“Students without FLN skills will struggle to learn.”
This powerful reminder from Olubunmi Adefisayo, Director of Program Design & Pedagogy at Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa, set the tone for Session 1 of the AREAi Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN) Masterclass for teachers. The session deeply explored what it truly means to build strong learning foundations.
In his words, “Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) form the essential basis of learning.” Without these skills, students find it difficult to progress academically or engage meaningfully in higher-order thinking. Mr Adefisayo emphasised that when learners cannot read with understanding or apply basic numeracy concepts, every other subject becomes a struggle. It is not merely about decoding words or recognising numbers; it’s about enabling comprehension, reasoning, and problem-solving.
He further noted that “a lot of disengagement happens because people do not comprehend.” This statement resonated strongly with participants, highlighting the critical link between comprehension and classroom engagement. When children cannot make sense of what they read or hear, learning becomes a chore rather than an exciting journey.
Another compelling takeaway was the focus on how children learn best — “Children learn by doing, and they learn when doing is fun.” Mr Adefisayo illustrated that true learning happens when education moves beyond rote memorisation into play, discovery, acting, and the use of manipulative materials. This approach not only strengthens retention but also nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence in learners.
He also emphasised the need for teachers to equip themselves with specialised FLN skills, describing it as a necessary prerequisite for critical thinking and lifelong learning. Beyond individual classrooms, he encouraged educators to build communities of practice where they can share experiences, strategies, and collective support to help all children succeed.
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