Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2023

MS EMILY FRAZER MATHEMATICS TEACHER

IN their WORDS PASSING ALONG A LOVE OF MATHEMATICS

AS A TEACHER, WHAT DO YOU LEARN FROM YOUR STUDENTS? I am constantly learning. Each time I explain a new concept I’m also assessing whether the lesson had the desired outcome. If it didn’t, I recalibrate and try something new. My approach also changes every year: what works with one group doesn’t necessarily work with another. As teachers, we typically explain concepts in such a way that most makes sense to us, but that’s not always the way that makes most sense to the students. I’m forever encouraging my students to ask questions; it’s not just beneficial to their learning, but it also helps their teachers to MATHEMATICAL LITERACY IN THE ‘REAL WORLD’, AND WHAT GUIDANCE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS ABOUT FURTHER MATHS EDUCATION? Mathematical literacy is a fundamental skill required for many aspects of everyday life—anything from interpreting graphs to being financially aware, or even calculating how long their future children can nap for without it ruining their sleep overnight— a problem I am still working on! Any time students follow an algorithm, or discover patterns and then make connections, they are using mathematical literacy. I don’t think all students need to be getting As in maths to benefit from the subject—society needs all types of people with all different kinds of skills. For students interested in a career in mathematics, I recommend finding out which field of mathematics you enjoy most and then gathering as much information as you can. Talk to careers advisors and universities, and seek work experience. Reach out to relevant professionals on LinkedIn. We are so lucky at Girls Grammar to be connected to such a wide and diverse community of people across all sorts of fields. become better educators. HOW SIGNIFICANT IS

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP, AND HOW DID YOUR PASSION FOR LEARNING MATHS BEGIN? I grew up in Brisbane. I attended Rainworth State School, Stuartholme School and then The University of Queensland. My parents planted the seed for loving maths early—while other kids my age were playing Donkey Kong and Mario Kart, my sisters and I were working our way through ‘Maths Blaster’ and the ‘Logical Journey of Zoombinis’. I didn’t really start to love maths until secondary school, when I realised I was good at it. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO PURSUE TEACHING AS A CAREER? I didn’t always know I wanted to be a teacher. I actually started studying an engineering degree and really enjoyed the maths subjects the most. I switched to a Bachelor of Science majoring in Mathematics and then completed a Diploma of Teaching. All my teachers at school were inspiring and highly skilled, but I had two very special maths teachers—their passion was infectious. One of them used to call me ‘Miss Walsh’ (my maiden name) because I think he suspected I might one day become a teacher as well.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT BGGS AND WHAT CHALLENGES AND JOYS DO YOU FIND IN YOUR ROLE? I started working at BGGS in 2011 but have had a few years off to travel with my husband for his work and have my two daughters. I find a big challenge in teaching is helping students overcome a fixed mindset that they aren’t ‘good at maths’. Learning maths is just like learning anything new—it requires practice and diligence, but any girl at any skill level can have success in maths. Another challenge is helping students understand that it’s good to make mistakes. It helps us to analyse our work, to solve problems, ask for help, and build resilience. Our students will almost certainly make mistakes in their careers, and we want them to learn from them and move on. We can practise this on a small scale and in a safe way by learning maths. The best thing about teaching at BGGS is being around the girls; they are funny, energetic, witty, compassionate, supportive and all talented in their own ways. I have been lucky enough to take on many roles outside of the classroom through coaching and coordinating sports, and going on camp and international tours. Making authentic connections with students helps me get to know them better as learners.

LEFT MRS EMILY FRAZER IN CLASS WITH YEAR 8 STUDENTS, YSEE NICOLAS (8B), GRACE ZHAO (8L) AND ELEANOR LINCOLN (8B)

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GAZETTE • ISSUE 1, 2023 ISSUE 1, 2023

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL