To conquer the fear of mathematics is to conquer mathematics itself.
In overcoming her own dread for numbers, math teacher for three decades Lizette Schroeder has demystified the language of mathematics for her learners.
For her work in the field she was named Teacher of the Year at the Western Cape Provincial Teaching Awards for 2023. The announcement came last Friday evening at the annual now in its 23rd year.
As subject head at Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell where she teaches Grades 9 to 12, Schroeder has raised the bar.
Struggling with mathematics herself during her high school years, she made it her lives work to clear up mathematical misconceptions through fun learning activities.
“In school I wanted to be a paediatrician but by Grade 9 my math mark simply wasn’t good enough. It was a confusing time and I wanted to drop the subject and would have if my dad didn’t stop me.
“In Grade 11 the struggle continued, and it was only when a family member stopped by the house while I was studying one day to explain a concept to me that the lights went on. The next day I got full marks for the test and I eventually passed matric math with flying colours,” says Schroeder.
She went on to study a BSc Ed degree.
“Deciding to be a teacher was a turning point in my life. I wanted to teach youngsters how easy math actually is and to clear up the confusion, something I have done for 30 years now.”
“Maths has many building blocks and when learners miss one due to missing a class, they became fearful as they don’t have a contextual understanding of the subject matter,” she says.
This is why all classes are recorded online for all her learners to make sure they miss nothing.
“When learners come to my class I make sure before hand that they understand the basic language of mathematics and that prior knowledge is in tact.”
She says it is important to keep learners engaged and excited about the subject, which she does by various online quizzes and maths puzzles.
“Children learn when they are having fun,” says Schroeder.
Honoured
Schroeder says she is ecstatic but humbled by the award.
“My philosophy is to put God first and he will take you to great heights. Receiving this award has inspired me to do more.”
Schroeder was honoured for her involvement with the development of mathematics at a national level and the active role she played with higher education institutions such as Stellenbosch University and the LEDIMTALI Maths Project.
In 2022 she was the provincial winner of the category Excellence in Teaching Mathematics FET in the National Teacher Awards.
A maths guru
Provincial minister of education David Maynier says these awards give the provincial government the opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of teachers in our public schools, and to recognise excellent teaching.
“Through her almost 30 years of dedicated service in mathematics, Ms Schroeder has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the subject’s content and skills,” says Maynier.
“As a subject adviser in two districts (North and East), she developed materials to support vulnerable learners to grasp the content matter in an innovative manner.
“She is continuously evolving and innovating her strategy to get parents and learners involved. She is immersed in the community by arranging family mathematics evenings and competitions on Pi-Day.
“It is evident from testimonial letters from across the country that her work in teaching mathematics is replicable and scalable. Ms Schroeder is preparing her learners for the complexities of an ever-changing world by providing them with the relevant 21st century digital skills and competencies where they will interact with people from many different nationalities,” he says.
“These qualities serve our learners well as we strive to get them back on track and equip them with the skills that they need to thrive in our evolving economy.”
