At the International School of Belgrade [ISB], our commitment to excellence in education is unwavering. A core part of this dedication lies in our collaboration with world-renowned educational consultants, who bring invaluable expertise to our teaching and learning community. These partnerships ensure we continually refine and innovate in student and teacher development. One of the highlights of the first semester was hosting Dr. Ban Har Yeap, a leading expert in math literacy and pedagogy, for a week-long engagement. His work with our educators, students, and parents exemplifies the transformative potential of focused, hands-on professional development.
Dr. Ban Har Yeap’s visit to ISB was not just another professional development seminar; it was an immersive experience that had an immediate and profound impact. Dr. Yeap is internationally recognized for his expertise in math education and his role in helping to shape Singapore’s mathematics curriculum. At ISB, he engaged in lesson studies, a collaborative practice where he taught lessons while simultaneously coaching teachers. This approach allowed for real-time observation, feedback, and reflection, creating a ripple effect of learning that extended far beyond his lesson.
Central to Dr. Yeap’s philosophy is the idea that mathematics is a language that students should be able to speak, read, and write fluently. He emphasized parallels between literacy instruction and math literacy, advocating for strategies that support exploration, structured discussion, and scaffolded learning. Students are encouraged to inquire deeply, think critically, and communicate effectively through concrete, pictorial, and abstract approaches.
Key elements of his approach included:
- Explorative learning: Encouraging curiosity-driven inquiries as a foundation for mathematical understanding.
- Structured discussions: Fostering collaborative learning environments where ideas are exchanged and refined.
- Mathematical journaling: Guiding students to articulate their thinking through investigative, descriptive, and evaluative writing.
Dr. Yeap’s research-based strategies have been tested in hundreds of classrooms, and we are excited to incorporate his mathematics philosophy into our curriculum. His visit also extended beyond the classroom—during a workshop attended by over 50 parents both onsite and virtually, he shared valuable insights into ISB’s mathematics program and the rationale behind our approaches. This inclusive engagement helped strengthen the connection between school and home, ensuring a shared understanding of our goals.
Connecting to Our MissionVisits and collaborations with leading educational consultants align seamlessly with ISB's mission: to be an international collaborative learning community that inspires, prepares, and empowers its students to succeed and contribute positively to society.
As part of this commitment, ISB organized a daylong Saturday workshop with Dr. Ban Har Yeap, inviting educators from CEESA schools in Finland, Poland, and Macedonia to join our own teaching staff. Supported by CEESA, this workshop provided a platform for meaningful collaboration and professional growth, enabling educators to explore innovative practices and strategies. These efforts ensure our students are equipped with the skills and mindsets needed to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.
The strategies and insights gained through these international partnerships and consultant engagements enable us to build a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. This ensures every student can excel academically, think critically, and grow as a compassionate, responsible contributor to society. At ISB, these efforts bring our mission to life, driving everything we do.