training colleges and Government and private institutions.
The importance of a numerate population for reaching Vision 2030 was highlighted in the opening address by Erongo Governor Samuel Nuuyoma and stressed by Usi Hoebeb, representative of Skorpion Zinc, the main sponsor of the congress.
This year the congress was honoured with the presence of Professor Mike Askew from the King's College London.
Professor Askew is an expert on developing numeracy at primary school level and his presentations and workshops focused on simple, yet powerful ways of teaching number concepts, strategies and procedures.
Dr Danie Brink facilitated workshops at the secondary level, while Eva Biebuyck involved teachers in using "manipulatives" and practical work to develop mathematical concepts.
One of the highlights of the congress was the launch of the Mathematics Taskforce, which will investigate the problems around mathematics education in the country and come up with recommendations for improvement.
The congress was made possible through the input of the Ministry of Education and many sponsors from the private sector.
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