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Think Of A Uni – Johnny Ball teaches the teachers at UEL!

Thursday 16 December 2010

Think Of A Uni – Johnny Ball teaches the teachers at UEL!

Maths guru to millions Johnny Ball wowed trainee teachers with an exhilarating demonstration of how teaching fractions, equations and square-roots needn’t be a classroom turn-off.

Mr Ball, famous for his long-running BBC children’s show Think Of A Number, was guest of honour at UEL’s Cass School for Education on Wednesday 15, where he used a series of classroom props to explain how teachers-to-be could transform even the traditionally least  popular of subjects into a joy for pupils.

Key to his message was the need for teachers to do more than just teach, but to inspire.

“Education is crucial to children because it empowers them,” he told the audience.

“Whatever they have learned that day will be the first thing they tell their parents about after school. It’s vital that their source for knowledge is not stifled by bureaucracy, or indeed, the demands of the curriculum.

“The most important thing you can teach a child is that the World is a good place. They are going to be the ones who inherit it, so none of them want to be told how bad a place it is! As an adult, you are going to be the one who they will look to reinforce this idea, and you must continue to do so despite any misgivings about this you may have.”

Cass PGCE Primary student Ian Fisher echoed the thoughts of many when he said: “I remember watching Johnny when I was a child, and it’s amazing how much of what he has to say is still so relevant. I really enjoyed his presentation, and it’s certainly given me food for thought. “

Tariq Younas, who is taking UEL’s PGCE Course at Newham College, said: “He is simply amazing. I wish Johnny Ball had been my teacher at school! I have two nephews aged seven and eight, and I make sure they watch Think Of A Number on YouTube. They absolutely love it because they find him so engaging.”

Event organiser and Cass Principal lecturer Rania Hafez, said: “As one would expect, Johnny is extremely busy, so to take time out of his hectic schedule for the benefit of our trainee teachers is a testament to his continued commitment to education. Having spoken to many of those who attended I know how inspiring they found his presentation, and we would certainly be very keen for Johnny to visit us again in the future.” 

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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