POLOKWANE – Ledwaba is currently a student teacher at Hoërskool Westenburg Secondary, where his own love for the subject came to pass.
With his love of children and passion for mathematics, Thabang decided to combine his two interests by studying a post-graduate certificate in education through Unisa.
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“I fell in love with mathematics while in high school which led to me obtaining high marks in the subject. Helping out with the Gr 8 learners enables me to lay a solid foundation for their love of mathematics as they are now learning the basics which they will apply throughout their lives with regard to mathematics. Once they grasp the basics, mathematics will no longer be challenging for them and they will achieve high marks which will in turn not only benefit them but the school and society as a whole,” Thabang said.
He explained the formulas and calculations children learn in mathematics can be applied in several other subjects such as physics or chemistry among others.
Thabang said having a solid mathematics foundation helped him to obtain an engineering qualification.
One of his greatest joys, he added, is to see learners comprehend the subject and calculations needed to succeed and begin to enjoy the subject.
“I feel privileged to teach these young learners while they are still in Gr 8 as they are the future leaders of the school and the country. It saddens me to see learners in Gr 12 lack the basics they need to succeed in their studies which is why I do my best to give them a solid foundation when they are still young,” Thabang said.
Among the challenges he experiences as a teacher include having to deal with rebellious teenagers who are still trying to figure themselves out.
“As expected I have come across learners who are rebellious and at most times reluctant to do their schoolwork but all they need is motivation and to be pushed to do the work. As much as we (teachers) prepare for lessons, we expect learners to also do the same so we can monitor their work progress as well as identify areas where they require more assistance.”
He advised learners to work hard, have set goals and always strive to achieve those goals. He encouraged teachers to be patient with the learners and to keep them motivated.
