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#UFSGraduation: Young lecturer wants to teach about the power of mathematics

24 April 2023 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied

Corlé van der Walt received her honours degree in mathematics and applied mathematics. She wants to show students that mathematics is not necessarily difficult, but that it is logical and practical.

Mathematics is undeniably part of the world – from telling time, buying groceries, to manufacturing clothing sizes, and everything in between.

This is the view of Corlé van der Walt, Junior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at the University of the Free State (UFS), who received her honours degree in mathematics and applied mathematics (with distinction) at the university’s April 2023 graduation ceremonies.

The focus of her honours was on applied mathematics, specifically optimisation and dynamical systems. “These subjects link to my undergraduate degree, which is in industrial engineering,” says Van der Walt, who has always enjoyed and excelled in mathematics for as long as she can remember.

Maths = skills +

She believes that mathematics is important because it helps us describe and value ourselves. “But still, mathematics is more than just the skills we learn; in the words of Albert Einstein, "Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas".

She says that mathematics is also the foundation for other sciences, such as physics, chemistry, and engineering. “Mathematics paves the way for all other forms of science. Without the computational groundwork, it will not be possible to do physics, chemistry, engineering, or any other form of science,” she adds, remarking that we will not be able to make scientific or technological progress.

“This is where I come in; I want to teach young upcoming students’ mathematics and the power of it. I want to show students that mathematics is not necessarily difficult, but that it is logical and practical. With my current qualification, I have already been appointed as a junior lecturer and I teach precalculus to university students who would like to take calculus,” she says.

A balancing act

Although she enjoys her work, Van der Walt finds it challenging to juggle work and studies. But she overcomes these obstacles by prioritising tasks and celebrating small achievements. Her motivation also comes from the joy of seeing her students understand concepts that they previously struggled with.

With plans to complete her master's degree in the next two years and commencing her PhD studies, Van der Walt is committed to teaching the power of mathematics to upcoming students.

News Archive

“Deploy your education and not connections,” Chancellor tells graduates

2012-05-16

Qwaqwa Autumn Graduation
Photo: Thabo Kessah
16 May 2012

Our Qwaqwa Campus conferred 424 degrees, diplomas and certificates at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony held on 12 May 2012.

Amongst the degrees conferred were two doctorates in Polymer Science, two Master’s of Arts in Geography and African Languages, respectively, five Master’s of Science degrees in Physics (3) and Polymer Science (2) and 37 honours degrees in Education, Zoology, Physics, Botany and Polymer Science.

In their congratulatory messages, both the Vice-Rector: Institutional Affairs, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, and the Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, challenged the graduates to start focusing their attention beyond their graduation on what they both referred to as “the real world”.

“Graduation ceremonies are a fantastic event, but you must never lose sight of appreciating the support given by those around you,” said Dr Mokhele.

“This hall was full of shouting and yes, you must bask in that glory, knowing that you have achieved part of your goals. Yes, this is your moment, so shine. You deserve it. You have earned it.”

“However, this noise also means you must go out there and face the real world. You are graduating in a model country on how people can reconcile, despite their painful and divided past. You deserve all the accolades, but that model country is disappearing before your eyes. How can you mess up what Mandela, Biko, Sobukwe, Nardine Gordimer lived and fought for? How can you mess up such a good thing?” Dr Mokhele asked of an attentive audience that included proud parents and siblings, as well as educators and learners from the Thabo Mofutsanyana District.

“Go out there and deploy your education and not your connections, as these are embedded in corruption. Go out there and help get rid of the patronage system where hard-workers are more likely to be constructively dismissed as they stand in the way of those with corrupt tendencies. Save this country from becoming another Zimbabwe. Let us do whatever it takes to save this country. Let these matriculants who are here today want to walk that red carpet with pride in the next few years,”,said Dr Mokhele.

Dignitaries in attendance included the former Chief Minister of the former Qwaqwa homeland, Dr T K Mopeli; the Executive Mayor of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality, Councillor Tjhetane Mofokeng; Dr SWF Moloi (Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District) and representatives from various government departments.

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