Long time Killarney resident, Susan Combrink, is currently sharing maths lessons, for free, online.
This means that, from the comfort of their homes and at their own time, learners can access question papers and workshops on Combrink’s website. She said the website, which was suggested and programmed by her brother, is in both Afrikaans and English.
“Old question papers are worked out step by step with video tutorials and a workshop is a specific topic, broken down into elements, ranging from basics up to first-year varsity. With a workshop a student can see all the rules pertaining to a topic and go back to where any crucial building blocks may have been lost,” Combrink said.
She added that learners can re-watch any steps as many times as they wish and they are encouraged to send her any specific questions or requests that she would then share on the website. Looking back, Combrink said going into education was the last thing on her mind, as she struggled with maths at school and didn’t exactly complete her B.Com degree in the suggested time-span.
“Later I stumbled upon a job in education and just instantly fell in love. When learners didn’t grasp concepts the first or even the second time around, I got it, because that was my story. I loved teaching, explaining, and interacting with kids. I started off as an accounting teacher, but I soon saw the desperate need for maths teachers,” said Combrink.
She added, however, there were only so many hours in a day and she could only effectively assist one learner per session. This realisation then led to the need for an effective website.
Combrink said, “Covid-19 stole so much: A hug from a loved one, social gatherings, freedom. This website is just a small attempt to stop Covid from stealing academic hope. I firmly believe that every seed can flower with the right attention. Making videos in this lockdown period has given me meaning in this senseless time and focused my mind on something logical, like maths.” Combrink said many community members were skeptical, thinking there is a so-called ‘catch’, but some have used it and have reached new heights.
She said, “I want to give some hope that this year can be saved. Hope, I believe, is a choice and not a feeling. Maybe even convince students that they can do what they thought or what they have been told was impossible.”
Details: Susan Combrink; www.suziemath.co.za
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