Dr Sebastian Sanjigadu, School-Based Learning Co-ordinator in the Faculty of Humanities' Department of Education and Professional Studies at CUT, facilitates a session during the Micro-Teaching Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers' Workshop (MCTPS MTW), an initiative aimed at strengthening the pedagogical skills, professional competence and classroom readiness of future Mathematics educators.

As South Africa's education sector navigates the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, curriculum transformation and sustainable development, the need for highly skilled and classroom-ready teachers has never been greater.

Responding to this challenge, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Welkom Campus recently hosted the Micro-Teaching Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers' Workshop, a dynamic initiative designed to equip future Mathematics educators with innovative teaching strategies, digital competencies and practical classroom experience. The workshop forms part of a broader research and professional development project aimed at preparing student teachers to deliver relevant, inclusive and impactful Mathematics education in a rapidly changing world.

The workshop brought together Pre-Service Mathematics teachers, academics and education specialists to strengthen pedagogical knowledge, professional competence and classroom readiness. Led by Dr Sebastian Sanjigadu and funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), with support from CUT's Faculty of Humanities, the initiative combines research with practical professional development to explore the impact of micro-teaching on teacher preparation.

CUT is shaping the next generation of Mathematics teachers through innovative training that bridges theory and practice. By combining research, technology, sustainability and hands-on classroom experience, the university's Micro-Teaching Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers' Workshop is empowering future educators with the skills, confidence and real-world teaching strategies needed to succeed in modern classrooms and inspire the learners of tomorrow. In picture: Students and facilitators during the certificate of participation ceremony at the Micro-Teaching Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Workshop (MCTPS MTW).

The programme focused on lesson planning, collaborative learning, reflective practice, digital integration, curriculum decolonisation, sustainability and micro-teaching presentations. Through expert-led sessions and structured feedback, participants gained valuable experience in designing engaging lessons and applying innovative teaching approaches.

A highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Dr Mzwandile Wiseman Zulu from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who demonstrated how Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) can be integrated into Mathematics teaching through mathematical modelling linked to real-world Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His presentation emphasised the importance of contextualising Mathematics to help learners develop critical thinking, problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making skills.

The workshop also reinforced the importance of connecting classroom content to real-life challenges. According to participants, the experience enhanced their confidence and ability to develop learner-centred lessons that make Mathematics more relevant and accessible.

As the research project continues, participating students will be monitored during their teaching practice to assess the long-term impact of the intervention on their professional growth and classroom performance. The initiative highlights the university’s commitment to developing confident, innovative and socially responsive educators equipped to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa's education system.