According to a recent UNISA study, which investigated the state of supplementary maths tuition in South Africa, three barriers were identified that prevent learners from accessing extra help with mathematics. These were that extra maths lessons are costly, learners were too busy to attend additional classes and that transport to an extra tuition venue proved a problem. While extra maths lessons can be expensive and difficult to fit into already busy schedules, an affordable answer "YouCanDoMaths" is now available online in both English and Afrikaans. It is the first time that such help is available in Afrikaans on the Internet.
In 2011, the Department of Education regarded only 9 percent of all mathematics candidates, a mere 21 289 learners, as having an adequate understanding of the subject. Less than half of mathematics students achieved the minimum of 30 percent required to pass. This indicates a dire need for additional maths tuition to help students grasp and understand this vital subject.
There are many reasons why learners struggle with mathematics. These include lack of confidence, shyness, gaps in previous knowledge, not enough time to absorb and reinforce concepts and waiting too long to get help. To help negate the effect of such group-influenced expectations, YouCanDoMaths allows learners to do maths at their own pace in a non-threatening environment. Learners can repeat and rewind lessons as often as they like. It also provides access to all the lessons for Grades 10, 11 and 12, allowing learners to plug gaps where necessary.
"Mathematics education is a process that requires dedication and regular input. Our advice is to start working today, because it is definitely easier to keep up than to catch up," said Coenraad Calitz from YouCanDoMaths.
The website is fast, easy to use, and is hosted in South Africa, thereby requiring only local data. The programme consists of about 200 video lessons, covering all the work required for papers 1 and 2 and is aligned to the latest South African curriculum. To assess the learners' comprehension, each lesson has a test, which gives immediate feedback after being marked by the computer. The result of each test is recorded in a progress report that is also available to the parent. After completing a test, fully worked out answers become available. Each lesson also has a set of notes, which is accessible during a lesson and test. These notes summarise the important theory and include fully worked out examples. There is also a mathematics dictionary, which is accessible at all times. Problems often arise in maths because learners do not understand basic mathematical terms.
"We believe that anyone can pass mathematics provided they have access to decent teaching and are prepared to work hard," said Calitz.
The YouCanDoMaths content was developed by mathematics teachers who have both e-learning and classroom-based teaching experience in South Africa. The authors wish to serve a need in South Africa: that of improving mathematics results and inspiring more learners to do and enjoy mathematics.
From R100 per month, YouCanDoMaths allows learners to access mathematics lessons at a very affordable rate.
For more information, go to www.youcandomaths.co.za try a demo session and read the How to use the Programme, Parents and FAQ' sections.
