ASA-Tullow masterclass deepens SHS maths tutors knowledge in mathematics

African Science Academy (ASA) through its maths masterclass programme, has trained Senior High School (SHS) mathematics teachers from 37 institutions in two regions, deepening their understanding of mathematics.

Funded by Tullow Oil Ghana, the programme is a continuous professional development training session designed to share and broaden the knowledge of SHS mathematics teachers in the country.

The tenth and eleventh editions of the ASA Math Masterclass sessions, organised in March 2024, took place in Somanya, in the Eastern region and Odorgonno SHS, in Greater Accra respectively. While the former centered on teachers within the Yilo Krobo district, the latter focused on teachers in the Ga Central District.

To ensure maximum impact, less privileged schools, in terms of resources and facilities were selected for this training. Again, teachers from the Senior High Technical School for the Deaf, Mampong-Akuapem, were trained in the tenth edition to foster inclusivity.

Teachers from thirty-six Senior High Schools in the Eastern and Greater-Accra regions were trained, with a female representation of 27 teachers. Some participating schools in the eleventh edition were Ada SHS, Kinbu SHS, Osudoku Senior High Technical School, Ghanata SHS and Odorgonno SHS among others.

In her welcome remarks, at the eleventh edition, the Headteacher at ASA, Gifty Ghansah, indicated that the programme empowers teachers across the country, offers them the opportunity to share excellent practices and demystifies some misconceptions about the studying of mathematics.

The training saw an in-depth discussion of the mathematics topic - Geometry. Using collaborative learning, participants engaged in a discourse on how the teaching of geometry ought to be undertaken.

Emphasis was placed on teaching from a learner-centred perspective, the use of simple language together with familiar and insightful examples to carry learners along. Key areas highlighted in this session included providing constructive feedback as classmates and enriching the learning space for learners.

Additionally, another session of the training led by a mathematics instructor at ASA, Maxwell Amoah, centered on promoting the adoption of innovative and creative teaching techniques in the classroom where participants were encouraged to incorporate technology into their teaching practices by utilizing software applications such as Symbolab app, Geogebral and others designed to aid in solving everyday mathematical problems.

The Deputy Headteacher and Mathematics Instructor at ASA, Levina Teye, climaxed the training session with “Differentiation tips in the math classroom”, emphasising on the importance of considering gender dynamics during lesson discussions, particularly within the mathematics classroom.

According to Mrs. Ghansah, the underrepresentation of female teachers in the study and teaching of maths remains a key challenge in the country adding that the programme seeks to address the gap. It is aimed at igniting students' interest in Mathematics, particularly encouraging girls to pursue STEM disciplines at the tertiary level.

As the eleventh edition of the programme coincided with the celebration of International Maths Day, the Director of Science of Education Unit, Olivia Serwaa Opare in a speech read on her behalf, urged teachers to cultivate curiosity, critical thinking and passion for problem-solving.

Highlighting the outcome of the programme, a teacher at Kpong Community SHS, Rhoda Botchwey, described it as “impactful” and urged ASA to organise more career development programmes for teachers.