![Hasse Van Boven]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784802159/jaqgdclu8clwmdmyfe4l/HasseVanBoven.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784802159/jaqgdclu8clwmdmyfe4l/HasseVanBoven.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784802159/jaqgdclu8clwmdmyfe4l/HasseVanBoven.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784802159/jaqgdclu8clwmdmyfe4l/HasseVanBoven.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784802159/jaqgdclu8clwmdmyfe4l/HasseVanBoven.jpg","width":1516}])
Teacher of Mathematics
Education
- BSc in Mathematics, Utrecht University
- MSc in Mathematical Sciences, Utrecht University
- MSc in Teaching Mathematics, Utrecht University
- MA in Education (Educational Leadership and Management), University of Bath
Bio
After studying Mathematics and realising that banking/the corporate world was not for
me, I brought my plans to teach forward, which had originally been set for when I
would turn 40. After teaching in the Netherlands for one year (uncertified) to find out whether it was the right career for me, I enrolled in a teacher-training course. As my secondary
school was bilingual (Dutch-Education), I decided to choose a teaching course
specialised in bilingual and international education. After nine years of teaching the
European Baccalaureate and the Dutch curriculum (three years in total), and cycle
touring in Africa, I took the plunge and applied to UWC Dilijan. I have not yet turned 40 and still enjoy teaching very much and hope to gain new experiences at UWCD, both educational and broader.
What is the favourite part of the course you teach?
I have always loved maths, both the applied topics like statistics and data analysis
and their use in making decisions in daily life and business, but I also like to spend
time puzzling on the Mathematics Olympiad problems and just doing maths for the
fun of it.
In teaching, I like the combination of teaching students who would like to continue
studying Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or something similar and need a
thorough understanding of topics like differential equations and complex numbers,
but also the students for whom maths is not their favourite subject.
Which teaching method do you prefer and why?
It depends on the course, the students in the class and the topic I teach. I have
experienced that some courses are more suited to a teacher-centred approach like
direct instruction. For example, the use of graphical calculators and the way you need
to communicate the use of it in your solution, or a completely new topic.
On the other hand, the only way you will get the insight into writing proofs is DIY-ing.
As a teacher, I can tell you what to do; however, you will only gain passive
knowledge, and in maths, active knowledge and experiences (frustration and
struggles, though not always welcome, mean you are learning!) are very important to
make further progress.
Who is your role model or mentor or who inspires you?
My students inspire me every day.
What is your life motto?
The Dutch saying: “Ga toch fietsen!” which literally means hop on a bike, but its
intention is “go away/get out of my way” when the speaker either does not believe
what you are saying or you are telling something ridiculous. I have always applied it
to myself in this way: to take myself out of my head, get on the bike, enjoy nature and
clear/empty my head. To take a break and recharge.
What are the three things you can't imagine your life without?
Family, music and my bicycle.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Sewing, playing an instrument (either trombone, piano or double bass), preferably
together in a band or orchestra. During the holidays, I will pack everything I need on
my bike and set off on a cycling tour somewhere, so probably in the next years it will
be in Armenia.