Dr Ron Beyers MD Young Engineers and Scientists of Africa yesa.org.za

Dr Ron BeyersMD

Young Engineers and Scientists of Africayesa.org.za

What is a Theme Day?

• Project Based • Collaborative Learning• Cross curricular • Blended learning pedagogy• Enhanced through ICTs

Basic Assumption

“if learners can’t learn the way we teach then maybe we must teach the way they

learn” (Ignacio Estrada)

Theme Day Committee

• Responsible for :-• Conceptualisation, researching and setting

of the challenge• Preparation/sourcing of the various

activities for the rest of the Grade• Management of all aspects of the event• Reporting back to the overall Committee

Software Resources

Open Source, Freeware, Shareware

http://yesa.org.za/ThemeDays/?page_id=805

Previous Topics

• Simple challenges such as Whales• More complex themes such as• Formula One• Wine Farming• A Trip to Mars• Ancient Pyramids• Forensic Entomology, etc.

Other things

• Predefined worksheets to be completed• Research activities to report back• Construction of artefacts or devices• Use of a broad range of technologies

– Computers / iPads / Tablets / Android devices– Mobile Devices– Digital cameras– Electronic Whiteboards– Interaction with customised simulations

Skills Development

• Team building through collaboration• Confidence boosting• Project management• Assignment of roles• Digital literacy coupled to authentic

learning• Etc.

Contact details

Dr Ron Beyers

Cell : 083 310 8843

Web : yesa.org.za

Skype : ronbeyers

Implemented at

2-4 July SNSA