TSSA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
2027
Cultivating Thinking Cultures
with
Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall
(Hong Kong)
5th, 6th, 7th May - Cape Town
10th, 11th, 12th May - Johannesburg
Jennifer Chang Wathall
At the TSSA International Conference 2027, internationally recognised educator and author Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall will lead three inspiring days of professional learning, each exploring a distinct but interconnected area of teaching and learning. Drawing on research, practical classroom examples, and highly interactive learning experiences, Jennifer will equip educators with classroom-ready strategies for designing learning that is conceptually rich, purposeful, inquiry-driven, and responsive to the changing needs of learners.
Concept-based learning and inquiry-based learning share a natural and powerful relationship. Both approaches move beyond the memorisation of facts to encourage learners to explore big ideas, ask meaningful questions, recognise patterns, make connections, and apply their understanding in new contexts. While inquiry provides the process through which students investigate and construct meaning, conceptual understanding gives that inquiry purpose and coherence. Together, they create rich learning experiences that cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and learner agency.
More recently, Jennifer has become a leading voice in exploring the relationship between AI and pedagogy. Rather than viewing AI simply as a technological tool, she challenges educators to rethink what it means to teach for thinking, creativity, and understanding in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Day 1: Concept-Based Learning
Explore how conceptual understanding helps learners make connections, transfer knowledge, and
engage more deeply with their learning.
Read more about what DAY 1 will offer here:
Day 2: Teaching and Learning through Mathematical Concepts
Discover how a concept-based approach can deepen mathematical understanding and
move learners beyond procedures towards reasoning, connection, and meaning.
Read more about what DAY 2 will offer here:
Day 3: AI-Powered Pedagogy
Consider how teaching and learning must evolve in an AI-rich world, while exploring practical ways to protect and strengthen curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and learner agency.
Read more about what DAY 3 will offer here:
Listen to Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall's welcoming message here:
VENUES
CAPE TOWN
DAY 1 Concept-Based Learning: Herschel Girls School, Claremont
DAY 2 Teaching and Learning through Mathematical Concepts: Venue TBC
DAY 3 AI-Powered Pedagogy: SACS Junior School, Newlands
JOHANNESBURG
DAY 1 Concept-Based Learning: St David's Marist Inanda
DAY 2 Teaching and Learning through Mathematical Concepts: St David's Marist Inanda
DAY 3 AI-Powered Pedagogy: St Benedict's Preparatory, Bedfordview
REGISTRATION
Whether you choose to attend one day or all three, you will leave with practical strategies, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration for your teaching. Each day has been thoughtfully designed around a distinct theme and can be attended as a standalone professional learning experience. Together, however, the three days form a cohesive learning journey.
Beginning with the principles of Concept-Based Learning, moving into Teaching and Learning through Mathematical Concepts, and culminating in AI-Powered Pedagogy, the conference offers a connected framework for designing learning that is conceptually rich, inquiry-driven, and responsive to the needs of today's learners.
Choose the pass that best suits your school’s professional learning needs. Conference passes are registered in the name of the school, which means that different educators may attend different days. For example:
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a school purchasing a Series Pass may send a curriculum leader to Day 1, a mathematics educator to Day 2, and a teacher or school leader interested in AI-powered pedagogy to Day 3
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a Series Pass will suit one teacher who wants to attend Day 1 and Day 3, and a colleague would like to attend Day 2
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a Choice pass is for one teacher who would like to attend Day 2 and Day 3.
Each pass is valid for one conference location only, so either Cape Town or Johannesburg. Passes may be shared across the selected days but not between multiple delegates attending on the same day.
TSSA Network Schools receive a 10% discount - see Table 2.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT DATES
Super Early Bird
Book by 16 October 2026 · Pay by 29 January 2027
Early Bird
Book from 17 October 2026 to 5 February 2027 · Pay by 26 February 2027
Standard
Book from 6 February to 29 March 2027 · Pay by 31 March 2027
