Podcast Episode 2 - Matthew Yip
Anna: [00:00:09.26] Hello and welcome to the Passionate Magazine podcast with me, Anna. Today we are getting into the world of mathematics education and learning with a truly inspiring guest. Joining us is Matthew Yip, an incredible mathematics educator and coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping students excel. So let’s get started. [00:00:30.00] Hi Matthew, I hope you’re doing well. Thank you so much for being with us today.
Matthew : [00:00:36.56] Yeah, I’m doing good. Thank you.
Anna: [00:00:39.29] Thank you. Matthew is a dedicated mathematics educator and coach who emphasizes the importance of patience and personalized learning. His commitment extends to preparing students for international competitions, showcasing their holistic approach to advancing mathematics education. While fostering [00:01:00.00] both academic and personal growth. So let’s get started with some questions so that our audience can discover more about you. Okay. We would love to start this podcast by getting to know about your journey. What motivated you to specialize in mathematics education and how has the journey evolved over time?
Matthew : [00:01:21.27] Um, my journey has two turning points. The first turning point was during my high school course selection. [00:01:30.00] I had to choose one subject between economics and additional math. At that time, I thought economics was more practical, so I chose economics, but did not select additional math. Then my grade in compulsory mathematics was the highest, while my grade in economics was just average. I realized that I had a talent for math, so I spent a year self-studying [00:02:00.00] additional math and chose a major in math at university. And my second turning point was after I started university, I began to teach math at private tutoring and tutoring classes. There are two reasons. The first reason is that my family circumstances was not good. My father is a bus driver with no income and my mother is a housewife. [00:02:30.00] They could not afford my tuition fees to study in university, so I had to rely on myself. And the second reason is that I found it is difficult to understand the course content through the lectures of the teachers. This was not because they taught poorly, but because mathematics has a unique learning mode. I could fully rely on myself on studying by reviewing [00:03:00.00] books and reference books after class. Therefore, I spent a lot of time working part time to earn income and I hope that every student could understand my teaching. Therefore, I constantly studied and improved my teaching methods and on the other hand, I found that many mathematicians may not be able to prove some of the important theorems, even they spend their entire lives. [00:03:30.00] And compared with this, I hope to do more beneficial things for people in the field of math education in my limited lifetime. Therefore, I devote myself to the field of math education. Yeah. Thank you.
Anna: [00:03:45.14] That was really inspiring and I’m really glad that you shared that with us. Thank you so much. So, um, next, what I want to ask is, how do you make mathematics relevant and enjoyable for students who might find [00:04:00.00] the subject a little intimidating?
Matthew : [00:04:02.69] Okay. Um, to be relatable, um, we use two approaches. The first one is we use real life application problems. Second, As the reason for most of the students learn math is to obtain recognition from public exams or competitions to apply to universities or colleges. Therefore, we just need to teach the most relevant content and valuable [00:04:30.00] techniques for the public exam or competition and to be enjoyable enjoyable. We never blame students. Always encourage them and adjust our teaching according to their abilities, so that everyone can make significant progress in every lesson, which makes students enjoy learning math.
Anna: [00:04:51.56] That is a really amazing approach in my opinion. So this leads me to the next question. What has been the biggest influence on [00:05:00.00] your career in mathematics education, and how has that influenced shaped your approach till now?
Matthew : [00:05:06.56] Oh, um, I think, uh, it’s my dad. Uh, he named me Matthew. And of the Law of Attraction, that name gave me an early indication that my future career would be related to mathematics. And after that I have changed to mathematics education. You may just follow my answer. My [00:05:30.00] first answer is that’s brilliant.
Anna: [00:05:32.13] Thank you for sharing that with us. Um, looking ahead, what changes do you anticipate in the field of mathematics education over the next decade?
Matthew : [00:05:41.88] Okay. And in modern math education, teachers may use technology to demonstrate math concepts more clearly, especially in geometry. And moreover, we now we use AI to teach simple math problems. However, we cannot [00:06:00.00] use AI to give assessment and detailed study flow to students. Therefore, we have developed the Global Mathematics and Mathematics Olympic Grade Assessment Test with competition and the Automatic Learning System in Mathematics, which caused mathematician dictionary okay for the first one, the Global Mathematics and Mathematics Olympic Grade Assessment Test with competition, which is similar to music exams. There is no age restriction [00:06:30.00] for participating in each level through in each level of assessment, and this allows students with high mathematical aptitude to obtain certification quickly through assessment, while students with weaker abilities can take the exam after sufficient preparation. Sensitive of certification motivates them to perform better in the fundamentals. Okay, for the second one mathematician’s dictionary, digital [00:07:00.00] and automatic learning processes are used. We have developed a study flow and using this study flow, students could learn math in self-paced, which is more effective and efficient.
