The experts, Marian Fletcher (Pretoria) and Swati Dave (Boston, USA), presented a three-day workshop on the principles and application of Vedi Maths.
Vedi Maths represents an innovative approach to solving mathematical arithmetic and consists of 16 formulae and 13 sub formulae which can be used for problems involved in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus and conics. The approach was coined by the Indian monk, Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha, and a book about this was later published in 1965.
According to Dr Magda Kloppers, deputy director of the Faculty of Education’s School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Vanderbijlpark, the collaboration speaks to the NWU’s steadfast commitment towards advancing society through knowledge.
She also says that as teaching professionals it is important for the faculty to inspire and equip the next generation of mathematics educators to enable them to transcend the pages of mathematical textbooks and by doing so enable youngsters, especially within the South African context, to become practical problem solvers and critical thinkers.
More about the collaboration
According to Mark Venter, a past president of Rotary International, the project has the potential to beckon in a new era in maths education in South Africa.
“We are very proud of the fact that the workshop saw a large group of maths educators departing with a better understanding of mathematics and a renewed drive to share their newly acquired knowledge with young minds,” says Mark. He adds that basic education and literacy represent one of Rotary International’s primary avenues of service to the community.
In turn, Dr Kloppers admits that the workshop attendance exceeded her wildest expectations and all indications are that similar workshops will subsequently be hosted on the NWU’s other two campuses in Mahikeng and Potchefstroom.
“For many learners, mathematics is boring, abstract and difficult to understand. However, it is a subject that is part and parcel of our daily lives,” she explains. She adds that through initiatives such as this workshop, the NWU aims to empower students to achieve their full potential by unlocking the “heart” of disciplines such as mathematics.
* The workshop was championed by Rotarians Pierre and Susan Lucouw and was made possible by a Rotary District Grant. The organisers would like to also thank President Hyper, Vanderbijlpark for their support of this initiative.
Adri Olivier (NWU), Swati Dave (Vedic Maths), Marian Fletcher (Vedic Maths) and Dr Magda Kloppers.
Representatives from Rotary International, Vanderbijlpark: Dr Sonja Gilliland, Magda van Schalkwyk and Mark Venter pictured with workshop presenters, Swati Dave and Marian Fletcher.
More than 140 teaching professionals and teachers in training attended the three-day workshop.
