EdTech East Africa’s Post

Maths Mania: Two decades ago , I registered a company in Kenya -its name was maths mania and its tagline was 'defying the status quo'. The main activity of the company was running mathematics fun activities in primary schools targeting the learners and their parents. Drawing on mathematics topics learnt in schools together with my team who were mainly high schoo leavers, I designed games to reinforce the learning of the concept but in a fun and engaging way. My main goal was getting the learners enjoy learning and come of out the 'class'with a big smile on their face. The whole intervention was born out of an observation from my teaching mathematics units at one of Kenya's top private universities. The university attracted top perfomers from high school and so I assumed that with their A's in Mathematics learning maths at university would for once be a breeze and fun. To my surprise a significant number of these A studnets did not want anything to do with the maths units in their first year of university. That was shocking! After much reflection, research and introspection, I came to the conclusion that indeed the students had done well in maths but had never got the opportunity to connect with mathematics. They did it because it was compulsory and they needed to pass it to get to University . Now that they were in the university they did not want anything to do with it! Reflecting on this and my journey I realised the value of getting young ones to not only do the math but also connect with the subject emotionally. And that is how Math Mania and my whole journey of being an 'evangelist' for mathematics -and sciences started. And that is how my topic for my PhD thesis-on students' relationship with mathematics was born. A key fact that we must never loose sight of is the role of emotions (alongside cognition) in learning. And this points to ONE OF the value of #play in teaching and learning of mathematics. As part of the celebrations of international mathematics day 2024 (coming up tomorrow) I will be talking about my decades long journey as a 'playful mathematician' and the what and why of some of the initiatives that are seeking to promote #playful learning of mathematics in the continent. Cecilia Ochoa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) The LEGO Foundation

🚀Join Us for the Math Power Community of Practice Meeting!🚀 🗓 Date: Thursday, July 18th   ⏰ Time: 10 AM - 11 AM EST We're excited to invite you to our upcoming Math Power Community of Practice meeting! (https://lnkd.in/dFX-7yT6) This session will feature a special presentation by War Child on their newly released and freely accessible Curriculum Content Planning Framework (CCPF) and practical classroom program for math education (https://lnkd.in/dgBAXNa2). Abstract of the War Child Presentation: As part of a GPE KIX research grant in Uganda, Can’t Wait to Learn (CWTL), War Child’s flagship education technology platform, was tested through a cRCT (n=1507) comparing CWTL against traditional education methods on primary outcomes in numeracy and literacy. Conducted in Isingiro, a refugee-hosting district in southwest Uganda, the study spanned 30 schools. The results showed significant improvements in literacy (0.32d) and numeracy (0.25d) outcomes for children engaged with CWTL. Beyond the numbers, this presentation will reflect on the implications of these findings for CWTL and other personalized learning platforms, especially in low-resourced contexts. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about innovative strategies and impactful research that can enhance math education! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/di3jCXFf Meeting ID: 821 5576 0528 Passcode: 457225 We look forward to seeing you there! #MathEducation #CommunityOfPractice #WarChild #EducationalResearch #Numeracy #PersonalizedLearning #LowResourcedContexts

If you are a parent with a child who struggles with maths (I was one of those children and so is my son), you can relate to this. Maths has always been viewed as the villain of school subjects, so much so that a few years ago, the department of basic education in South Africa introduced maths literacy to accommodate pupils who struggled with this subject. 23-year-old Lesedi Mochadibane created a platform known as freenotes.co.za that provides high-quality mathematics notes that he says are so easy as to make sense to many who are scared of this subject. Using vibrant colours and diagrams, Lesedi breaks down complex maths principles into a format that is easy to grasp. Freenotes.co.za is free and does not require one to have data or Wi-Fi to access the platform. Lesedi covers calculus, algebra, decimal fractions, geometry, and other maths principles on freenotes. The platform seems to have caught on internationally, so much so that it now has more than 10% of its users who are not even from Africa. According to Business Tech, less than 30% of Johannesburg’s matriculants sit for pure maths exams, and only half of those go on to pass. During Lesedi’s research, he found that the key issues around South Africa’s maths challenges are that pupils often find maths boring or harbour a fear or dislike of the subject. Pupils struggle to grasp the fundamental principles that teachers try to teach and pupils do not invest sufficient time practising maths. In November last year, just a month after its launch, Lesedi’s platform won R25 000 cash and R20 000 in tech bundles from the Nedbank Youth X competition where he made the top 5 out of 850 South African youth from across the country. “Most companies offering maths notes often charge the pupils or they provide a limited free version which requires the pupils to pay for full access. I wanted to be the first in South Africa to offer this service for free.” Great idea, Lesedi! I am going to start using your platform with my children today! #youngentrepreneur #africa #mathematics #education #problemsolver

