Is play the missing link to maths achievement?
This workshop, hosted by the Centre for Mathematical Cognition, will be held at Burleigh Court Hotel, on Wednesday 9 February, presented by Dr Petro Erasmus. The event is aimed at educational professionals and researchers who are interested in providing intervention to pupils with mathematics difficulties. Booking required below.
Introducing WhartelsTM – an ecosystem for Teaching, Learning and Exploring but mostly allowing children to PLAY with Mathematics.
Maths Whartels is based on research that focused on the neuropsychology of teaching and learning maths.
- Focuses on: Cognitive aspects (metacognition, maths concepts and information processing) and Psychological facets (emotional intelligence, study orientation in maths, maths anxiety, maths resilience, motivation, impulse control)
- Uses Play Therapy principles – art, bibliotherapy, board games and puppets
- Can be used by therapists, teachers and parents.
The workshop will focus on:
- The background of Mahts Whartels – the problem and the research
- Mathematics: The Brain
- Mathematics: The learner
- Mathematics: The subject
- Intervention: Play
- Assessment in Maths
Booking information
The event is free to attend, however booking is required as numbers are limited. Spaces will be allocated on a first come basis.
Date: Wednesday 9 February 2022
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Venue: Burleigh Court Hotel
Refreshments, including tea and coffee, and lunch will be included. To book click the link below.
Abstract
Emotional intelligence (interpersonal skills, intrapersonal skills, adaptability, problem-solving, general mood and stress handling) and study orientation in mathematics (maths anxiety, attitude, study milieu, habits, information processing) are predictors of maths achievement and the development thereof should start during the critical and crucial learning periods of brain development between the ages of 1 and six years when maximal learning takes place without too much effort. Children learn through play thus any play is learning. Most of the young child’s thought processes are non-verbal and pictures and images are the most effective teaching media. Young children need to be creative when discovering the world of maths. Children must touch maths and they need a variety of activities to keep their attention, and to help them develop concentration. Play involves exploration which, by definition, is an act of investigation – a problem that needs solving. When children play with blocks, they have their first experience in construction. Learning is an emotional act and through play, children also learn how to control their impulses and develop social bonds.
The Maths Whartels program was developed based on predictors of maths achievement and focuses on the importance of play in mastering maths concepts and developing a positive study orientation in maths. It encourages learners to be active problem solvers. The content of the Maths Whartels program was designed to develop not only maths skills but also emotional intelligence, study orientation, motivation, maths resilience, which research has indicated are predictors of maths achievement. Maths achievement is linked to increased likelihood of taking advanced mathematics courses. A further aim is to provide an intervention / assessment program that can be used by therapists, teachers and parents.
Biography - Dr Petro Erasmus
Dr Erasmus completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology at the University of Pretoria in 2013, and the Masters Degree in Guidance and Counselling (2003) at the University of Pretoria (cum laude), a Masters in Education (specializing in Guidance and Counselling from the University of South Africa (2007), as well as a Masters Degree in School Guidance and Counselling (2006, UniSA). She also completed an Honours Degree specializing in Educational Management at the University of South Africa (1990). She is registered as an Educational Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. She has a private practice in Mafikeng (Child, Family Guidance and Development Centre) since 2007 and a Remedial Centre since 1992. She works extensively in the Mafikeng community and was the project leader for the Bullying project which won the prize of community project of the year in 2015. She is one of the founder members of the NEURADA Research project aimed at research relating to neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia). She is also involved in the WHO Caregiver Skills Training Project and works closely with Centre of Autism Research in Africa (CARA). She is the creator of Maths WHARTELS – an educational series of products including a board game, puppets, maths apparatus, storybook and Whartels application aimed at improving mahts achievement using Play.