Based on her research, Dr Petro Eramus created Maths Whartels to improve students' maths achievement. It includes techniques used in play therapy, such as board games, as well as an app, to optimise learning and understanding.
We interviewed Petro about her innovation, LIF and experience of the Problem Based Learning conference:
Can you briefly describe your innovation?
The Maths Whartels is a mathematics board game and app designed for pre-primary and primary school learners. It aims to improve children’s maths achievement by focusing on cognitive skills, such as information processing, and neuro-psychological facets, such as maths anxiety and motivation. Maths Whartels aims to encourage self-directed learning by changing a young student’s mindset. It includes techniques used in play therapy, such as art, board games and puppets, as well as an app, to optimise learning and understanding.
What problem inspired you to create Maths Whartels?
My research on predictors of maths achievement indicated that it is a neuropsychological process. Research findings have shown that emotional intelligence, resilience and study orientation (a student’s attitude towards a subject) in maths are all predictors of maths achievement in adolescents. The question is then whether we develop these skills in our high schools, universities and training programmes.
South Africa, as well as other parts of the world, is experiencing serious challenges regarding underachievement in maths and its effect on the national economy. In general, Maths achievement at school is one of the best predictors of success at tertiary level.
In 2017, 66% of Grade 12 learners in South Africa took Maths Literacy, a subject driven by practical applications, rather than pure maths, which meant that they were not eligible to apply for any course in the sciences, engineering or medicine. Careers based on these subjects are crucial for every country. South Africa (and Africa) has an unemployment rate of approximately 29%. An increase in students taking up maths-based subjects and their related careers will increase South Africa’s capacity for innovation, which will ensure sustainable growth and development.
What impact did the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) training have on your innovation?
Without the LIF training the Maths Whartels programme would not have been market ready. The programme was based on research but needed a business plan to go forward. The LIF training helped me to not only be a researcher but also to develop the skills necessary to negotiate the world of business. This included learning how to develop a prototype, create a detailed business plan and protect my intellectual property.
The people involved in LIF were professional and extremely helpful. Having a mentor that was available to assist with any challenge helped me to stay focused and progress. Indeed, the most important skill I got from the experience was the confidence to take my innovation to the next level.
Why is it important to you that we reach the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, particularly in mathematics?
Children across the world do not have access to equal education opportunities. We need to use new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning that will enable maths teachers, parents and communities to equip students with the necessary skills. Many children are excellent problem-solvers, but the lack of access to good teaching and learning prevents them from developing maths skills.
A further challenge is how we can best develop students to think and act like engineers – like problem solvers. Children learn through play, which inherently involves exploration. It is an act of investigation – a child sees a problem that needs solving. Maths education is therefore the gatekeeper to a career in the sciences and engineering, which are crucial for any economy and particularly the development of emerging economies.
You recently attended the Academy’s conference on Problem Based Learning: teaching engineers to tackle the SDGs. What did you gain from this experience?
The Problem Based Learning conference was so well structured around the SDG’s and learning about different innovations. The opportunity to connect with other innovators and researchers from across the globe in the break-out sessions was amazing, particularly to see how we can work together to find solutions and come up with creative ideas on reaching these goals. This needs to be done in every country on every level – from primary education to tertiary - and in the private sector.
What tip for success would you give other innovators?
I have a few tips for my fellow innovators, which are:
- Don’t be scared to reach out and ask for help.
- Apply for entrepreneurship programmes, such as LIF.
- Don’t stop applying for something just because you were not successful the first time - I applied for seed funding four times before I was successful.
- Keep on testing your idea and be open to suggestions.
- Be business smart – make sure you understand intellectual property, marketing strategies and how to draw up a business plan.
- Encourage girls to start dreaming about being innovators and scientists!
Finally, you should remember that life is not about finding yourself, but about creating yourself!
Find out more about Maths Whartels.