I am passionate about changing the perception of mathematics as a boring subject. Many educators in advanced countries and some schools in Nigeria who can afford EdTech tools are making their lessons more interesting. However, my school cannot afford them at the moment, so I have to be more creative to make my lessons engaging and captivating. Despite teaching fractions for years, I still encounter learners who struggle with distinguishing between proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers. As a solution, I've developed a method to help them better understand and remember these concepts. 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 Dear teacher, you are a lifelong learner.😊😊😊 STEM Teachers, have you registered for the "SPACE TO LEARN" Workshop? click on the link to register. https://lnkd.in/d-rCxp8t

🌱 We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper titled "The Impact of an SMS-Based Adaptive Math Learning Tool on Educational Outcomes in Kenya." This research was conducted in collaboration with Innovations for Poverty Action Kenya, Precision Development (PxD), and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). 🧑🏾🎓 The study presents findings from two randomized evaluations that assessed the effectiveness of an SMS-based adaptive mathematics learning service. The results appear to demonstrate significant improvements in the math skills, school attendance, and grade attainment of students, particularly those in households without electricity. 📱 This important research highlights the potential of mobile technology to enhance educational outcomes in resource-limited settings. We invite you to read the full paper and learn more about the innovative approaches being used to support education in Kenya. For more details, please visit: https://lnkd.in/dxC4kxNT #PxD #PrecisionDevelopment #ResearchExcellence #Innovation #Impact #DevelopmentEconomics

Embracing the Dynamic Nature of Mathematics Curriculum in Nigeria In an era where the world is rapidly evolving, the field of education must also adapt to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. Mathematics, as a cornerstone of critical thinking and problem-solving, plays a pivotal role in this preparation. However, to truly harness the potential of mathematics in shaping the next generation, Nigeria must tap into the ever-changing dynamic nature of its curriculum. The traditional approach to teaching mathematics, though effective in its time, must evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century. With the advent of new technologies, interdisciplinary learning, and the global push towards STEM education, our curriculum must be more than just a set of static concepts. It should be a living, breathing framework that encourages innovation, creativity, and practical application. As educators, policymakers, and stakeholders, we have the responsibility to ensure that our mathematics curriculum is not just about memorizing formulas but about understanding how these concepts apply to real-world scenarios. By integrating technology, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging collaboration, we can create a curriculum that is responsive to the needs of our students and the demands of the global workforce. My experience as a Mathematics Teacher for over 24 years has shown me the importance of adaptability in education. I have seen how students thrive when they are given the tools to explore, experiment, and engage with mathematics in a way that is relevant to their lives. A dynamic curriculum not only keeps students interested but also prepares them to be innovators and leaders in a world where mathematical literacy is more important than ever. Nigeria has a wealth of talent and potential. By embracing the dynamic nature of the mathematics curriculum, we can empower our students to compete on a global stage and drive the country’s progress in science, technology, and innovation. It's time for us to take bold steps in curriculum development, ensuring that our students are not just learning mathematics but are also learning to think mathematically in every aspect of their lives. #Mathematics #Education #Nigeria #STEM #Innovation #CurriculumDevelopment #21stCenturySkills #FutureLeaders

