Australia’s most famous maths teacher Eddie Woo says maths is a playful and creative subject and hopes to change people’s perspectives when he visits next week.
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Mr Woo will visit Warrnambool on Monday as part of Education Week sessions, one for students and teachers and a free community forum from 6pm at the Lighthouse Theatre.
The 2018 Australian Local Hero says most people don‘t like mathematics because they haven’t been shown how to enjoy learning it. “I think nine out of 10 would say they didn’t really enjoy mathematics at school, but I’m convinced the main reason people dislike it is that they don’t know what it actually is,” he said.
“If you’re a musician, would you enjoy practicing the same song over and over but spending very little time actually playing your instrument? That’s the way people learn mathematics. They’re told you should learn these formulas because someone says they’re important and we’re going to test you.
“I’m trying to help people see what mathematics is really like; to convince them it’s for everyone. People don’t get the opportunity to see the creative side of mathematics but it’s really a very playful, creative and narrative-based subject.”
Mr Woo has successfully set about changing its image. His You Tube channel Wootube has nearly 300,000 worldwide subscribers and his videos have been watched more than 12 million times. Mr Woo was named one of the top 10 teachers in the world in the Varkey Foundation's Global Teacher Prize. Call 5559 4999 or go to lighthousetheatre.com.au to book.
