Five questions for Amanda Cedmert...
...who is studying to be an upper secondary maths and technology teacher, and is a youth leader in the Discovery Club.
What does working with the Discovery Club involve?
“At the Discovery Club, pupils in years 4 and 5 learn about science and technology through various activities and experiments. I’m a youth leader, so I support the pupils, make sure everything runs smoothly during the meetings and help to ensure a good environment.”
What made you join the Discovery Club?
“I’d been working as a recreation leader and noticed that I enjoyed the teaching role, and I’m passionate about my subjects. I’ve been doing it for almost two years now, and I think the best thing about the Discovery Club is turning difficult, complicated things into something fun that children can understand.”
Why do you want to become a maths and technology teacher?
“I enjoy my subjects because they’re both logical and creative. Many people see maths as something you either know or you don’t, so it’s important to show that it doesn’t have to be that way. And there’s no better feeling than when a pupil solves a problem or says ‘Now I understand!’.”
What’s it like studying a course provided by several different departments?
“It’s fun to be in different places and to study with students from other subjects. This leads to many interesting discussions about the similarities and the differences between subjects, which I think we can benefit from when explaining our subjects to pupils.”
What are your thoughts about the future?
“I really want to start working as a teacher. In the long term, I’d like to work with subject didactics and develop teaching, but right now I just want to learn as much as possible and become the best teacher I can be.”
Text & photo: Natalija Sako