The main objective of this component is to help in building students critical thinking skills to succeed in a knowledge-based global economy. It is implemented in partnership with Indiana University.

To achieve this objective, PEP works on:

Professional development for mathematics and science teachers in using modern, active teaching methods, such as problem-solving and inquiry- and project-based approaches

Through a variety of models of professional development, such as training of trainers by international experts, regional training by master trainers and regional trainers, learning teams lead by teachers mentors, and school-based support, PEP works with math and science teachers to help them adopt and practice effective and innovative teaching and learning practices in their classrooms. PEP develops and conducts workshops for mathematics and science subjects teachers in using active teaching methodologies to enable students to develop 21st century skills.  By the end of the project in September 2011, PEP plans to have trained all the mathematics and science teachers in Macedonia’s primary schools in two training cycles.

Improving math and science education for grades 1-3

In partnership with Step by Step, Macedonia, PEP trained 30 BDE advisers for lower grades and organizes training workshops for lower primary teachers in the use of active teaching methodology during math and science lessons. By the end of the project in September 2011, PEP plans to have trained at least 4 lower primary teachers in each primary school.

Developing school-based and national networks to support teacher’s professional development;

PEP helps school subject’s teacher councils and regional learning teams to develop programs and materials for in-school professional development activities.  PEP also organizes school visits and follow-up support to trained teachers. For sharing information and better communication we established a blogspot: http://mspep.blogspot.com and we post the best practices and teachers materials on PEP TOOLBOX: http://toolbox.pep.org.mk

Developing challenges for student’s math & science clubs in schools

This includes organizing and supporting Students Science Clubs to work on Project Based Learning activities, and organizing regional and national events for students to present their products in the area of Mathematics and Science.

Developing print, digital and hands-on resources to improve teaching and learning

In cooperation with mathematics and science facilitators and Indiana University consultants PEP develops teacher’s manuals, mathematics and science posters, lesson examples, videos of lessons and hands-on materials that teachers from upper and lower primary can use in their work with students.  These materials are available for all teachers in electronic and paper format. Also, examples of calculators use and digital resources for computer use in mathematics and science subjects are being identified, and adapted for Macedonia.

Implementation of new math and science curricula

PEP supports Bureau for Development of Education (BDE) subject curriculum working groups in improving the mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and geography curricula. We work to provide teachers, BDE advisers, and education inspectors, with the knowledge and skills required for implementing the student-centered teaching and learning approaches which are required in the new curriculum.