By Bukamuso Sebata
Rhodes University has joined the ground-breaking ArtMathsScienceTech project, a unique initiative that seeks to revolutionise how mathematics and science are taught at schools. Through the fusion of theatre, music, dance, and crafts, this innovative approach aims to create engaging and playful environments, transforming traditional subjects into captivating learning experiences.
Funded by the National Arts Council, this project was founded by the Sisonke National Art Education Centre. It is facilitated in collaboration with Rhodes University’s students doing their Honours in Applied Theatre at the university’s Drama Department. It is driven by a shared commitment to enhancing education through artistic mediums.
Forum Theatre is at the heart of the ArtMathsScienceTech project, an approach derived from the Theatre of the Oppressed methodology. Forum Theatre encourages interactive and participatory learning, enabling learners to become active agents in their education. This methodology involves the creation of thought-provoking scripts that present real-life challenges or dilemmas.
These scenarios invite the audience, in this case, learners, to engage with the content, propose solutions, and even step into the roles of the characters to enact alternative outcomes. This dynamic interaction fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The collaboration between Rhodes University Drama Department and Sisonke National Art Education Centre has facilitated the integration of Forum Theatre into the Grade 6 Mathematics curriculum.
South Africa has long grappled with challenges in mathematics and science education. According to Businesstech’s report in 2019, a significant percentage of learners struggled to acquire essential skills in these subjects. Recognising this issue, Mr Luyolo Mapekula from Sisonke envisioned a program to bridge this gap by using art and culture as educational tools. This vision led to the collaboration between Sisonke and the University’s Drama Department, where the potential of theatre in teaching mathematics and science was explored.
Through the ArtMathsScienceTech project, the goal is to enhance learners’ literacy in mathematics and science while simultaneously enriching their artistic engagement. The recent play “Mess or Mass?”, which took place last week at Samuel Ntsiko Primary School, exemplifies this approach, utilising Forum Theatre techniques to explore the challenging topic of units of measurement.
The play’s interactive nature, infused with music, dance, and IsiXhosa dialogue, allowed learners to participate in the learning process actively, turning abstract concepts into tangible experiences. The success of the recent play “Mess or Mass?” reflects the project’s positive impact. The play involved Grade six learners from Ntsiko Primary School, Fikizolo Primary School, and Tantyi Primary School.
The play engaged the learners and encouraged them to contribute to their education actively. “Mess or Mass?” underscored the potential of Forum Theatre to bring abstract concepts to life, making them accessible and relevant to young minds.
The ArtMathsScienceTech project exemplifies Rhodes University’s commitment to innovative education. Through collaboration, creativity, and the fusion of art and academia, this initiative paves the way for a transformative approach to teaching and learning.