10 Mar 2022

The pursuit of the intrinsic beauty of maths from simple to complex concepts is a never ending journey for Mr Fine Thabologo which one could somehow attribute it to his recent achievements in the Cambridge certificate results.

The 31-year-old Mmadikola born mathematics teacher at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School recently received accolades from colleagues and well-wishers after his class emerged the best in additional mathematics across the country in the 2021 BGCSE results.
He achieved a 100 per cent credit and quality pass of 3A*, 11A and 10B, all this made possible by the 24 pupils who constituted his add maths class.
“I feel fulfilled when I achieve in Maths, that’s what drives me. Their win is my win as well,” said Mr Thabologo who couldn’t hide his excitement of another credit pass of 88 per cent with 2A*, 7A, 14B and 12C in general mathematics attained by his other class.

While one might wonder what his winning formula is, Mr Thabologo reflects back on his days at University of Botswana while pursuing a degree in education when he decided to do a double major in Mathematics and Special Education. “A thought crossed my mind that since I was going to teach maths, I might as well take special education for it to serve as a foundation and help me understand learners with special needs in particular those with low comprehension of mathematics and this is working for me,” he said in an interview.

For him, accumulating that fascinating comprehension of maths draws him towards the subject even more as he believes doing so helps him refine his flair both in Mathematics and ways of teaching it.
He said this explains his constant need to study the subject more as he talks about his Masters in Mathematics Education from University of Botswana which he completed in 2018.

 “I am now pursuing my PhD still in Mathematics Education and I’m hoping to graduate this year. I want to see my title changing from Mr to Dr,” he said.
Professor of mathematics as Mr Thabologo is called by many said his project which explores how parental participation both at home and school influence performance of learners, in this case mathematics education, has impacted on pupil’s ability to find maths as an interesting subject despite its complexity.
Mr Thabologo also believes in the ideals of teacher quality to drive results. These ideals, he said, all have to do with the teacher’s attitude or how one relates to parents, and learners as well as the teaching process which encompasses teacher-child interaction.

He described this as his winning formula adding that he always encourage pupils to be friends with the maths department so as to not shy away from asking for help whenever the need arise.
“Even though Maths is complex, it is important for teachers and learners to eliminate that mentality. I always say, teacher is a first stakeholder in terms of learning, and if a teacher realises that potential, they can make a turnaround,” he said.
He said this in reference to the approach he adopted when he prepared his pupils for the examinations where he scheduled revision time to evenings though aware his class had both day and boarding learners.

 “I scheduled revision time for add maths to what some may term ‘awkward hours’ from 8pm to 11 pm though with consent and support of parents, school management and my colleagues, he said adding that while some people had reservations about the approach, it worked to the advantage of all in the end.
He credits the success of this approach to the established teacher/parent relationship and the trust they had on him and having taken them through his teaching processes.
“During revision time, parents whose children are day scholars will bring their children for study and later comeback for them while some would wait patiently until they are done. This was because of the trust they had on the teacher and me having taken them through what I wanted to achieve,” he said.

He said in some instances, revision was done under difficult circumstances of power outages which did not deter them as they would improvise with their cellular phones.
Mr Thabologo said making use of technology by incorporating the use of cellular phones during his maths lessons made learning easier as learners interacted with mathematics concepts virtually from the internet.

He encouraged parents to take their time and understand their children emphasising that through parental support, one could easily recognise potential of a child.
“Have time to engage in educational discussions with them and focus on their aspirations,” he said.
Reflecting back on his professional journey, the ever enthusiastic maths teacher, does not have regrets but satisfaction with milestones achieved to date starting from the time when he was posted to Shakawe Senior Secondary School in 2014 after completing his degree.

It was in Shakawe senior where he had his first experience of teaching add maths before he decided to take a break to further his studies.
However, he said when he was posted to Mogoditshane Senior in 2018, he decided to take off where he left and produced the first A* for the school in the subject.
“From experience, I have learnt that it is important to pay special attention and dedication to those who do the subject as they have that distinct brilliance…also note that add maths is not just a subject but science on its own,” he said.

His supervisor Ms Emang Mosimane described him as someone committed to the profession and who liked to see pupils excel not only in mathematics but across all subjects.
 “He is a young man who is passionate about teaching and he understands what his profession is all about, she said, adding that Mr Thabologo has been able to bring teachers, parents and pupils together the more reason parents appreciate him and his efforts.

His learners also speak well of him. According to Uyapo Mthetho, learning add maths under Mr Thabologo was the best experience as he made it easier for them through his teaching techniques.
“We were always looking forward to his class as he made learning more fun,” said the A* achiever.
For her part, Gracious Ramokhutshwane said while aware of how complex add maths was, she strongly believed that she would pull through with the help of her teacher who made it possible for her to attain A*.

 Pretty Steglin’s experience as a day scholar was different as she shared that after school she would remain behind for the 8pm to 11 pm revision study.
“Though tiring as it was, I was motivated by the good track record Mr Thabologo had having taught my sister before and she got an A*, she said in celebration of her A* achievement as well. ENDS