📊 Managing Math Anxiety: Empowering Mathematical Confidence! 🧠 To parents, teachers, and students, let's dive into the pivotal Step 4 of my curriculum: Managing Math Anxiety. 🌟 ❓ Understanding Math Anxiety: Math anxiety is real, and its symptoms can manifest as stress, fear, or even avoidance of math-related tasks. Recognizing these signs is the first step to overcoming this common challenge. 🌍 Math Anxiety in South Africa: Acknowledging the global impact, we explore how math anxiety affects students in South Africa and beyond. Addressing this issue is essential to unlocking the full potential of every learner. 💡 Impact on Learning: Step 4 unveils the impact of math anxiety on learning, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to help students navigate mathematical challenges without fear. 🌀 Techniques for Management: Equipping students with practical techniques is key. From deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to visualization and mindful practices like focused attention and body scans, we empower learners to apply these tools to math situations. 🚀 Building Mathematical Confidence: Parents, teachers, and students, join me in the mission to build mathematical confidence. By addressing math anxiety head-on and providing tools for self-regulation, we're fostering an environment where every student can thrive in the world of numbers. 🧮💪 #MathAnxiety #EmpowerMathLearning #ConfidenceInNumbers

"Before the internet was easily accessible and before YouTube mathematics tutorials were available, South African 🇿🇦 learners depended on William Smith to help them understand the complexities of maths and science via the SABC2 Learning Channel in the 1990s --- businesslive.co.za Using deceptively simple methods that were not being taught in the classroom, Smith was a maths and science guru who excelled at teaching, unlike many experts, and managed to make sense of algebra, trigonometry, geometry, chemistry and physics for school pupils. Smith reached many young people in SA and beyond for more than 16 years as a television tutor. For many, his televised lessons were the only quality instruction they received in maths and science. The Learning Channel reached as many as 100-million learners across Africa In 1990, with the financial assistance of Liberty Life Foundation executive director Hylton Appelbaum, Smith began producing educational TV programmes for The Learning Channel. The channel was initially thought to be a hare-brained idea and critics said it wouldn’t work. The SABC was initially reluctant to give Smith and his team a platform to offer lessons live on television, because it had never been done before. But the broadcaster soon realised the demand for such services was huge and stretched beyond SA’s borders. Collaboration with other African countries, via satellite, resulted in an enormous increase in viewership. The Learning Channel continued to be a success for more than 16 years, reaching as many as 100-million viewers a day across Africa. Using just a felt-tip pen, a whiteboard and sometimes a few Smarties, he helped millions of pupils pass their maths and science exams when just about all else had failed. The teaching legend said in 2019 he was not that good at numbers, but perhaps that was the secret to his success. “Had I been a numbers person from the start, I would not have been a good teacher because everything would have been so obvious to me. Pupils’ concerns and challenges would have frustrated me. I would not have understood why they struggled with simple concepts,” he commented. #leadership #southafrica #inspiration see the full story below The Future Leader Forum

Shenmo Education Rwanda introduces abacus mental math to enhance education and academic excellence in Rwanda, aiming to improve students' math skills and cognitive abilities. #Education #Rwanda. For more details on this innovative solution read this detailed article: https://lnkd.in/eRQ8GXdj 神墨德州临邑张文凯

The Future of Our Nation Depends on Maths Education Did you know that over 150 professions require strong maths skills? The decline in maths proficiency among children threatens the creation of future professionals in South Africa, impacting our national economy. 📉 My Maths Buddy Dictionary is here to reverse this trend by making maths accessible and engaging for all learners. By equipping our children with the right tools, we can ensure they have the skills needed for a wide range of careers and contribute to economic growth. 💡Key Features: -      Easy-to-understand definitions -      Step-by-step problem-solving guides -      Visual aids and real-world examples Let’s invest in our children’s futures and our nation’s prosperity. 📘 Get your copy today and be part of the solution: https://lnkd.in/dMuUQSw5 #EconomicGrowth #MathsEducation #FutureProfessionals #MyMathsBuddy #EducationInnovation