Mannie Lowe (left), FIRST program manager for the Center for Mathematics and Science Education at the University of Mississippi, explains a LEGO robot simulation to University of Botswana faculty members Shana Mompoloki Suping (second from left), Sesutho Koketso Kesianye and Kgomotso Gertrude Garegae. UM photo by Ryan Whittington.
OXFORD, Miss. – Since its launch six years ago at the University of Mississippi, the Center for Mathematics and Science Education has garnered worldwide acclaim for its approach and methods.
And just last week, professors and instructors from the University of Botswana visited Ole Miss to meet with CMSE representatives and faculty from other science, technology, engineering and mathematics departments as part of efforts to create a similar center in Botswana.
Sesutho Koketso Kesianye, Shana Mompoloki Suping and Kgomotso Gertrude Garegae, faculty members with the Department of Math and Science Education at the University of Botswana, visited Ole Miss after deciding that the CMSE is the best of its kind. Besides touring CMSE facilities and teacher workshops, the trio also met with representatives from UM’s Provost Office, School of Education and other campus departments.
“We wanted to create a center with strong community outreach, one that would work with educators from other colleges and ministries, connect the university with industry, and we were interested in math, science and technology education,” Garegae said. “With those (goals) in mind, we looked at many different universities with comparable centers. We all agreed that Ole Miss had a strong vision.”
CMSE Director John O’Haver and Associate Director Alice Steimle encouraged the group to dream big and offered their support for the future.
“We didn’t get where we are immediately,” O’Haver said. “Don’t be afraid to start small. We have an environment here where everyone grows, and we’re always encouraging (each person) to constantly learn. I think that’s what makes our center unique.”
For more information about the CMSE and a list of upcoming events, visit http://cmse.olemiss.edu/.