Students discover they enjoy learning math thru competitions and fun

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What we do

ASAP Africa supports teachers in 142 schools in rural Zimbabwe to strengthen math education and encourage students to enjoy learning math.

Why we do it

Education is crucial to the long-term development of a nation. Math teaches children to think and reason and breaks the barrier to academic success across the curriculum and throughout life.

How we do it

ASAP Africa deploys a Bridge the Gap (BTG) cluster coordinator in each district of 25-30 schools. These field officers undergo intensive training in the BTG methodology prior to relocating to live and work in the district. Schools in each district are divided into clusters of three to six schools within "walking" distance and each cluster usually includes one secondary school. Using a motorbike to travel, the cluster coordinator visits schools regularly.

The cluster coordinator helps groups of teachers interested in extra-curricular math activities to form teacher's and student's math clubs. Together they develop objectives, plan activities funded by ASAP as well as set and maintain a budget. Clubs meet regularly carrying out the activities to meet the club's objectives. Cluster coordinators monitor all groups monthly, visiting the schools and attending meetings. To make the subject fun and exciting, math competitions are held within and between clusters, with a Math Olympiad being held annually. ASAP provides access to duplication services to these schools. Students are able to write progress tests and for BTG schools to set common exams. Results can be compared between schools and to the nation-wide results making it possible to track progress and project impact.

Teachers sharing ideas at Innovative Teaching Techniques Workshops

The BTG project includes three Innovative Teaching Techniques Workshops each year. The chairman of each Math Club is invited to attend the 3 day event. Topics covered are those identified as problematic by the teachers involved in the Math Clubs. After the workshop, ASAP Africa field officers follow-up on techniques introduced at the ITTW, attending lessons and making recommendations to Math Clubs on ideas for improvements.

Writing individual exam papers and worksheets is often taken for granted in rural Zimbabwe this is a luxury

Results

• Improved academic performance in math
• Increase in the number of students with a positive attitude about math
• Increased interest by teachers in teaching math (confidence)

What it costs

Cost per participant: $2.47