Eddie Woo inspires new mathematicians in Lismore

Celebrity mathematician Eddie Woo ran a special maths lesson for students and teachers at Southern Cross University.

Maths genius Eddie Woo visited the Rivers Secondary College in Lismore on Monday as part of a statewide maths tour.

The acclaimed teacher of 15 years and founder of the Maths Growth Program said the outreach was to get kids and teachers passionate about mathematics.

“Maths is not just about developing skill, it’s a knowledge,” Mr Woo said.

“It’s also about an attitude and a mindset to being positive about it.”

Eddie Woo, founder of the Maths Growth Program, with students from Richmond River and Lismore High Schools at Southern Cross University. Picture: Cath Piltz

Students from years 7 -12 soaked up the YouTube sensation as he took them through a specially-prepared maths lesson at Southern Cross University.

Around 60 teachers from the Lismore area were treated to a session too.

Mr Woo said the workshop was designed to help maths teachers and program trainers in Lismore provide engaging classroom practice.

Eddie Woo, leader of maths Growth Program, high fives a student from Richmond River High at a special lab at Southern Cross University. Picture: Cath Piltz

“Students and teachers have had a rough time,” Mr Woo said.

“Especially over the past 36 months, pandemic aside, just seeing the amount of disruption that is happening to kids we want something to re-energise and encourage them.

“That’s why we’re here,” he said.

“We want to tell them we know they’re doing it tough but it’s worth trying to get back on the horse and back into the rhythm of learning because look at what we can inspire your interest in.”

Mr Woo said teaching had become a progressively more complex job and his aim was to equip teachers with practical tools they could use in their classroom.

Lismore trainer for the maths Growth Program, Daniela Elford, said programs like these were great for regional teachers because the skills, research and knowledge went into supporting them support the students for better overall maths outcomes.