CPUT STEM Learning Centre in conjunction with the Imbadu Club (Boot Camp) recently hosted a three-day boot camp at the Bellville campus which was designed for first-year students who have challenges with understanding mathematical and science concepts.

In her motivational keynote, PhD candidate in Engineering Education at the University of Cape Town, Ekaterina Rzyankina, said Imbadu introduces first-year students to a range of strategies for learning mathematics and science.

Rzyankina added that it also deepens the students’ knowledge in key areas of the curriculum by identifying the knowledge gaps.  “[The boot camp also] develops their understanding of how key concepts that underpin mathematics or science are linked together across the subject,” she said.

She also advised students to love numbers. “Make it part of life. You can do maths in the rain.”

The boot camp took place over three days with three group work sessions on days one and two, and two group work sessions and the closing session on day 3. Mathematics and science sessions were conducted concurrently covering all the sections in the respective subject guidelines. The sessions were conducted by the Fundani Student Learning Unit (SLU)-based learning facilitators.

Fundani CHED University Capacity Development Grant Project Team member, David Haarhoff said the goal was to assist students who are in need of working through various concepts relating to maths and science for preparation for their final exams. “Students at risk of failing were granted the opportunity to attend. Capacity was limited with the intent of hosting more such events in future,” said Haarhoff.

He was also impressed with the level of engagement g with students throughout the event. The concept of teaching and learning was prevalent for the duration of the three-day event and the project team received “good feedback” from the students who attended the bootcamp.

Motivational speakers included Dr Nosisana Mkonto, Head of Department: Fundani Student Learning Unit, Lauren Davids, Academic Development Practitioner:  Fundani CHED, Dr Mark Jacobs, Lecturer: Electrical Engineering Department, Dr Ignatius John Senior Physics Lecturer in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Dr George Buzuzi ECP Mathematics Lecturer: Mathematics and Physics Department.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Engineering Education lecturer and consultant (research methodology and qualitative data analysis), Ekaterina Rzyankina, had the immense honour of representing South Africa and CPUT as a delegate at the 8th BRICS Young Scientist Forum and 6th BRICS Innovator Prize Event.

The event with the theme: Building BRICS and Africa Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism was held at the prestigious Boardwalk Hotel, Casino and Convention Centre, Gqeberha. During the event, Rzyankina had the privilege of contributing to the "The Future of Education Mindset and Skillset" track, presenting her groundbreaking research on "Digital Literacy Practices of Reading Engineering E-Textbooks at a University of Technology" as part of her PhD study.

“It was an exciting opportunity to showcase how technology and education can intertwine, shaping the future of learning and paving the way for innovation in engineering education,” Rzyankina enthused.

“It was truly a remarkable experience to engage with some of the brightest minds from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and to collectively envision a future of mutual growth and prosperity for our nations and Africa.”

Rzyankina extended her “heartfelt thanks” to her mentors, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, CPUT and University of Cape Town colleagues, and friends “who have been instrumental in guiding me throughout my academic journey”. “Without your unwavering encouragement and support, this achievement would not have been possible.”

Looking ahead, Rzyankina is excited to further develop and implement her research findings to “revolutionise the landscape of engineering education, bridging the digital divide and empowering students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills”.

“Let's keep working together to build a better, brighter, and more inclusive future for all.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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