STEP-DOWN WORKSHOP PRESENTATION FOR TESS-MAT
THEME:
Enhancing Effective Teaching Through Teacher Development, Lesson Planning,
and Mathematical Literacy.
Presented by: FIDELIS THAKINA SUNDAY
School: PSS DAMATURU
Date: 16 JULY 2026
1. Introduction
Good day, colleagues.
This step-down workshop is designed to share knowledge and experiences gained
from the TESS-MAT programme. The focus is on strengthening teachers'
professional competence through effective lesson planning and promoting
mathematical literacy among learners.
The workshop aims to equip teachers with practical strategies that will
improve classroom instruction and enhance learners' understanding and application
of mathematics in everyday life.
2. Workshop Objectives
At the end of this workshop, participants should be able to:
Explain who a teacher is and identify the qualities of an effective teacher.
Differentiate between teacher characteristics and personal attributes.
Explain the meaning and importance of lesson planning.
Identify the components of a good lesson plan.
Explain mathematical literacy and its relevance to teaching and learning.
Apply strategies for promoting mathematical literacy in the classroom.
3. Session One: The Teacher
Who is a Teacher?
A teacher is a trained professional who facilitates learning by helping
learners acquire knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for
personal and societal development.
Characteristics of a Good Teacher
Subject mastery
Effective communication skills
Classroom management skills
Creativity
Professional competence
Good planning skills
Ability to motivate learners
Personal Attributes of a Teacher
Patience
Empathy
Integrity
Commitment
Emotional stability
Positive attitude
Activity 1: In groups, discuss
Which teacher characteristic do you consider most important?
Which personal attribute has the greatest impact on learners?
Allow groups to present their responses.
4. Session Two: Lesson Planning
Meaning of a Lesson Plan
A lesson plan is a written guide that outlines what the teacher intends to
teach, how it will be taught, resources needed, and how learning outcomes
will be assessed.
Importance of Lesson Planning
Provides direction for instruction.
Enhances effective classroom management.
Promotes learner participation.
Ensures achievement of lesson objectives.
Facilitates assessment and evaluation.
Components of a Lesson Plan
Subject
Topic
Class
Duration
Learning Objectives
Instructional Materials
Previous Knowledge
Presentation
9. Evaluation
10. Assignment
Characteristics of a Good Lesson Plan
Clear objectives
Learner-centered activities
Logical sequence
Appropriate teaching materials
Effective evaluation methods
Flexibility
Activity 2
Participants should review a sample lesson plan and identify:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Areas for improvement
5. Session Three: Mathematical Literacy
Meaning of Mathematical Literacy
Mathematical literacy is the ability to use mathematical knowledge, skills,
and reasoning to solve problems encountered in everyday life.
Components of Mathematical Literacy
Number sense: is the ability to understand what numbers mean, how they
relate to each other, and how to use the, flexible in real life.
Mathematical operations: are the basic actions we do with numbers to solve
problems.
Measurement: is finding the size, amount, quantity of something.
Data handling: is collecting information, organizing it and using it to answer
questions.
Problem-solving: is using math to find answers to real-life question.
Logical reasoning: is the ability to think step-by-step, find patterns and make
sensible conclusions using math.
Communication: Is the ability to explain math ideas clearly using words,
numbers, pictures and symbols
Main Causes in Primary School:
Fear/anxiety: "Math is too hard" mindset
Rote learning: Memorizing without understanding Just cramming 3 x 4 = 12
but don’t know why.
No concrete materials: Jumping straight to abstract numbers without using
blocks, seeds, bottle caps
Weak foundation: Poor grasp of counting or skipping counting, place value,
number sense in P1-P3
No real-life connection: Teaching only on board, no objects, no market
examples
Effects:
Struggles in other subjects like Basic Science, BST
Low confidence and avoids anything with numbers
Difficulty with jobs/business later in life
How to reduce or Fix It as a teacher:
Use CPA Method:
C - Concrete: Teach with real objects first. eg use stones, bottle caps,
oranges to teach
P - Pictorial: Draw pictures, number lines and diagrams
A - Abstract: use numbers and symbols eg ‘3 + 4 = 7`
Process of Mathematical Literacy
Step 1:
Identify the problem.
Step 2:
Translate the problem into mathematical language.
Step 3:
Apply mathematical concepts and procedures
Step 4:
Interpret the results.
Step 5:
Evaluate the solution
Why Mathematical Literacy Matters
Supports daily decision-making.
Improves problem-solving ability.
Enhances financial management.
Promotes critical thinking.
Improves academic performance.
Prepares learners for future careers.
6. Relationship Between Teacher, Lesson Plan and Mathematical Literacy
The three concepts are interconnected:
Teacher: Facilitates learning.
Lesson Plan: Provides structure and direction.
Mathematical Literacy: Represents the desired learning outcome.
An effective teacher uses a well-prepared lesson plan to develop learners'
mathematical literacy skills through meaningful and practical learning experiences.
7. Reflection Activity
Participants should reflect on the following questions:
How do my personal attributes influence my teaching?
How often do I prepare detailed lesson plans?
What strategies do I use to promote mathematical literacy?
What improvements can I make in my classroom practice?
8. Recommendations
Teachers should prepare lesson plans regularly.
Learner-centered teaching approaches should be encouraged.
Real-life examples should be incorporated into mathematics lessons.
Continuous professional development should be promoted.
Schools should provide adequate instructional resources.
9. Conclusion
The effectiveness of classroom instruction depends on competent teachers, proper
lesson planning, and the development of mathematical literacy. By strengthening
these areas, teachers can improve learner engagement, academic achievement, and
lifelong problem-solving skills.
Thank You.
Questions, Contributions and Discussion.
This format is suitable for a TESS-MAT Step-Down Workshop presentation
lasting 45–60 minutes, including objectives, activities, discussion sessions,
reflection, and recommendations. Presentation lasting 45–60 minutes, including
objectives, activities, discussion sessions, reflection, and recommendations.