Teachers’ lessons

About 100 local educators gathered at Rosebank School hall on teachers only day last week, to unpick some recently refreshed curriculum and ensure their ability to effectively present it to students.

"My work today was around enhancing teachers’ mathematical practice," Sue Pine, of professional development company The Learner First, said.

"Textbooks supply narrow, set problems to practise a rule or procedure and students don’t really get to experience the real world context and connection of those rules and procedures.

"For example if you were supplied with 26 metres of fencing for a chicken coop, you want to be able to work out what shape rectangle gives you the most area for the perimeter.

"We want to support students through routine, structured, problem solving processes with rich games and discussion about seeing mathematics in the world around them."

The day followed usual school timings as teachers and support staff shared knowledge to further their own and each other’s understanding of curriculum and practices.

"Teacher only days are opportunities for educators to meet and work on their own learning and development," Balclutha teacher Linda Swallow said.

"Confident teachers and teaching assistants with a solid knowledge of the curriculum will help students reach their full potential."

NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz