Boosting Improvement on the Lowveld

What we learnt

These improvements in the Reflective Learning assessments translated into improvement in grade-level marks. When comparing the class mark in Term 1 (42% average) and Term 3 (64% average), the class average improved by 22% over the period of two terms.

The background
In 2021, Ntiyiso Consulting sponsored a project which used Reflective Learning to assist 58 Grade 8 learners at Lowveld Academy in Limpopo. After introducing the programme to the school principal, Maths HOD and wider Maths department, th

The baseline results
The school had fifteen computers available for the programme and stable connectivity ensured that no technical issues were run into. Covid-19 restrictions, however, did reduce the amount of contract time due to learners only attending school every second day. Learners had access to the lab in two-hour sessions, enabling them to complete all diagnostic assessments over five days. Even though the learners were in Grade 8, their average competency in Maths was just below Grade 4 level.

The intervention
The school dedicated class teaching time to the programme, allowing learners to spend time in the school’s computer laboratory, under supervision, to do their catch-up. The majority of learners were provided one 40-minute period per week of contact time with Reflective Learning.

The improvements

After working on Reflective Learning for two terms, learners had made significant progress in catching up their gaps. The improvements (green) for individual learners in the first two threads are shown below. Across all threads, the learners caught up 2.2 years in the space of six-months, with the largest improvement being 5.1 years.

Boosting Improvement on the Lowveld

What we learnt

Enquiring as a teacher or school?