Teacher Workshop is a great success
The 5th of October 2009, was International Teachers Day and we at SOSSC celebrate, not only teachers and their dedication to the profession, but also learning and awareness at our Kalk Bay Shark Centre. Last week we were afforded the opportunity to share the world of the shark with some 93 in-service Natural Sciences and Technology educators, doing post graduate studies at the University of the Western Cape.
The Co-ordinator of the ACE & FYTE-PGCE Programmes at the University of the Western Cape, Keith Langenhoven returned to the SOSSC again this year with his charges for their spring study programme workshop.
The brief – “to introduce the excitement of inquiry, investigative, socio-scientific issue based pedagogy in a blended outdoor – indoor visual and hands-on pedagogical approach….” was more than a mouthful and had the SOSSC team going all out to ensure we met the brief.
The Cape Doctor had arrived, churning up the coastal waters, and making the rocky shore activity challenging. Michael Carnegie ensured early collection of specimens for our newly introduced and very successful “Touch pool” display at the centre. The visitors were divided into groups and handed clip boards with the data sheets, pictures and descriptions which formed part of the Marine Bingo lesson (designed by a member of the Marine and Coastal Educators Network MCEN).
Michael explained the process and the aims of the lesson and then took the entire group onto the Dalebrook beach for a hands-on.
Returning to the centre, our students nibbled their way through the snack provided and took great interest in the displays, a myriad of questions followed. Michael presented a summary of the activity before the group relaxed to enjoy “Maxine’s Journey”. The event was concluded with the Shark lesson presented by Lindy Warren, with facts, collateral and information astounding the students. Further discussion around methodologies in support of outdoor teaching, excursions and getting passionate about science were enlightening and varied.
Our sincere thanks the Kite and Windsurfers Club of Cape Town, for their generous donation to the Shark Centre which enabled us to provide copies of the Shark Teacher’s Handbook and other teaching materials to the participants. Through this 2 day programme, our education reach has been extended exponentially and we plan a follow-up to the participants’ schools soonest.
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