Cultivating Thinking Cultures
Join TSSA and Jennifer Chang Wathall for three inspiring days!
Day 1
From Curiosity to Understanding:
Using Concept-Based Learning to Deepen Inquiry
Day 2
Building Mathematical Inquiry Through Conceptual Understanding Through
Day 3
Harnessing AI to Deepen Thinking, Creativity, and Understanding
Cape Town: 5th, 6th, 7th May 2027
Johannesburg: 10th, 11th, 12th May 2027
PRESENTER
Jennifer Chang Wathall
Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall is an international education consultant, author, and part-time instructor at the University of Hong Kong. With over 25 years of experience in education, she has worked in several leading international schools, including English Schools Foundation South Island School and Island School in Hong Kong, and the United Nations International School in New York.
Jennifer describes herself as “born to be a teacher,” having known from an early age that she wanted to teach mathematics. Her passion for teaching is rooted in the joy of helping students develop a genuine love of learning and experience those powerful “lightbulb moments” when understanding comes alive at a deeper level.
Her work focuses on helping educators design learning experiences that move beyond textbook knowledge, supporting students to think conceptually, make meaningful connections, and develop deeper understanding.
Day 1
From Curiosity to Understanding:
Using Concept-Based Learning to Deepen Inquiry
In today's information-rich world, students need more than knowledge acquisition. They need opportunities to uncover the big ideas that connect learning across contexts and disciplines.
Concept-Based Learning and Inquiry-Based Learning are natural partners. While inquiry invites students to ask questions, investigate, and construct meaning, concepts provide the lens through which learners identify patterns, make connections, and transfer their understanding to new situations. Together, they create learning experiences that foster curiosity, agency, critical thinking, and deep understanding.
In this highly practical workshop, Jennifer will explore how Concept-Based Learning helps students move beyond remembering content to understanding enduring concepts and applying their learning in authentic contexts. Participants will discover how conceptual lenses can strengthen inquiry, helping students move from simply asking questions to developing sophisticated understandings that endure long after a unit of study has ended.
Key Outcomes:
• Understand the principles of Concept-Based Learning
• Explore the powerful connection between Concept-Based Learning and Inquiry-Based Learning
• Develop conceptual understandings, generalisations, and guiding questions that drive inquiry
• Design learning experiences that promote deep thinking and transfer
• Strengthen student agency, curiosity, inquiry, and critical thinking
• Learn how concepts help students connect ideas across disciplines and contexts
• Create learning environments that move beyond coverage towards understanding
Day 2
Building Conceptual Understanding Through Mathematical Inquiry
Mathematics is far more than procedures and formulas. At its heart are powerful concepts that help students make sense of the world.
Drawing on her extensive experience as a mathematics educator and consultant, Jennifer will demonstrate how a concept-based approach transforms mathematics teaching by helping learners see connections, patterns, and relationships. Participants will explore strategies that develop conceptual understanding while strengthening mathematical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving.
Key Outcomes:
• Explore the foundations of Concept-Based Mathematics
• Identify the key concepts that underpin mathematical understanding
• Develop rich mathematical inquiry experiences
• Move beyond procedural teaching towards conceptual transfer
• Support students in making meaningful connections across mathematical ideas
Day 3
Harnessing AI
to
Deepen Thinking, Creativity, and Understanding
AI is changing education, but meaningful learning still depends on great pedagogy.
In this thought-provoking and practical workshop, Jennifer will share a framework for integrating AI in ways that enhance learning, creativity, critical thinking, and student agency. Rather than focusing solely on tools, participants will explore how AI can support deeper learning while preserving the uniquely human aspects of education.
Key Outcomes:•
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Understand the opportunities and challenges of AI in education
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Explore ethical and responsible uses of AI• Learn practical applications for planning, assessment, and feedback
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Develop AI-enhanced learning experiences that promote deeper understanding
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Create a roadmap for AI-powered pedagogy within your school context
This workshop is ideal for educators and leaders seeking to navigate the future of education with confidence, purpose, and a strong pedagogical foundation.