Anna: [00:07:15.47] Well that’s like generally very innovative. Thank you for that insight. Um, now I would like to know and this is the question that usually podcast listeners like a lot. So what is one piece of advice would you like to [00:07:30.00] give to someone considering a career in mathematics education, especially in terms of overcoming challenges and finding fulfillment in this field?
Matthew : [00:07:40.27] Okay. Um, if you only wish, but have not yet entered the field of math education, you will suggest to consider entering other fields that can contribute more to humanity. Because I will spend my lifetime building [00:08:00.00] an automatic teaching and deliberation system, which lowers the future demand for math teachers. But if you are really, really very eager or have been in the field of math education, please do not let the existing system falsify your behavior. Please work for the benefit of current and future students. In addition, you can continue to build and improve my work after [00:08:30.00] my death, including automatic teaching and evaluation systems to completely replace over 90% of the job in the field of math education over about three generations of time.
Anna: [00:08:44.45] Oh, that’s very informative and thank you so much for that. Humanity part that you added. I think that’s, um, that’s very nice of you. Um, so, uh, I think that’s it. Thank you so much for joining us today. I think it was a really good experience [00:09:00.00] talking with you today for me, Matthew. Thank you. And that’s a wrap for today’s episode of the Passionate Magazine podcast. We want to give a huge thank you to Matthew for joining us today and sharing his inspiring journey to our listeners. Thank you so much for tuning in. Stay tuned for more conversations with inspiring individuals in upcoming episodes.
Personal Growth and Challenges in Mathematics Education
Matthew Yip, an educator deeply involved in mathematics education and coaching, has shared his reflections on how his work has shaped not just his teaching effectiveness but also his personal growth. Through his experiences, he has learned the importance of patience and the value of understanding the individual strengths, weaknesses, and needs of each student. He acknowledges that the impact of his work extends beyond the classroom. His involvement in mathematics education has honed his skills in handling administrative tasks, conducting research and development, and communicating effectively with others. These experiences have not only made him a better educator but have also contributed to his overall professional and personal development.
Importantly, Matthew has come to terms with a reality that many educators face: while most students can learn mathematics well, some struggle with it or even dislike the subject. He believes it is crucial not to force anyone—himself included—to engage in something they do not enjoy. Respecting the individual preferences and limitations of others has become a guiding principle for him. This approach has brought him greater happiness, allowing him to focus on his own goals rather than being overly concerned with the opinions of others.
In his journey, Matthew has learned that success in education is not just about teaching effectiveness but also about respecting individuality and following one’s own path. His reflections offer valuable insights into the broader impacts of a career in education and the importance of balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities.
Innovative Approaches in Mathematics Education
Known for his contributions to the field of mathematics education, Professor Matthew has recently unveiled two significant advancements aimed at transforming how students engage with mathematics. These innovations are designed to address the challenges posed by diverse learning abilities in the classroom and to refine the teaching methodologies employed by educators.
The first innovation is the development of an automatic mathematics learning system called the “Mathewmatician’s Dictionary.” This system acknowledges the reality that a one-size-fits-all approach to education often fails to meet the needs of every student. Understanding that students learn at different paces and have varying levels of understanding, the “Mathewmatician’s Dictionary” allows each student to progress through mathematical concepts at their own speed. This personalized approach ensures that students grasp and can independently solve problems before moving on to more complex material, thus fostering a deeper and more reliable understanding of mathematics.
In addition to this, Professor Matthew has also made strides in the field of pedagogical improvement with his compilation of effective teaching methods, titled “Mathewmatician’s Pedagogies Collection.” Through extensive research and analysis, he has refined existing teaching strategies, aiming to make mathematics education more effective and accessible.
This collection is a valuable resource for educators, offering insights into improved methods for conveying mathematical concepts to students with varying levels of proficiency. His contributions highlight a commitment to enhancing mathematics education by ensuring that both students and educators have the tools they need to succeed. His work in creating adaptable learning systems and refining pedagogical approaches is poised to make a lasting impact on the way mathematics is taught and learned.
Addresses Challenges and Innovations in Mathematics Education
As a key figure in the development of educational technology, Matthew has shared insights into the challenges and strategies surrounding his automatic mathematics learning system and the Global Mathematics and Mathematics Olympiad Graded Assessment Test with Competition (GMMO). These innovations are designed to enhance math education, but they have also raised concerns among educators and the public.
