Abstract

Toni leads the schools programme for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Next Einstein Initiative (AIMSNEI) which started in Cambridge in 2002 as a joint initiative of European and African Universities. AIMSNEI has won support from NEPAD and the governments of many countries, as well as the TED and Google Ten to the Power 100 prizes, for its work in promoting mathematics education and setting up postgraduate teaching and research institutes across Africa. The AIMSNEI Council recognizes that tertiary education relies on good primary and secondary education. In this colloquium Toni hopes to share experiences of working with teachers in Africa to raise the standards of mathematics teaching in schools and also to discuss synergies with the work of the Centre for Commonwealth Education. AIMSSEC is the subject of a three year research study conducted by an independent agency with Jill Adler as consultant.

Since 2003, with African partners and an international team of more than 40 mathematics educators, AIMSSEC has run professional development courses for primary and secondary teachers from across South Africa and from other African countries. The AIMSSEC 3 month Mathematical Thinking course has run 14 times for a total of 700 teachers and subject advisers. The Mathematical Thinking course is a selection instrument for the 2 year programme for training subject leaders from disadvantaged communities to empower them to work to raise standards in their own communities. The AIMING HIGH Teachers’ Network promotes lifelong learning and mutual support between teachers. AIMSSEC is expanding its work both in South Africa and, through AIMSNEI , in other African countries.