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How edtech startup Reflective Learning wants to solve SA’s maths challenge

The Matric class of 2018 did well by achieving a 78.2 percent pass rate, which is the highest it’s been for some years.

Despite this, the Mathematics and Physical Science results were slightly lower, with Mathematics achieving a 51.9 percent while Physical Science scoring 62.2 percent pass rates.

A Cape Town-based edtech startup, Reflecting Learning, is trying to do their part to assist students in achieving higher marks in Mathematics and Physical Science with their approach that crams six grades worth of learning into one year.

According to the startup it has developed a diagnostic and targeted catch up-based approach that will identify gaps in learning that originated in earlier grades, and then address early concepts with a personalised reflective learning approach.

“Our aim is to increase opportunities to access mathematics, open doors to tertiary studies in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and ignite a lifelong love for learning,” said managing director of Reflective learning, Eugene Pelteret.

Reflective Learning says that it helps parents and teachers to pinpoint each child’s gaps in understanding and then fast tracking catching up on their missed learning so that learners can engage fully.

Since 2016, when the first prototype online assessment tool was built, it has been tested in a range of environments, from urban to rural and townships, says the startup. This has included more than 3 500 learners assessments in around 25 schools, along with after school programmes and tutoring centres in urban and rural areas, as well as individual learners at home.

“South Africa needs to tackle the challenge of learning gaps head on. The thousands of assessments we completed during our pilots showed us that some learners are functioning up to seven grades behind the grade they are in,” added Pelteret.

This year the startup will release further catch-up material focused on fractions, as well as Natural Science diagnostic tools and will work with the Telkom Foundation in seven schools in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

“With Reflective Learning, it is possible for learners already in high school to catch up and excel in maths, if they are given the opportunity and are willing to put the effort,” concluded Pelteret.

[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]

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