2015 TABSA Response

by Paul Heimerdinger

     Each of my trips with TABSA to Southern Africa has been a unique experience.  This one, my sixth, was no exception.  I can see a definite improvement in the quality and abilities of the South African teachers since my first trip nine years ago.  Many of them know their content and curriculum well.  Helping them implement it with large numbers of students in a class and few supplies continues to be a way we can support them.  The Mpumalanga teachers were articulate and enthusiastic.  They were especially appreciative of materials and activities that addressed specific student objectives in their curriculum.  They were a great bunch of teachers, and rotating them in small groups allowed me to get to know them and address their specific situations.  Our time together was very productive.

    The Swaziland teacher trainers were also very familiar with their curriculum and student outcomes.  They were an impressive group.  The ones teaching high school physics were well versed in their subject matter.  Giving them the opportunity to do a workshop lesson for teachers from their schools gave them a lot confidence in their leadership roles.  They were very appreciative of the materials, activities and demonstrations I helped them do.  The teachers who attended their workshop lessons walked away excited and enthusiastic about the new activities and knowledge they had gained.  This week may have been the most beneficial week of all my TABSA experiences.

    The middle school TOTs, Trainer of Teachers, had more varied experience and backgrounds in science.  Some needed support with content and others just needed ideas that coincided with curriculum outcomes.  Working in small groups allowed them to share their knowledge and ideas with each other.  They all gained confidence teaching their lessons to their peers.  Everyone walked away happy and enriched by their experiences of the week.