Staff Feature Interview: Get to know Maths HOD Andy

For our next staff feature interview, we had the pleasure of interviewing Andy, our Head of the Primary Mathematics Department at Geniebook. In this short Q&A session, he shares insights into his work, his personal philosophy on education, and how he unwinds in his free time. Read on!

Q: Thanks for taking the time for this interview, Andy! To begin, can you tell us about your personal views on education? Also, what kind of student were you when you were younger?

Reflecting on my school days, I must admit I wasn't the most exemplary student. I often neglected my homework, disrupted classes, and frequently returned late from recess. Despite these antics, I managed to perform well in crucial exams. When I shared my aspiration to become a teacher with one of my former educators, she responded with a single word: "Retribution." She probably believed that I was about to face some harsh realities!

However, I'm deeply grateful to the teachers who remained patient and never gave up on me. Their unwavering belief shaped my educational philosophy: there's academic learning for degrees, and then there's the education essential for real-world success. I strive to impart both to my students.

Q: How familiar are you with AI and technology in general? Do you interact with them much in your personal life?

I've been an avid user of ChatGPT since its inception, and I firmly believe that AI is poised to revolutionise education. As educators, it's imperative to stay abreast of technological advancements in order to remain relevant. (And if our bosses are reading this, it showcases my forward-thinking approach!)

Joining Geniebook was a deliberate choice to immerse myself in how AI can benefit future generations of students. In my personal life, I experiment with AI to test its capabilities. For instance, I once showed ChatGPT a photo of my wilting plant seeking advice, though, admittedly, the plant was beyond saving!

Q: Tell us a bit about your career experience before joining Geniebook.

I began my teaching journey with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in 2010 as a primary school teacher. After leaving MOE, I ventured into the tuition industry, later serving as Head of Department and Vice-Principal at an international school. Before joining Geniebook, I also gained experience with another EdTech company.

Q: How do you currently feel about working in EdTech?

It's exhilarating! The EdTech landscape evolves daily, and we're continually exploring innovative tools to support our students and educators. Each day, I wake up eager to discover the latest technological advancements that will capture our interest.

Q: Can you tell us what your position is at Geniebook and what you do here?

As the head of the primary mathematics department, I lead a dedicated team. We analyse past PSLE and school exam papers, refine our question bank to align with current trends, and continually seek ways to enhance our lessons. Our mission is to elevate students' maths skills and hopefully make the learning journey enjoyable!

Q: How does teaching at Geniebook differ from your previous teaching experiences?

The primary distinction is our emphasis on technological solutions. At Geniebook, we prioritise tech-driven approaches to address challenges while fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability in all our endeavours.

Q: What do you think about the merging of technology and education, and how can this benefit students?

The integration of technology into education is both natural and necessary. As technology progresses, it's essential for students to keep pace. Teaching without incorporating technology would undermine education's objectives, given tech's pervasive role in daily life. Students now have unprecedented access to information; no need for hidden scrolls in secret libraries. Our role is to guide them in using these tools safely and effectively.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role at Geniebook? Do you have any personal goals that you wish to achieve while you’re here?

It's undoubtedly the people I collaborate with. Our team comprises passionate, talented, and capable individuals. Personally, I aspire to see Geniebook excel not only in Singapore but also on the global stage. Imagine Geniebook today in Singapore, tomorrow the world!

Q: It’s generally accepted that mastering a subject like Maths can improve a student’s future prospects, such as getting into better schools or securing better job opportunities. But what do you think is the most underrated benefit of becoming good at Maths that would convince people to take the subject seriously?

Although many acknowledge that proficiency in Maths opens various opportunities, they may not fully understand the underlying reasons. Maths is a universal language that elucidates much about our world. There's a saying: "Go down deep enough into anything, and you will find mathematics." Excelling in Maths isn't just about numbers; it's about gaining a profound appreciation of how things function, be it in Science, technology, or everyday problem-solving.

Q: Tell us about your personal life! What are your interests? Do you have any interests that involve learning new things or technology in general?

This is a tough one because I’m curious by nature and dabble in all sorts of stuff. But if I had to pick, I’d say I’ve been a gamer since childhood. Gaming has always been tightly linked to tech, from the early days of Nintendo’s Game Boy to today’s PlayStation VR headsets. As a lifelong gamer, I've closely monitored technological advancements for decades, yet I'm still eagerly anticipating the arrival of a fully functional holodeck!

Also, being married to someone of Indian heritage means I’ve been learning a tonne about Indian cuisine, cultural beliefs, and social norms. My wife and I joke that every day is like a mini cross-cultural exchange. I’ve gotten pretty decent at cooking spicy curries, though I do occasionally set off the smoke alarm when I forget to pause my game in time!

Thank you so much for your time, Andy!