4 June 2015
Primary school mathematics teaching on agenda at Hutt STEMM Festival
Helping primary school teachers gain a solid grounding in mathematics teaching so that they can confidently teach the
subject in the classroom was the focus of an Open Polytechnic hosted event held this morning (4 June) as part of the
Hutt STEMM Festival.
New Zealand’s largest provider of distance learning at tertiary level, the Open Polytechnic launched the Graduate
Certificate in Primary Mathematics Teaching
(Curriculum) earlier this year.
At this morning’s event Open Polytechnic Chief Executive, Dr Caroline Seelig, talked about the philosophy behind the
online certificate. “It’s designed to help practising primary school teachers gain a solid grounding in both practical
mathematics and statistical investigations so that they can teach the subject with confidence and enthusiasm to their
students.”
“The certificate has the same philosophy as our successful sister programme in primary science teaching, which has now
helped 150 schools nationwide, and by extension, over 10,000 primary school children, gain a better understanding of
science in a fun and engaging way.”
“We’re really pleased that we can help contribute to teacher education nationally in such a significant way,” says Dr
Seelig.
The teaching team behind the science and mathematics qualifications are finalists in this year’s Prime Minister’s
Education Excellence Awards in the Excellence in Leading category. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony
on 17 June.
The Graduate Certificate in Primary Mathematics Teaching (Curriculum) is currently being offered fee-free. Delivered
online, teachers are able to fit their studies in around their work and family commitments.
For more information on the Open Polytechnic’s Graduate Certificate in Primary Mathematics Teaching (Curriculum) visit:
http://bit.ly/1Q7F06W
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