Matthew acknowledges that some teachers view the automatic learning system as a potential threat, fearing it could reduce the need for teachers in the future. To address these concerns, he emphasizes that such changes are not imminent and are likely at least a decade away. He reassures that while the system may influence the future demand for new teachers, it will not immediately impact the jobs of current educators. Another challenge Matthew faces is skepticism from parents and students regarding the effectiveness of the automatic learning system. To counter this, he offers free trials to those who are open to the idea. He has found that once people experience the system’s benefits firsthand, they often become advocates, helping to shift the attitudes of others who may be doubtful.
Matthew also discusses the reasoning behind the creation of the GMMO. Although many mathematics competitions and assessments already exist, he believes they have significant flaws, which prompted him to develop the GMMO as a solution. This new assessment aims to address the gaps and issues found in existing competitions, offering a more comprehensive and effective way to evaluate students’ mathematical abilities. To promote these initiatives, Matthew has delivered several keynote speeches at various conferences and forums. He highlights the connection between the automatic learning system and the GMMO, explaining that linking them creates a more complete and cohesive mathematics education system. Through these efforts, Matthew is working to transform the landscape of math education, addressing concerns and paving the way for a more effective and integrated approach to teaching and learning mathematics.
On Preparing Students for International Mathematics Competitions
A key organizer of the International Hope Cup Maths Invitational, Matthew has provided insight into the rigorous selection and training process for the Hong Kong representative team. Given the global nature of the event and the challenging problems presented in the Global Peak Challenge Competition, he and his team carefully select students based not only on their performance in preliminary rounds but also on their passion for the Mathematics Olympiad and their dedication to rigorous training.
Once the team members are chosen, they undergo intensive training designed to enhance their problem-solving skills across various mathematical disciplines. Matthew’s approach ensures that each student gains valuable experience in tackling a wide range of mathematical challenges, better preparing them for the complexities of the competition.
In addition to individual preparation, he focuses on the strategic distribution of tasks within the team. Recognizing the unique strengths of each member, he assigns specific types of problems—such as algebra or geometry—to those best suited to solve them. This targeted approach allows the team to maximize its overall performance, leveraging each member’s expertise to achieve the best possible results in the competition. Through this comprehensive process, Matthew ensures that the Hong Kong team is not only well-prepared but also strategically positioned to excel in the International Hope Cup Maths Invitational.
Approach to Tailored Mathematics Education Yields Remarkable Results
As a dedicated mathematics educator, Matthew has shared his straightforward yet highly effective teaching philosophy: “Students learn according to their maximum efficiency on the premise of understanding.” This principle guides his approach to educating students with varying abilities, ensuring that each topic is tailored to match the student’s current level of understanding. By focusing on what is most appropriate for each student at any given time, he creates an environment where learning is both accessible and challenging.
In addition to this tailored approach, Matthew emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement. He believes that encouraging students boosts their motivation and confidence, leading to a greater enthusiasm for learning mathematics. This combination of personalized teaching and consistent encouragement has proven successful, as evidenced by the impressive achievements of his students.
Under Matthew’s guidance, students have excelled in a variety of mathematics examinations and competitions. His students have earned top scores in prestigious exams such as the HKDSE, IGCSE, GCE, and SAT. Moreover, they have achieved outstanding results in international mathematics competitions, including the Global Peak Challenge, Asia International Mathematical Olympiad, and the Pan-Asia Pacific International Mathematics Invitation Competition. These achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of his teaching methods. By focusing on individualized learning and fostering a positive learning environment, Matthew has not only helped his students reach their full potential but has also set a high standard for mathematics education.
On the Future of Mathematics and Career Advice for Aspiring Mathematicians
Matthew offers insightful advice for students and aspiring professionals. He emphasizes that awards, while gratifying, should be seen as bonuses rather than true indicators of one’s abilities. According to him, many awards are designed in a way that doesn’t fully capture the complexities of mathematical skill, and thus, they shouldn’t be viewed as the sole measure of competence.
Matthew encourages students to approach difficult problems with patience. He believes that tackling challenging mathematical problems is not just good practice for academic success but also invaluable training for solving complex issues in life. This mindset, he suggests, builds resilience and problem-solving skills that are applicable far beyond the classroom. In terms of career advice, Matthew advises against solely aiming to become a mathematics educator. Instead, he encourages students to aspire to be mathematicians or pursue other careers that demand strong mathematical abilities.
Matthew notes that the development of advanced systems like the Mathewmatician’s Dictionary and the Global Mathematics and Mathematics Olympiad Graded Assessment Test with Competition will likely reduce the demand for traditional math educators in the future. However, as society progresses, there will be an increasing need for individuals with advanced mathematical skills to drive innovation and development. Through his guidance, Matthew urges young minds to focus on building deep, applicable mathematical expertise, which he believes will be crucial for the future of society.
