Rarotonga mathematics teachers were introduced to a workshop exploring the teaching of fractions using art and visualisation, instead of formulas, at Apii Nikao yesterday.

The teaching workshop was conducted by Dr Jude Ocean, a mathematics education academic.

University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands director Dr Debi Futter-Puati said she and Ocean worked together in graduate-teacher education in Melbourne.

Ocean is currently in Rarotonga and offered to hold a workshop for teachers.

Futter-Puati said: “USP approached the numeracy advisor at the Ministry of Education, Strickland Upu, who also teaches the numeracy papers at USP, to see if schools might be interested in doing a workshop on exploring the teaching of fractions using art and visualisation, instead of formulas - which is an intriguing and highly successful way to teach fractions from Grade 2 adults. “

She said Ocean is an extremely accomplished academic and they are thrilled that so many teachers indicated their interest in attending the workshop yesterday.

Futter-Puati acknowledged Apii Nikao for hosting the workshop and said USP is always pleased to support Cook Islands teachers in any way they can.